'A f***ing power runner': Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman crown Derrick Henry as modern power running icon in NFL Mount Rushmore debate
In a recent episode of their podcast, Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and Jules, NFL stars Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman took fans on a nostalgic trip through football's most bruising backfields.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
The duo discussed who would belong on the 'Mount Rushmore of power runners' and their list spanned legends old and new.
From Mike Alstott to Derrick Henry , the podcast duo builds their Mount Rushmore of the NFL's toughest runners
For NFL enthusiasts, this wasn't just casual banter. It was a tribute to the game's most physical, relentless runners the ones who didn't just gain yards, but steamrolled through defenders.
Gronk's first pick was Mike Alstott, the former Buccaneers fullback known for his punishing runs and sheer strength.
With 5,000+ rushing yards and 58 touchdowns, Alstott was one of the most feared short-yardage backs of his time.
Edelman countered with John Riggins, the Washington icon who racked up 13,435 total yards and 116 touchdowns. Riggins' powerful running style and Super Bowl XVII MVP performance earned him a rightful place in NFL history.
Next came Gronkowski's nod to Larry Csonka, the Miami Dolphins great from the 1970s.
Csonka amassed over 8,000 rushing yards and 64 touchdowns during a career that included two Super Bowl titles and a stint with the New York Giants.
Edelman followed up with Brandon Jacobs, the two-time Super Bowl champion with the Giants who was known for his size, strength, and ability to bulldoze through defenders. He also gave a shoutout to Peyton Hillis, recalling the running back's breakout 2010 season that led to his appearance on the Madden cover.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
The conversation turned reverent as they mentioned
, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NFL history. 'I mean, Jim Brown was a f***ing power runner. If you watch him, like, he was the biggest, fastest man on the goddamn field. I remember him punishing people,' Edelman said, pointing to Brown's 12,312 rushing yards, 126 touchdowns, and lasting legacy as a player and civil rights activist.
Rounding out the list was current Ravens star Derrick Henry, whom Gronkowski and Edelman hailed as the modern power running icon. After posting 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns in the 2024 season and securing the largest-ever contract for a running back over 30, Henry's inclusion was both timely and well-earned.
Also read:
For fans, the list wasn't just a collection of stats it was a celebration of football's raw, physical essence.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Aaron Rodgers nears Steelers move but Pittsburgh may have waited too long to seal the deal
Aaron Rodgers ready to choose Steelers as next team but timing may ruin Pittsburgh's chances (Getty Images) As NFL fans brace for what feels like a defining chapter in the twilight of Aaron Rodgers' career, all eyes are on the Pittsburgh Steelers. While no official contract has been signed, the consensus among insiders leans heavily toward one outcome—Rodgers suiting up in black and gold this season. And if Friday's episode of The Pat McAfee Show is anything to go by, that sentiment is quickly turning into certainty. Steelers could land Aaron Rodgers soon but a crucial delay might cost them everything NFL insider Ian Rapoport appeared on the show and reaffirmed his belief that Aaron Rodgers' next destination is Pittsburgh. 'I will say it again. I will be surprised if it's not Aaron Rodgers... To me, that is what makes sense,' Rapoport declared, pointing out the Steelers' cautious but intentional handling of the situation. They haven't made any splashy quarterback moves, and their silence speaks volumes. Why Isn't Aaron Rodgers At Steelers OTAs? Well... | Pat McAfee Show The Steelers are, by all accounts, treating Rodgers with the deference of a legend. They're giving him space, allowing him time, and offering the freedom to decide on his own terms. 'There really is a ton of time before the season starts,' Rapoport added. 'So, there's some time.' That time, however, may be running out. The next milestone in the Steelers' offseason calendar is mandatory minicamp, slated for June 10–12. While veteran quarterbacks often delay arrivals—Brett Favre famously joined the Vikings just before training camp—there's a growing sense of urgency for a definitive answer. Rodgers himself has only vaguely acknowledged the situation, citing personal matters, including health battles within his close circle. Yet, he recently teased fans by suggesting he 'might play against the Chicago Bears,' a cryptic statement that hinted more at intent than commitment. Is waiting for Aaron Rodgers setting the Pittsburgh Steelers back? | SPEAK Still, his recent trajectory has left fans and franchises alike uncertain. Rodgers' last season in Green Bay ended in disappointment, followed by a Jets stint that started with a torn Achilles just four plays in. Despite the buzz, his return to elite form remains a big question mark. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network recently voiced concerns about how long the Steelers are willing to wait. 'There is gonna come a time where there is so much time lost, does it make sense for the Steelers... There's all these signs that he's coming, but he has not affirmatively said, 'Hey, June 9th, book me the ticket.'' That hesitation is starting to gnaw at a franchise not known for playing games in the offseason. At 41, Rodgers is no longer a long-term investment. But his star power, leadership, and playoff experience offer the kind of upside Pittsburgh could use to ignite a new era. The bigger question now isn't whether Rodgers will join the Steelers—it's whether both sides are ready to commit before the clock runs out. Also Read: Taylor Swift just bought her masters back—Travis Kelce's reaction proves he's her biggest supporter yet
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Brittany Mahomes shares heartfelt message as Taylor Swift finally reclaims ownership of her master recordings amid rumors about their faded friendship
