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Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry gave his thoughts on U.S. rugby star Ilona Maher’s stiff arm during a 17-7 victory over Great Britain in the 2024 Olympics on Monday.
“She got it,” Henry said. “Mindset, running strong and hard, not trying to go down, get into the end zone by any means. I love it. Makes me want to get out there too.”
Maher’s tough running style has helped the United States earn a spot against New Zealand in the semifinal on Tuesday. If the U.S. is able to finish the competition with a medal, it’ll be the country’s first Olympic rugby medal since the sport was brought back prior to the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Henry has been known for his tough running style throughout his career, with several memorable stiff arms of his own during his tenure with the Tennessee Titans.
He joined the Ravens in free agency after spending the first eight years of his career with the Titans, signing a two-year deal worth $16 million with Baltimore in March. He appeared in all 17 games for Tennessee in 2023, racking up 1,167 yards and 12 touchdowns on a league-leading 280 carries.
It seems as though he now has some extra motivation to continue giving defenders the stiff arm in 2024 after watching Maher’s performance on Monday.