Why did Mike Tomlin call Derrick Henry “The Big Runner” instead of using his name?
Mike Tomlin’s “The Big Runner” line got attention because he kept using the nickname instead of saying Derrick Henry’s name during NBC’s Ravens-Falcons Sunday Night Football coverage.
Why he used “The Big Runner”
The confirmed context is simple: Tomlin was talking about how Baltimore should use Henry while Lamar Jackson was out with an ankle issue. Rather than call Henry by name, he repeatedly referred to him as “The Big Runner.”
Maria Taylor told viewers Tomlin was talking about Henry and joked that Tomlin still would not say the name because Henry unsettled him.
Tomlin later shared the clip on social media and presented the nickname as a sign of respect, not as a mistake or insult.
Why the nickname landed with viewers
The nickname stood out because Henry has had real production against Tomlin’s Steelers. The Ravens source said Henry averaged 102 rushing yards and had five touchdowns in eight games against Tomlin’s Steelers, across his time with Tennessee and Baltimore.
That background made Tomlin’s avoidance of Henry’s name feel like part of the moment, even though the confirmed explanation from Tomlin afterward was respect.
What is not confirmed
There is no confirmed statement in the provided context saying Tomlin was afraid of Henry or intentionally refusing his name for a specific reason beyond the way he later framed the clip.
For the latest version of the clip or any follow-up from Tomlin, check the original sources.
What did Mike Tomlin say the Ravens should do with Derrick Henry while Lamar Jackson was out?
Tomlin’s point was a practical football one: with Lamar Jackson out because of an ankle issue, Baltimore should rely more heavily on Derrick Henry.
Tomlin’s suggested approach
Tomlin said Baltimore should lean on Henry, whom he repeatedly called “The Big Runner,” in the Ravens-Falcons Sunday Night Football discussion.
The reasoning in the provided context was tied directly to Jackson’s absence. Without Jackson available, Tomlin’s view was that the Ravens should put more of the offense through Henry.
Why Henry was the focus
Henry was not just a random name in the conversation. The Ravens source noted that he had averaged 102 rushing yards with five touchdowns in eight games against Tomlin’s Steelers.
That history helps explain why Tomlin’s comments centered on Henry as a major part of Baltimore’s plan, especially with Jackson dealing with the ankle issue.
What readers should be careful about
The context does not include a full Ravens game plan, a quote from Baltimore coaches, or a medical update beyond Jackson being out with an ankle issue. It only confirms Tomlin’s NBC commentary and the surrounding explanation.
If Jackson’s status or Baltimore’s plans changed later, the most current team update would be the place to check.
How has Derrick Henry performed against Mike Tomlin’s Steelers?
Derrick Henry has produced strongly against Mike Tomlin’s Steelers, according to the Ravens source cited in the provided context.
The confirmed numbers
The Ravens source said Henry averaged 102 rushing yards in eight games against Tomlin’s Steelers.
It also said he scored five touchdowns in those matchups. That total includes games from Henry’s time with Tennessee and Baltimore.
| Matchup context | Reported figure |
|---|---|
| Games against Tomlin’s Steelers | 8 |
| Average rushing yards | 102 |
| Touchdowns | 5 |
Why that matters to Tomlin’s comments
That history gives more context to Tomlin calling Henry “The Big Runner” during NBC’s Ravens-Falcons Sunday Night Football coverage.
Tomlin was discussing how Baltimore should use Henry while Lamar Jackson was out with an ankle issue. Maria Taylor clarified for viewers that Tomlin meant Henry, and Tomlin later shared the clip while framing the nickname as respect.
What the stat does and does not show
The numbers show Henry’s reported production against Tomlin’s Steelers. They do not, by themselves, explain Tomlin’s full thinking or predict how a future game would go.
For updated stats or added context, check the Ravens source and any newer official team material.
Sources / Learn more
Related reading
- What is the timeline of Keke Wyatt’s arrest and release in Henry County, Georgia?; How much was Keke Wyatt’s bond and what charges was it tied to?
- What should residents of the Big Island and Maui do now that a Hurricane Watch, Tropical Storm Warning/Watch, and flood watches are in effect for Hurricane Nolo?; When will tropical storm and hurricane conditions from Hurricane Nolo actually arrive in Hawaii?; How would a more northerly track for Hurricane Nolo change the wind and flooding threat to the Big Island?
- Is Lamar Jackson playing against the Falcons on Sunday night?; What injury is keeping Lamar Jackson out of the Falcons game?; Is Lamar Jackson’s ankle injury expected to be long term?
- What is Colorado doing to address the team conduct issue after the Northwestern loss?
Leave a Reply