PHOENIX — Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said there is a “fine line” between allowing players to express their personal beliefs and engaging in conduct detrimental to the team.
Vrabel, speaking Tuesday morning from the annual NFL owners’ meetings at the Arizona Biltmore, fielded a number of questions, including two about running back TreVeyon Henderson’s recent social media activity seemingly in support of Jaden Ivey — an NBA guard whom the Chicago Bulls waived on Monday following anti-LGBTQ comments.
“I want to tell you, I love TreVeyon,” Vrabel said. “I love the person. He cares deeply about our team. He cares deeply about his faith. He cares deeply about his family, his wife, and the people in our building. And so, I want them 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.”
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Ivey on Monday denounced the NBA’s Pride Month, calling the initiative a celebration of unrighteousness. The Bulls waived him hours later, with coach Billy Donovan saying Ivey’s comments do not reflect the values of the organization.
The 24-year-old Ivey, whom the Pistons drafted fifth overall in 2022, had been with the Bulls for about two months and averaged 28.8 minutes and 11.5 points in four games. After his release, he questioned the decision in a livestream video, in addition to speaking extensively about religion and Jesus Christ.
Henderson did not comment directly on Ivey’s situation, but he shared a Bible verse, Matthew 5:10, on Monday via X.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” he wrote in response to a video of Ivey’s comments.
Henderson also reposted a message from Jets cornerback Azareye’h Thomas, who wrote, in part, “The world will try to make sin look normal and righteousness look strange.”
Asked if he’s since spoken to Henderson or if he feels he needs to address the matter within the team, Vrabel said he tries to maintain an open dialogue.
“I think that’s something that we try to do, Nicole, constantly,” Vrabel said. “Somebody asked me last year, ‘How are you going to keep them off their phones?’ Like, yeah, keep you guys off your phones. There’s 19 phones lying on the table.
“We just want to educate them to — I’m never going to tell them how to feel — certainly want to make sure that they understand that their actions represent something more than just themselves. I do think there’s a fine line. We’re always talking about those kinds of things. We’re trying to educate them. No different than myself or you guys or my kids.”
Vrabel stressed the importance of striking a balance between allowing players to express their beliefs while also recognizing they are representatives of the Patriots.
“Everything we want to do — we want to provide an environment for people to one, feel comfortable, but also to share their personal beliefs, and then also we represent the team and we represent the organization,” Vrabel said.
The Patriots drafted Henderson out of Ohio State with the 38th overall pick in 2025. During his rookie year, he was extremely outspoken about his Christian faith, participating in Bible studies with team chaplain James Mitchell and often referencing Jesus Christ in his remarks.
“New England is known to be one of the least religious areas in the US,” Henderson said in the week leading up to the Super Bowl. “In this facility, we have so many people that are filled with the spirit who I believe God is using to draw people to himself.”
Nicole Yang can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on X @nicolecyang.
