Vrabel’s Support for Henderson Contrasts Previous Caution

New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel took a notably different approach when discussing running back TreVeyon Henderson on Friday. This comes after Henderson publicly addressed a child custody case in Massachusetts.

Henderson had defended a couple whose daughter was taken into custody by the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families due to allegations of abuse related to their refusal to permit her transition to a boy. It’s important to note that the parents have not been found guilty of any crime.

He spoke about the situation through social media and with reporters just the day before Vrabel’s comments.

Vrabel complimented Henderson for articulating his views during the discussion about the running back’s remarks. “I think he’s handled it, I mean, about as maturely,” he said. “I think he tried to explain himself. TreVeyon is a special person and a great teammate. I love being around him.”

He added, “And I think he pretty much spoke on what he thought and what he believes, and I think that that’s impressive. You know, for him to be able to speak on it, and [I] leave it up to him.”

This response marked a shift from the cautionary tone Vrabel had previously expressed towards Henderson back in April after the running back came to the defense of Jaden Ivey, a former Chicago Bulls player. Ivey faced criticism for his remarks about the NBA’s celebration of Pride Month.

During the NFL annual meeting in Arizona, Vrabel had mentioned that while players have the right to express their beliefs, they also need to remember that they represent the Patriots. “I think there’s a fine line,” he had said. “I’ll tell you, I love TreVeyon. I love the person. He cares deeply about our team. He cares deeply about his faith. He cares deeply about his family.”

On Friday, however, Vrabel did not reiterate those previous warnings. His change in demeanor comes after he dealt with an offseason controversy involving former NFL reporter Dianna Russini. Photos surfaced showing Vrabel and Russini appearing friendly at a resort in Sedona, Arizona. Both are reportedly married.

Vrabel addressed the photos, stating, “These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn’t deserve any further response.”

The NFL had begun investigating the images, which were captured ahead of a league meeting.

Vrabel’s backing of Henderson has drawn positive reactions online. Some commenters suggested that reporters seemed to be pressuring the coach to denounce the running back’s religious beliefs.