New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel stated a need for inclusivity and a reminder that “we represent the team” when asked Tuesday about running back TreVeyon Henderson, who appeared to show support on X for Jaden Ivey after the Chicago Bulls waived the 24-year-old guard.
The Bulls cut Ivey on Monday following an Instagram livestream during which he delivered targeted comments about the NBA’s advocacy of LGBTQ issues. Shortly thereafter, Henderson retweeted a post that included the livestream with a Bible verse that seemed to defend Ivey.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” Henderson wrote on X.
Henderson also retweeted New York Jets defensive back Azareyeh Thomas, who, in response to Ivey’s release, wrote, “The world will try to make sin look normal and righteousness look strange.”
“I think there is a fine line,” Vrabel said of Henderson during a sit-down with reporters on Tuesday at the NFL league meetings in Phoenix. “I want to tell you, I love TreVeyon. I love the person. He cares deeply about our team. He cares deeply about his faith. He cares deeply about his family, his wife, the people in our building.
“And so I want (my players) to be able to express what they believe in their heart and in their mind, but also want to make sure that they’re educated. And we want to be inclusive. Everything we want to do (is) to provide an environment for people to feel comfortable, but also to share their personal beliefs. And then also we represent the team. And we represent the organization.”
Henderson has been outspoken about his Christian faith for years, and participated in religious rallies and public baptisms as a student at Ohio State. He was drafted by the Patriots in the second round last season and was mostly the team’s backup running back.
In the days prior to his release, Ivey had spoken about his religious beliefs in multiple Instagram livestreams, calling Catholicism “a false religion” in one stream. When one Instagram user told Ivey they were praying for him, Ivey responded, “God does not hear your Prayer if you are a sinner.”
On Monday, he criticized Pride Month celebrations, including those held by the NBA, and said they represented “unrighteousness.”
Will Vrabel talk with Henderson and the team about Henderson’s comments?
“I usually try to,” Vrabel said. “We just want to educate them. We’re never going to tell them how to feel, but (we) certainly want to make sure that they understand that their actions represent something more than just themselves. And so I do think there’s a fine line.”
The Athletic has reached out to Henderson for comment via his agents and will update this story if he responds.
