TreVeyon Henderson’s NFL debut couldn’t have started with more of a bang. On the opening kickoff of the Patriots’ 2025 preseason, the rookie running back took the ball 100 yards to the house - and Gillette Stadium erupted.
It was a flash of what Henderson brings to the table: pure, unfiltered speed. And while that moment may feel like a lifetime ago as New England prepares for Super Bowl LX, it still looms large as a reminder of what the rookie is capable of when given space to operate.
All season, Henderson has been the lightning to Rhamondre Stevenson’s thunder in the Patriots’ backfield. When he finds a crease, he’s gone - evidenced by his four touchdowns of 50-plus yards this season, tying the NFL rookie record. That kind of explosiveness is rare, and it’s exactly what makes Henderson such a unique weapon in Mike Vrabel’s offense.
But the playoffs have been a different story.
Through three postseason games, Henderson’s impact on the ground has been minimal. He’s managed just 57 rushing yards on 24 carries - a 2.4 yards-per-carry clip that’s a far cry from his regular-season bursts.
His involvement in the passing game has been limited, too: three targets, seven yards, no scores. And the snap counts tell the story.
He played a season-high 26 snaps in the wild-card win over the Chargers but saw just four offensive snaps in the AFC Championship Game, compared to Stevenson’s 60.
Yes, the blizzard that rolled into Denver during that AFC title game didn’t help matters. But this isn’t just about weather.
Henderson hasn’t been able to consistently reach the second level of defenses - and that’s where he’s most dangerous. As the Patriots get ready to face the Seahawks on the biggest stage, Vrabel may need to find another way to get the ball into Henderson’s hands.
Enter special teams.
New England’s defense has been the story of this postseason - leading all playoff teams in yards allowed, points allowed, and total sacks. But the kick return game?
It’s been mostly a non-factor. With D’Ernest Johnson and Efton Chism handling return duties, the Patriots are averaging 24.5 yards per return - good for eighth among the 14 playoff teams.
Seattle, their Super Bowl opponent, leads the pack. And it’s no coincidence - the Seahawks have Rashid Shaheed returning kicks, and he’s a threat to break one every time he touches it.
That kind of hidden yardage can swing a Super Bowl. And that’s where Henderson might come back into the fold.
When asked by ESPN’s Mike Reiss whether he’s still getting kick return reps in practice, Henderson made it clear: he’s staying ready.
“Coach Vrabel always tells us to prepare as a starter,” Henderson said. “Even though I’m not first on the depth chart on kick return, we still get reps in practice.
You never know when guys may go down, and your time may be up. Coach Vrabes does a good job of keeping us all ready for when that time comes.”
It’s a smart approach. Because while Henderson hasn’t returned a kick in the playoffs and only logged nine returns during the regular season - with a long of 28 yards - the Patriots know what he can do.
They saw it in August. The fans saw it.
And the Seahawks have surely seen the tape.
There’s a reason Henderson hasn’t been used more on special teams. He’s a key part of the offense, and after a concussion late in the regular season, the Patriots have been cautious. With Stevenson carrying the bulk of the load and the running back depth chart looking thin, it makes sense that they’ve tried to protect their home-run hitter.
But Super Bowl Sunday is when coaches empty the playbook. Trick plays, gadget looks, and surprise personnel packages are all fair game. And if you’re looking for a way to tilt the field against a team like Seattle, having one of the fastest players in football fielding kickoffs might be just the spark you need.
The Patriots have already experimented a bit this postseason, mixing in rookie wideout Kyle Williams and punt return ace Marcus Jones on kick returns. But if Vrabel wants to swing momentum in a game where every inch matters, Henderson could be the one to light that fire.
He’s done it before. The moment wasn’t too big then. And if he gets the call in Super Bowl LX, don’t be surprised if he delivers another electric jolt - this time, on football’s biggest stage.