Patriots’ TreVeyon Henderson offers Christ-centered response to Pride Month 

One of the NFL’s rising stars is standing firm in his Christian faith while weighing in on Pride Month – from the heart of one of America’s most progressive regions.

New England running back TreVeyon Henderson emerged as one of the NFL’s brightest young stars last season, helping fuel the Patriots’ surprising run to the Super Bowl while recording more than 1,000 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns.

Henderson also has been one of the league’s most outspoken Christians, even using the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats initiative to spotlight Global Christian Relief and the millions of believers worldwide who face persecution for their faith.

Henderson’s outspokenness sparked a minor controversy in the Boston area earlier this year when he voiced support on social media for Jaden Ivey after the NBA guard was waived by the Chicago Bulls following criticism of the league’s observance of LGBT Pride Month. Referencing Ivey’s release, Henderson cited Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” he wrote.

Henderson’s post generated headlines across the Boston media landscape, prompting a response from Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, who said he supports Henderson’s right to express his beliefs while emphasizing that the organization wants to “be inclusive.”

Asked last month to address his comments about Pride Month, Henderson stood firm.

“I think the biggest thing I know is the cost that it comes with when I share my faith in Jesus Christ,” Henderson told media members as he stood behind a podium. “I have love for everyone, but my love may not look like the world’s love. I try to love people through a biblical lens with just grace and truth. I know a lot of people may be offended by it. But I think the biggest thing is just we look at life through two different lenses. I look at it one way; someone else looks at it another. 

“I’m not going to stop sharing my faith, you know? I’ll continue to share my faith and reach people and just let the Lord use me to reach people with love and truth. But Coach, we’ve had a great conversation, and he was very respectful about my beliefs. He expresses that a lot on his team, and so I really appreciate Coach for that.”

Henderson stressed that sharing his faith does not mean claiming moral superiority over others.

“I’m not a perfect man. I’m a man who makes mistakes as well. But I just try to continue to lean on the Lord, to allow Him to help me become the best person He calls me to be,” he said.

“I’m not a perfect person. I go through things just like everyone else. That’s why I’m really just open about my struggles and the things that I once went through before I met Christ. But I think this world, we need hope, and I just try to point people to the only one who can really give us true hope.”

New England opens its preseason Aug. 13 against Indianapolis.