NBC’s Tomlin avoids Henry name, cites 4.2-yard average

NBC Sports analyst Mike Tomlin called Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry “the Big Runner” during Sunday Night Football on Sunday, Awful Announcing reported Oct. 12, citing Henry’s 4.2 yards per carry.

The Oct. 12 trade-publication article said Henry is averaging 4.2 yards per carry this year, down from 5.2 last year and 5.9 the year before, turning an analyst riff into a widely shareable broadcast moment.

Tomlin, who previously coached Pittsburgh, was discussing the Ravens during their game against the Atlanta Falcons. Rather than name Henry, he described Baltimore’s offensive answer around the running back with a movie reference and a nickname.

“When you don’t have a guy the caliber of Lamar Jackson, as they say in The Godfather, ‘It’s time to go to the mattresses.’ How do they go to the mattresses? They ride the Big Runner,” Tomlin said on NBC, according to Awful Announcing.

Tomlin kept the label while discussing why Henry’s efficiency has slipped from prior seasons. He linked the change to the absence of Patrick Ricard, described on the broadcast as a 300-pound fullback who now plays for the New York Giants.

“In the past, the Big Runner was always accompanied by Patrick Ricard, the 300-pound fullback,” Tomlin said, according to the article. “The Big Runner is 4.2 per carry. Last year he was 5.2.

The year before he was 5.9.”

Football Night in America host Maria Taylor then translated the bit for viewers. “I just want to remind you guys, the Big Runner is Derrick Henry,” Taylor said. “He still will not say his name because he sends a shiver down his spine.

He won’t say it.”

Tomlin answered with a short confirmation: “I cannot say it.”

The moment touched the edge of gaming culture because Awful Announcing framed Tomlin’s phrasing like a football video game that lacks rights to use a player’s name or likeness. The article did not report any NBC policy, rights issue or formal restriction behind Tomlin’s wording.

Awful Announcing connected Tomlin’s exaggerated respect to his coaching history against Henry, who previously played for the Tennessee Titans. The article also pointed to Tomlin’s broader post-coaching media persona, including earlier coverage of his appearance in a Minecraft-related video.

Tomlin’s X account reinforced the joke on Oct. 12, posting: “So much respect for The Big Runner.”