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Derrick Henry slaps Minkah Fitzpatrick in face during punishing stiff arm on big run

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•01/11/25•

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Derrick Henry (1)
Dec 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) warms up before the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

When you produce as many NFL players as Alabama does, two former teammates are bound to face off against each other. On Saturday, Derrick Henry got the best of his 2015 national championship pal, Minkah Fitzpatrick in the playoffs. The two are now turned rivals, playing for the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers, respectively.

Baltimore was in the midst of a 95-yard drive that ended in a touchdown. Henry picked up a huge chunk in one play, going for 33 yards. At the end of his run, Henry pulled off a huge stiff arm on Fitzpatrick, sending the Pittsburgh safety to the ground with some force.

As people in Tuscaloosa would say, it’s Bama on Bama crime. A range of emotions for fans of the Crimson Tide, not too sure who to cheer for in this specific situation.

You can check out the full moment from Baltimore here.

With the Ravens leading 7-0 in the first quarter, this is probably not a time when Henry and Fitzpatrick will be laughing about the moment. Potentially after the game, depending on the result. Most likely something the two revisit during the offseason and reflect.

If anything, it’s proof of how special the 2015 team was for Alabama.

Henry had the most individual success of anybody that year, winning the Heisman Trophy. No player was better than him, rushing for 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns in 15 games. Ten of those saw Henry eclipse the 100-yard mark and four over 200, including 271 against Auburn in the Iron Bowl.

Fitzpatrick was no slouch either, finishing with 45 tackles, three tackles for a loss, and two sacks. But where he thrived was in coverage, having two interceptions — both of which were returned for touchdowns — and 11 PBUs. A key member in what turned out to be a loaded Alabama defensive back group.

Both have gone on to have legendary NFL careers too, potentially wearing gold jackets one day.

For now, the main focus for Henry and Fitzpatrick is advancing in the NFL playoffs. Neither one has won a Super Bowl yet and currently faces another opportunity to do so. Taking down a division rival would mean a little more along the journey, especially when making this type of play against a former teammate.