Brittany Mahomes showed her support by celebrating Taylor Swift's achievement with a heartfelt message (Getty Images) Taylor Swift has finally reclaimed ownership of all her master recordings, marking a powerful and emotional victory in her long-standing battle for artistic control. The milestone sparked widespread celebration, including a heartfelt reaction from Brittany Mahomes, wife of NFL star Patrick Mahomes. As Swift shared the news online, Brittany responded with a touching three-word tribute that captured the moment's significance. Brittany Mahomes continues to show her support for Taylor Swift's personal wins Taylor Swift has officially reclaimed ownership of her master recordings — a monumental moment in her career and personal journey. The announcement lit up social media, and one notable show of support came from Brittany Mahomes, wife of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Brittany, who's developed a close friendship with Swift over the past NFL season, reshared the singer's post on her Instagram story with a heartfelt three-word reaction: 'Just so amazing. ' Brittany Mahomes has been a vocal ally of Taylor Swift since the pop icon started dating Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce in 2023. Their growing friendship has been visible on social media and at Chiefs games, where Swift became a regular fixture in the VIP boxes alongside Brittany. So when Swift broke the news about reclaiming her masters, Brittany didn't hesitate to publicly celebrate the win. Swift's original message was posted on Instagram and Twitter with a nod to her iconic lyrics: 'You belong with me. Letter on my site :).' The attached note revealed the emotional weight behind this achievement: 'All of the music I've ever made… now belongs… to me.' A major moment in Swift's battle for creative control Taylor Swift's fight to regain control of her original music has been a well-documented and emotional saga. It began in 2019 when music executive Scooter Braun purchased Big Machine Records, acquiring Swift's masters without her consent. The rights were later sold to Shamrock Capital, prompting Swift to launch her re-recording campaign, starting with 'Fearless (Taylor's Version)' and culminating in chart-toppers like 'Red' and '1989. ' In a deeply moving message, Swift reflected on the years of disappointment and near misses: 'All the times I was thiiiiiiiiiiiiis close, reaching out for it, only for it to fall through... after 20 years of having the carrot dangled then yanked away. But that's all in the past now.' This victory isn't just a business triumph — it's deeply personal for Swift, symbolizing resilience, ownership, and empowerment. The fact that public figures like Brittany Mahomes are recognizing and celebrating this moment adds to its cultural significance. It's a testament to how Swift's journey resonates not just with fans, but with influential women who see in her story a fight for agency and fairness. Also Read: Is this the beginning of the end for Travis Kelce? Chiefs' superstar faces backlash over worst-ranked season Taylor Swift now stands as the rightful owner of her entire catalog — and she's not alone in her celebration.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
NFL remains silent as Stefon Diggs' boat video with pink powder sparks major online controversy
NFL refuses to address viral video of Stefon Diggs (Imagn Images) The New England Patriots' offseason buzz took a dramatic turn after a video featuring veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs surfaced online, showing him on a boat surrounded by women and what appeared to be pink powder. While the video quickly made waves on social media, the response from the NFL and the Patriots organization has been more subdued—at least publicly. NFL declines to clarify controversial Stefon Diggs video Despite the speculation, the league appears to be treading carefully. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy responded to Pro Football Talk's inquiry by saying the NFL 'will decline comment' on the matter. That silence is telling. The league's current substance abuse policy, significantly revamped in recent years, no longer calls for immediate suspensions over first-time incidents or appearances. Instead, the system emphasizes evaluation and rehabilitation, particularly in the form of the "Stage One" program. According to the policy, a player may be placed into the substance abuse program if his behavior 'exhibits physical, behavioral, or psychological signs or symptoms of misuse of Substances of Abuse.' Notably, this does not require a failed drug test. Should Diggs be placed in Stage One, he would be subject to increased testing and potential fines—but no suspension unless there are repeated violations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like ตลาดหุ้นกำลังส่งสัญญาณว่าอยู่ในช่วงขาลง? IC Markets สมัคร Undo What makes this situation more ambiguous is the lack of public disclosure. Since placement in the program isn't usually announced unless a suspension occurs, it's quite possible that any league-mandated action regarding Diggs could remain confidential. That means fans, media, and even teammates might never know whether or not the video led to disciplinary review. This distraction arrives just as Patriots fans were beginning to get excited about what Diggs could bring to the offense. Signed to a three-year deal worth up to $69 million—with $26 million guaranteed—the former Bills and Texans star was expected to give New England a much-needed boost in their passing game. But the contract did come with risks: Diggs is nearing 32, recovering from a torn ACL, and carries a reputation for occasional locker room friction. Head coach Mike Vrabel didn't dodge the topic when asked about it. 'We all have to make great decisions on and off the field,' Vrabel told reporters, signaling a no-nonsense approach while remaining vague about any internal conversations. He also confirmed that Diggs was absent from the team's organized team activities (OTAs), though no direct connection to the video was made. Still, there's no hard evidence yet to suggest the team is reconsidering its investment. Whether the Patriots choose to discipline him internally remains to be seen. What's clear is that Vrabel expects accountability from his players and is handling the situation in-house—for now. As training camp nears, the focus may eventually return to football. But until then, all eyes are on how Diggs and the Patriots navigate the ripple effects of a 30-second boat video that's raised more questions than answers. Also Read: Taylor Swift just bought her masters back—Travis Kelce's reaction proves he's her biggest supporter yet
