Ric Flair Calls Derrick Henry His Favorite NFL Player

Derrick Henry has become one of the most popular players in the NFL over the past few seasons, and has gained the attention of fans across the league.

Those fans also include celebrities and some of the biggest stars of the sporting world, most recently being legendary professional wrestler Ric Flair.

“The Nature Boy” visited the Tennessee Titans’ practice on Thursday and spoke about his admiration for the former Alabama Heisman Trophy winner, but also how he hasn’t always been fond of the running back.

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“My favorite player in the NFL right now is Derrick Henry,” Flair told reporters. “I hated him at Alabama, but I love him here. Anywhere but Alabama.”

Flair, a noted college football fan, has shown his support for a range of teams in the past, but most notably being the Georgia Bulldogs. With the Bulldogs being a noted rival of Alabama, Flair has no doubt built up some disdain for the Crimson Tide.

However, the wrestler had nothing but praise for Henry since joining the Titans.

“I didn’t realize he had that speed… I didn’t see that in college. I saw a hell of a running back.”

Henry naturally returned the praise to Flair when asked about the wrestler’s comments in a press conference after the practice.

“I was a big fan of his when I used to watch wrestling,” Henry said. “It’s pretty cool to have a guy like him, he’s a legend in the WWE world. It was cool to meet him, hear him talk and hear him say my name.”

Henry is looking to show off that speed that Flair praised this upcoming season, after missing most of last season with a broken foot. After having the offseason to recover, hopefully Henry can get back to his pre-injury form.