Sports

Patriots' TreVeyon Henderson Averaged 2.5 YPC in Playoffs and Has Something to Prove

By Hector Longo Athlon Sports
Sep 7, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) ruswhes the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Sep 7, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) ruswhes the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

The 2025 playoff run reinvigorated the New England Patriots, as a team, a franchise and an entire fan base.

For Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson those four postseason games could serve as a motivational tool in 2026 and beyond.

Did he run out of gas?

Following a strong rookie campaign, in which the second-round draft choice out of Ohio State averaged 5.1 yards per carry, leading the team with 911 rushing yards and scoring 10 touchdowns, Henderson was geared down in the postseason.

In the three AFC playoff wins, plus the Super Bowl with Seattle, the 5-foot-10, 200-pounder barely managed 100 yards from scrimmage, rushing 30 times for 76 yards (2.5 yards per rush) and catching five passes for 33 yards.

New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson (32). Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson (32). Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Perhaps it was the raising of the stakes or battle fatigue from the long, 17-game NFL season, but Henderson just couldn't match the moment. Remember, in 2024, he was in it for the long haul with national championship Ohio State as well, playing 16 games and rushing for 1,016 yards.

"It's been two really long seasons," said Henderson earlier this month at OTAs. "It can be hard sometimes. Mentally, physically, it can definitely take a toll on you."

Patriots search for perfect balance

The Patriots, when selecting Henderson to team with Rhamondre Stevenson, had been hoping for a "Thunder and Lightning" effect in the backfield, similar to what Detroit had with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.

Through much of the regular season, they seemed to be on their way with Stevenson punishing defenders with his physical style and Henderson using his speed to take advantage of the open space.

The former Buckeye has worked hard this offseason to expand his game.

New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson looks to step it up in the passing game. Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson looks to step it up in the passing game. Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

"The biggest thing I want to continue to develop (is) blocking and just during this time continuing to run routes out of the backfield, catching the ball out of the backfield. I definitely want to continue and develop those skills," he said. "I'm out here with a clear mind, just trying to give it my best to help this team."

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This story was originally published June 27, 2026 at 1:30 PM.