Patriots' Mike Vrabel Reacts To TreVeyon Henderson's Social Media Comments

The New England Patriots soon became roped into an NBA story this week.

After the Chicago Bulls released Jaden Ivey for “conduct detrimental to the team,” which included anti-LGBT comments on a social media livestream, Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson took to social media in response.

Ivey, a five-year veteran with the Bulls and Detroit Pistons who was taken fifth overall in 2022, went on to Instagram to discuss a myriad of topics — including LGBT people and religion.

“They proclaim Pride Month in the NBA,” he said. “They proclaim it. They show it to the world. They say come join us for Pride, for Pride Month to celebrate unrighteousness. They proclaim it. They proclaim it on the billboards. They proclaim it in the streets. Unrighteousness. So how is it that one can’t speak righteousness? How are they to say that this man is crazy?”

Henderson, an outspoken man of faith, published a Bible verse on his X page defending Ivey amid his release from the team, saying “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10.”

Mar 31, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks to reporters in the media during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

That post, racking up nearly seven million views at the time of publication, led to a question to Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel one day later. The 2025 NFL Coach of the Year was asked about finding the line between being outspoken in your beliefs while also avoiding “conduct detrimental to the team.”

Vrabel Spoke Highly Of Henderson

“I want them to be able to express what they believe in their heart(s) and in their mind(s), but also (I) want to make sure that they're educated,” Vrabel said at the NFL Annual Meeting. “And we want to be inclusive. Everything we want to do (is) to provide an environment for people to want to feel comfortable, but also to share their personal beliefs. And then also, we represent the team. And we represent the organization."

Vrabel, who kicked off his answer by saying he loves Henderson and everything he’s brought to the team, reiterated that the running back cares deeply about football, his faith and his family.

He also mentioned that conversations with his staff and players about a range of topics are always discussed.

“I usually try to,” he said. “I think that's something that we try to do … We just want to educate them to - (we're) never going to tell them how to feel. (We) certainly want to make sure that they understand that their actions represent something more than just themselves.”

Last June, the Patriots posted support for Pride Month on their social media platforms.

“And so I do think there's a 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."

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