The Heisman Trophy award winners now have a new name added to the list: Derrick Henry. The running back of the Alabama Crimson Tide bested two other finalists for the prestigious award, namely, Christian McCaffrey from Stanford University and Deshaun Watson from Clemson University. Like Henry, McCaffrey also plays the running back post for his team, the Stanford Cardinal. As for Watson, he is the quarterback of the Clemson Tigers.
"I'm just so thankful to have this trophy," Henry commented on the Heisman Trophy, according to The Guardian. The tailback added, "It's just a blessing and an honor." Prior to the announcement of winners, Henry had been speculated to be a very strong contender for the award. Closely following him was Watson as the Heisman Trophy is frequently awarded to a quarterback.
Henry said, "I didn't know at all. Them two guys were great contenders for the trophy. Deshaun, with how consistent and efficient he is at the quarterback position, all the success he had, I was kind of worried. Christian, breaking Barry Sanders' record, doing all the things he does, he's just unbelievable."
The Heisman Trophy winner then shared how anxious he was minutes before the announcement was made. He said via Alabama.com, "I'm trying to tell you. I was so nervous. My heart was beating so fast, I thought I was going to have to leave the ceremony because my heart was beating so fast. When they called my name and Alabama, I thought I was going to have a heart attack."
Nick Saban, the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, disclosed how ecstatic everyone was with Henry's achievement. He said, "I know that our entire organization is really happy, happy, happy for Derrick Henry tonight, winning the Heisman Trophy."
Aside from Saban, another notable football star had been a staunch believer of Henry all along. Tim Tebow, the 2007 winner of the Heisman Trophy and a former Philadelphia Eagles hopeful, earlier stated his support for the Alabama running back.
"One of the special things about Derrick is his ability to get back up and be the same player on the next play," shared Tebow, according AL.com. He went on to state, "That Tuesday, after practice, he went in there and squatted 500 pounds. People don't just do that. He's a phenomenal player. He's had an unbelievable year. It's his work ethic and ability to get right back up and go just as hard the next play that makes him special."
