Derrick Henry made it clear that the first step toward returning Alabama to the summit of college football is remembering and restoring what made the Crimson Tide so dominant in the first place.

Derrick Henry made it clear that the first step toward returning Alabama to the summit of college football is remembering—and restoring—what made the Crimson Tide so dominant in the first place. As one of the most decorated players in the program’s history, Henry constantly points back to the culture of discipline and accountability that Coach Nick Saban instilled during his time in Tuscaloosa. Although Alabama continues to recruit elite talent, Henry feels that a renewed emphasis on team culture, where every player buys into a shared mission of excellence, is essential if the program is to reclaim national championships and week-to-week dominance.

Henry also emphasizes leadership both on and off the field as a cornerstone of Alabama’s resurgence. During interviews reflecting on his college career and the impact of Saban’s mentorship, he often notes that great teams are built around leaders who set the tone for preparation, toughness, and resilience. That same kind of leadership—whether from veteran players or newly emerging stars—is something he believes Alabama must cultivate if it wants to consistently compete with the very best programs in college football again. 

Another area Henry highlights is the importance of adapting to the evolving landscape of college athletics. With name-image-likeness deals and the transfer portal reshaping how rosters are built, he thinks Alabama must continue finding ways to integrate top talent while maintaining team unity and development. In his view, success isn’t just about securing the most stars on paper—it’s about building a cohesive unit that functions well together under pressure and stays committed to a long-term vision. 

Henry also stresses the need for resilience and mental toughness—a quality he himself embodied as a player. He often recounts lessons from his college days about overcoming adversity, reminding younger players that how a team responds to setbacks ultimately defines their success. Alabama’s recent struggles in postseason games, including losses in high-stakes matchups, underscore for him the importance of learning from those experiences and using them as fuel to improve every aspect of performance. 

Getting the basics right is another part of Henry’s advice. He frequently talks about fundamentals—whether it’s in training, technique, or execution on game day—as something that separates great teams from good ones. For Alabama to return to the top, he thinks players and coaches alike have to recommit to mastering fundamentals across offense, defense, and special teams. It’s a simple philosophy, but one rooted in tradition and past success. 

Finally, Henry believes that honoring Alabama’s legacy while embracing innovation will be key. He frequently speaks with pride about his time at Alabama and the tradition of excellence the program represents. But he also acknowledges that the sport has changed—and that the Tide must evolve with it by developing new strategies, maximizing talent, and continuing to adapt while never losing sight of the principles that built Alabama into a perennial powerhouse.