Former New York Jets running back Israel Abanikanda never made a substantial impact on the roster during his two-year career. That doesn’t mean he holds any animosity towards his former club, though.
The Pittsburgh product received just 29 touches throughout his short run with the Jets. While he competed in the team’s backfield in 2024, he was beaten out by New York’s rookie duo in South Dakota State product Isaiah Davis and Wisconsin’s Braelon Allen.
Now a member of the Green Bay Packers, Abanikanda recently provided a historic comparison for one of those young runners.
Jets’ Braelon Allen can be the next Derrick Henry
Speaking to WFRV on Thursday, Abanikanda compared Allen’s physicality and sheer talent to future Hall-of-Fame running back Derrick Henry.
Yes. That Derrick Henry.
“Braelon gonna be a great running back,” Abanikanda said. “To me, I don’t know what people say; I say he can be the next Derrick Henry. That’s what I say, and that’s what I told him.”
Allen recorded 92 carries during his rookie campaign for just over 300 yards. His paltry 3.6-yard-per-carry average was nothing to write home about, but it was more of a microcosm of how bad New York’s rushing attack was in 2024.
Things are different this offseason.
Allen has looked faster and stronger this training camp and remains a key player for the Jets offense in 2025. As the organization shifts to a run-first philosophy, Allen is expected to be a big part of that.
“Braelon man, you just pound it,” Aaron Glenn said earlier this offseason. “He’s a 240-pound man (who’s) gonna be hard to bring down, and that’s two different dynamics that you have to get ready for when it comes to a defense getting ready to play against those guys.”
A comparison to someone like Derrick Henry may be a bit premature in the case of Abanikanda, but hey, the Packers back has first-hand experience.
If there’s a running back who can fill Henry’s shoes, New York Jets sophomore Braelon Allen appears to be the closest capable runner to do so.