FOXBORO — If this summer is any indication, then the Patriots found a serious offensive threat in running back TreVeyon Henderson.
Henderson, the 38th overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, is the fastest offensive skill position player the Patriots have rostered in years, and he flashed impressive power running between the tackles this preseason, as well.
The Ohio State product only touched the ball 10 times over two preseason games, but it was immediately clear how much he made the Patriots better.
He returned two kicks for 126 yards with a 100-yard touchdown, carried the ball five times for 38 yards with a touchdown and caught three passes on four targets for 12 yards. He’ll also be an immediate contributor in blitz pickup.
The rookie might not be an immediate starter on offense with Rhamondre Stevenson still in the backfield, but he should take on a major role, especially on third down, when he can catch the ball out of the backfield and help as a blocker. Henderson’s role should grow as the season goes along, but he was typically at his best with the Buckeyes when he shared a backfield. So, Stevenson and Antonio Gibson should maintain their roles on offense.
Henderson should also be a team leader for years to come. He was a team captain in 2024 and was known to put the team first, especially when asked to share the workload in a committee.
Get to know Henderson, a champion in high school and college, better in our new Patriots Q&A series.
First football memory: “I think my first year I played tackle football, I scored like 20-something touchdowns. So football, it came natural to me. I was, like, around seven years old, six or seven, always a running back. And then in middle school, I transitioned to safety, and I didn’t transition back to running back until my junior year of high school.”
Top high school football memory: “Winning the state championship (at Hopewell High School in Virginia). We won twice. Won two state championships.”
Top college football memory at Ohio State: “Winning the natty (national championship in 2025).”
What makes Ohio State special: “Really the brotherhood. How close the team is, especially last year. Last year was the closest team I’ve ever been on. And I give thanks to God for that.”
What you would be doing if you weren’t a football player: “Probably be like a mentor or, you know, really pouring in kids and try to lead them the right way. My faith is my everything. And so I really, my purpose is to lead people to Jesus, and so I’d just continue to do that if I didn’t play football.”
Favorite athlete growing up: “(Steelers safety) Troy Polamalu.”
Favorite movie: “Passion of the Christ.”
Favorite musical artist: “Maverick City.”
Best friend or best friends on the team: “Probably the running back group. Got to know those guys pretty well. So I feel like we all got pretty close.”
Funniest player on the team: “(Rookie wide receiver) Jeremiah Webb.”
What you like most about New England: “You know, I really, I really like how our head coach pushes us outside of our comfort zone. He pushes us to work hard. He demands the best out of us. And so I like that.”
Hidden talent: “I can cook and clean. My new one is lasagna.”
