During Travis Henry’s hastily arranged free-agent visit to Denver, the Broncos made it clear to him what they were looking for in a new primary back. The Broncos want their running backs to close out games. They want their running backs to matter when it counts.
Henry’s response? Sign me up.
“That’s my forte,” he said Monday.
Even though Henry, 28, stands only 5-feet-9, he is a sturdy 215 pounds. The Broncos were missing a big running back last season. They were missing a tailback who ate up the game clock in the fourth quarter, who was able to convert a fourth-and-1 play when the game was on the line.
The Broncos lost fourth-quarter leads in all four home defeats. In the final game of the season, a stunning overtime loss to visiting San Francisco that cost them a playoff berth, the Broncos were stymied in the red zone all game long.
When the Broncos began their off- season search for a running back, the focal point was finding a player capable of getting the tough yards. That’s why a visit with Henry was set up only hours after he was released by the Tennessee Titans in a salary cap move.
Of all the free agents, trade and draft possibilities, Henry emerged as the Broncos’ top choice at running back, prompting them to give him a five-year contract worth $22 million. The contract has $12 million in guaranteed money.
The Broncos paid for late- game production. Henry promises he can deliver.
“I feel like I get better as my touches go up,” Henry said. “I play big. I can take the pounding. Games are won in the fourth quarter when a running back can gain tough yards. That’s why I am here. That’s what I can do.”
Henry has had a reputation as a workhorse since his high school days in tiny Frostproof, Fla. Henry became the University of Tennessee’s all-time leading rusher and has averaged 4.1 yards per carry in the NFL with the Titans and Buffalo Bills. He was the primary back for two seasons with the Bills and again last season with the Titans. He ran for 1,211 yards last season.
Hard running and an ability to break tackles have been the hallmarks of Henry’s six-season NFL career. He said he can enhance his reputation as a tough, to-the-whistle runner in Denver. And he said the idea of being the next featured running back in Denver’s renowned system gives him “chill bumps.”
Henry never has been to the NFL playoffs. He said playing in Denver’s system should help him break that streak next season.
Henry said he has a goal for his first season with the Broncos, but isn’t ready to disclose it. He gave a hint when he said a good NFL season for a running back these days is 1,400 to 1,500 yards rushing. Henry said he wants to have the same impact former Broncos star Terrell Davis had when Davis helped lead the team to Super Bowl titles in the 1997 and 1998 seasons.
“I fit this system,” Henry said. “I am a downhill runner. I love that one-cut-and-go style….I can’t wait.”
Neither can the Broncos.
“He runs with authority,” Denver general manager Ted Sund- quist said. “(He is) a guy that can bring authority back to our running game. Travis is a proven rusher in this league.”
Henry said he has left off-field issues behind him. He was suspended for four games in 2005, his first season with the Titans, for marijuana use. If he tests positive again in the next six months, he will face a one-year suspension. Henry can rotate out of the NFL’s substance abuse program this season by staying clean.
“I’ve had my problems,” he said, “but I’m walking a straight line now.”
Henry’s arrival has the Broncos excited. Even Mike Bell, who rushed for 677 yards last season, his rookie year, said he is thrilled to have Henry in the backfield.
“That guy is good, man,” Bell said. “He is really going to help us. I am not giving up. I will compete with him, but I am excited to learn from him. He’s been around awhile and he fits what we do. He’s another weapon and we can use him.”
The Broncos plan to use him all four quarters.
Staff writer Bill Williamsoncan be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
