Patriots' TreVeyon Henderson achieves what eluded him at Ohio State in NFL debut

New England Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson launched his NFL preseason debut in the best way possible. 

It only took one touch for the No. 38 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to electrify the crowd at Gillette Stadium.  Henderson wasted no time showing off his explosiveness by returning the opening kick of the game 100 yards for a touchdown.

Puff and he's gone!

In quickly demonstrating exactly why the Patriots drafted in high on Day 2, Henderson’s highlight play of the game not only escalated the excitement he was already garnering in training camp, but put an exclamation point on how he can impact the game whenever he touches the ball.

On a night when the organization revealed Tom Brady’s statue, it was fitting that Henderson sparked the team’s 48-18 victory over the Washington Commanders in such a memorable way.

With high expectations already set, Henderson also showed off what he can do in the running game with an 18-yard run that not only showed off his acceleration, but his physicality.  He didn’t show too much in the passing game, but did have 3 catches for 12 yards.  In all, it was a dream and an "amazing" way for the Ohio State product could introduce himself to Patriots fans and the NFL. 

"Yeah, like I said, man, I just thank God, because this is something since I was a little kid – something I've just been dreaming about, to be in this position, to be in this opportunity,” Henderson said in the postgame press conference. “And so, I'm thankful. I'm just trying to take advantage of every opportunity that I get. And so – but, man, it's amazing, to be here, to be at an organization like this such as the Patriots. And so, yeah, I'm excited to go forward with the season."

Turning back the clock to Ohio State

Believe it or not the 100-yard kickoff return on Friday night was a first for Henderson.  Although he produced highlight after highlight while at Ohio State, none of those plays involved scoring a touchdown as a kick returner.

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In fact, Henderson only returned nine kicks while at Ohio State totaling 86 yards.  Eight of his nine kickoff returns occurred in 2024.  With the new kickoff return rules in the NFL, it looks to benefit running backs as returners.  Later in the game, veteran running back Antonio Gibson came short of his own kickoff return touchdown.  It looks like Henderson is not only a game-changer, but a player who amps up his teammates as well.

Player reactions to the 100-yard touchdown return

Patriots second-year quarterback Drake Maye was one of those players amped up seeing Henderson show off his explosiveness on the field.  With Henderson expected to be a big part of the team’s offensive plans in 2025, Maye expects him to be an influential on special teams as well.  Friday night just kicked it all off.

“I think it's different with the kickoff rule now. Teams are going to want to tackle, not get 35-yard line. It's going to be a chance for some returns,” Maye said of Henderson’s return. “He's like a lightning bolt. I saw the crease, knew he was gone. Pretty cool the first time he touches the football, it's a touchdown. Credit to the guys that did the blocking up front. That's special teams and all three phases. Special teams got a chance to be big for us this year.”

Good start for TreVeyon Henderson and great start for the New England Patriots as a team.