Ravens’ Derrick Henry a fan of U.S. rugby’s Ilona Maher’s stiff-arming style: ‘I love it. Makes me want to get out there.’

By Grant Gordon

King Henry is also king of the stiff-arm in the NFL.

Roughly 3,800 miles from Baltimore, however, United States Olympics women’s rugby sevens player Illona Maher drew comparisons to Derrick Henry with her ferocious running style showcased in the Paris Games.

Count Henry as one of her newest fans after the Baltimore Ravens running back took a gander at Maher’s highlights.

“Oh yeah, she got it,” Henry told the Ravens social team on Monday, as noted by the website’s Matt Ryan. “Mindset. Running strong and hard, not trying to go down, getting to the end zone by any means.”

The United States’ historical showing was cemented with a 17-7 win over Great Britain on Monday that clinched a semifinal berth – which neither the women’s or men’s team had previously accomplished.

United States forward Ilona Maher (2) carries the ball against Brazil back Gabriela Lima (9) during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade de France. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Before she was a part of making history, Maher also did her best to convert a former NFL standout, Jason Kelce, into the team’s honorary super fan. So, she’s got two likely future Pro Football Hall of Famers rooting for the U.S. women’s squad after their historic showing.

Henry’s first glimpse at Maher’s histrionics had the two-time rushing champion grinning and excitedly commentating.

“Get off of me!” Henry exclaimed while watching the video.

As Henry works through his first training camp with the Ravens following eight seasons with the Tennessee Titans, he apparently got a little more motivation for the 2024 season to come.

“I love it,” Henry said. “Make me want to get out there, too.”