FOOTBALL: Burgers and returns: Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson ready for any Super Bowl role

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – TreVeyon Henderson knows better than to fumble when the Patriots call his number.

That lesson came Monday night when Super Bowl LX starting quarterback Drake Maye brought Henderson along for a quick trip to In-N-Out Burger – the West Coast fast-food staple known for its cheeseburgers and fries.

"I've had In-N-Out less than five times in my life," Henderson said Tuesday at the San Jose Convention Center. "In-N-Out is good. Every time I come out to Cali, I have to make sure I go there. What makes it even better is they have the little Bible verse at the bottom of it, so I like it."

The Ohio State rookie was the 38th pick in the 2025 draft and made an immediate impact with standout performances, including 148 rushing yards and two touchdowns against the Bills in December, and a three-touchdown game against the Jets.

However, Henderson saw limited action in the AFC Championship at Denver, playing a season-low four snaps in the snow. During the regular season, he shared the running back role with Rhamondre Stevenson, playing 45.8% of New England’s offensive snaps. Henderson led the Patriots with 180 carries for 911 yards and nine touchdowns, while Stevenson had 130 carries for 603 yards and seven touchdowns.

Stevenson praised Henderson’s consistency and confidence.

"He's always prepared. It's kind of a brotherly conversation between the two of us. ‘How can we get each other better?’" Stevenson said.

Henderson also returned kickoffs and led the NFL in 2025 with four rushing touchdowns of 50-plus yards.

Stevenson, who had struggled earlier in the season with three lost fumbles, has carried the load in the playoffs with 51 carries to Henderson’s 24, gaining 194 yards. His physical style made him the go-to back on Denver’s soggy field.

Henderson’s explosiveness, however, could be key against a Seattle front capable of clogging the interior. He is also the stronger receiving option among the two backs, though inconsistencies in pass protection may have limited his playoff snaps.

"(Coach Vrabel) always tells us to prepare as a starter," Henderson said. "I'm not first on the depth chart – we still get reps in practice. I'm still preparing as a starter."

When asked about Henderson’s reduced role, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel didn’t point to the so-called “rookie wall,” but referenced the challenges of a longer NFL season compared to college football.

"We're always talking about the length of the season, what we need to do to continue, how the practices are and recovery," Vrabel said. "And mentally, the finish line is not going to move towards us. It's not going to move closer to us. We have to keep attacking."

-Jeff Reynolds, Field Level Media/Reuters