Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson has been the talk of training camp and the preseason, a precursor to being a key weapon for the 2025 New England Patriots.
From his 100-yard kickoff on the first preseason touch of his career to last week’s 8-yard plowing touchdown run, Henderson has turned heads at every stage. The Ohio State product understands the buzz, but won’t let it go to his head.
“I don’t really pay attention to all the social media stuff,” Henderson said on Tuesday, via Mass Live. “The biggest thing I know, people praise me now because I have this success. But I feel like it doesn’t come from true love. At the same time, people see me as a football player, so if things come crashing down, I know that love turns into hate. The biggest thing is I keep my eyes on God and focus on what he sees in me. … That’s what I keep my focus on.”
Training camp and preseason buzz can be fool’s gold at certain positions, but running back is one of the few that provide significant correlation to regular-season success. When traits jump off the screen, even in an exhibition, that’s an indicator for prosperity. It’s been impossible not to notice Henderson.
Even other defensive coordinators, like the Vikings’ Brian Flores, are apparently taken aback by Henderson’s ability.
The rookie’s blend of speed, power and vision should help open up the Patriots’ running game. He might start sharing the backfield with Rhamondre Stevenson, but Henderson is the future.
Despite all the attention, Henderson noted that he’s just getting his feet wet.
“I’m having fun. It’s hard, of course,” Henderson said. “It’s hard, but at the same time, I’m enjoying getting to spend time with the guys, getting to know people that come from all over the place, build these bonds and make these connections.”