New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson looks on during a game amid reactions for using a Bible quote to defend Jaden Ivey
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Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson sparked strong reactions after using a Bible quote to defend Jaden Ivey in a widely discussed social media post.
A New England Patriots running back sparked strong reactions after using a Bible quote to defend Jaden Ivey following a highly controversial social media moment. Shortly after the Chicago Bulls announced that they had waived Ivey after the 24-year-old made comments online seen as bigoted toward the LGBTQ+ community, a star running back for the AFC champion New England Patriots took to his social media account, apparently to defend Ivey.
Patriots 2025 rookie standout TreVeyon Henderson’s response, especially his use of the Bible to defend Ivey, who had declared Pride Month “a celebration of ‘unrighteousness,’” drew quick and sharp reactions from fans online. The response quickly split fans, with some praising the message as a bold show of faith while others criticized the stance, turning the post into a rapidly spreading flashpoint.
Henderson, 23, has been outspoken about his Christian faith. On Monday, he posted a series of Bible verses in response to a post reporting that the Bulls “are waiving Jaden Ivey after he spoke out against the NBA for promoting ‘Pride Month’ and unrighteousness.”
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:10,” Henderson quoted in the first of three posts on X (formerly Twitter), each with a different Bible quotation.
Fans came back at Henderson immediately, some in support of his posts. But others found Henderson’s backing of Ivey objectionable.
Fan Reaction to Henderson Comes Swiftly
Numerous fans took to their social media accounts to express their views on Henderson’s posts.
“Y’all claim to know Jesus and Jesus saved your life, yet he accepted everyone for them,” wrote @MyNaMe_isToBy shortly after Henderson’s first Bible post. “He never tried to change people. He never condemned people. He literally was killed because he accepted people and grew his following by accepting and not shaming.”
“Are we really hating on gay people in the big ’26?” asked another fan, @scipio_yo.
“It’s cool for players to cheat on their wives, abuse their wives, but you draw the line at GAY people,” wrote a third fan, @complicated_leo.
“This sounds like you need to look real long and hard in the mirror,” @NickRealNice told Henderson in a reply. “If your religious beliefs create division while punching down on the marginalized, the majority of us want nothing to do with it.”
“More biblical posts than impact plays in the playoffs,” complained one disgruntled Patriots fan, @Maye2Diggs.
Some Fans Expressed Support For Patriots RB
Though it appeared that the majority of fans who posted responses to Henderson’s Bible quotations were critical of his views and use of the Bible to express them, some expressed support for the Patriots running back, and for Ivey.
“Jaden Ivey said nothing wrong. He boldly stood for his faith in Christ and called out the NBA for pushing Pride Month as ‘celebrating unrighteousness,'” wrote @INDYpatriot9109. “The league preaches ‘inclusion’ and ‘speak your truth’ — until a Christian athlete quotes biblical truth.”
“Bro I have so much respect for you right now. The world is in desperate need of leaders to push back on this insanity. Enough is enough,” added @BroMigo79 in an X post.
“Amen TreVeyon!!” posted another fan, @peetey13.
Coach Mike Vrabel Issues Response to Henderson’s Posts
On Tuesday, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, in response to a question from ESPN.com reporter Mike Reiss, gave the New England organization’s first response to Henderson’s posts.
“I think there is a fine line, but let me tell you, I love TreVeyon,” Vrabel said to Reiss and other reporters. “He cares deeply about our team. He cares deeply about his faith. He cares deeply about his family, his wife, the people in our building. I want them to be able to express what they believe in their heart and in their mind. And also want to make sure they’re educated. We want to be inclusive. Everything we want to do is to provide an environment for people to, one, feel comfortable. But also to share their personal beliefs.”
Whether the Patriots will take any more specific action in response to Henderson’s posts was not yet clear as of Tuesday afternoon.