WATCH: NFL Coach Questions Participant’s ‘Education’ For Affirming Christian Religion
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel gave a head-scratching response to comments from Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson, who came out in support of Chicago Bulls guard Jaden Ivey. The team opted to waive Ivey on Monday after he criticized the team’s pride night, stating that it conflicted with his Christian beliefs.
On Monday evening, the Bulls released Ivey for conduct deemed detrimental to the team. The move occurred hours after Ivey shared an Instagram Live video in which he criticized the NBA’s observance of Pride Month.
“The world can proclaim LGBTQ, right? They proclaim Pride Month. And the NBA, they proclaim it. They show it to the world. They say, ‘Come join us for Pride Month to celebrate unrighteousness.’ They proclaim it on the billboards. They proclaim it in the streets. Unrighteousness,” the NBA veteran stated in the video.
Following the waiver announcement, Ivey addressed the decision directly during a subsequent Instagram Live. “They said my conduct is detrimental to the team. Why didn’t they just say, ‘We don’t agree with his stance on LGBTQ’? Why didn’t they say that? How is it conduct detrimental to the team? What did I do to the team? What did I do to the players?”
He further asked the team for clarification and stated that he was being unjustly disciplined for reciting basic Christian doctrine.
Ivey’s comments were met with support from a number of retired players across the four major sports leagues. Henderson also opted to weigh in by quoting a bible verse that appeared to be a response to Ivey’s release. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10,” Henderson posted on X.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:10 https://t.co/CTpkaMx0oT— TreVeyon Henderson (@TreVeyonH4) March 31, 2026
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was asked about Henderson’s post during the NFL’s annual league meetings on Tuesday. “I think there is a fine line. I want to 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, his wife, the people in our building,” he said.
And so, I want them to be able to express what they believe in their heart and in their mind but also want to make sure that they’re educated. 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.”
#Patriots HC Mike Vrabel on TreVeyon Henderson’s controversial post:
“I love TreVeyon… He cares deeply about his faith… I want them to be able to express what they believe… But, I also wanna make sure that they’re educated. We want to be inclusive.”
(🎥 @Patriots) pic.twitter.com/Vfy7ZXsIfq
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) March 31, 2026
Vrabel’s comments sparked backlash on social media, with many users questioning how anything could be wrong with Henderson quoting a bible verse.
“If TreVeyon was muslim with the same beliefs, he wouldn’t to be ‘educated,’” wrote one X user. “Inclusivity doesn’t mean forced participation,” said another.
“He is educated by the Bible, a far superior source of education than whatever DEI agenda Vrabel is following,” said sports commentator T.J. Moe.
TreVeyon Henderson, a standout running back who joined the Patriots as a 2025 draft pick and quickly established himself as a key contributor, has been open about his Christian faith throughout his NFL career. He has made several references to his faith in interviews, social media posts, and public appearances since entering the league, often citing scripture or discussing the role of religion in his life and performance.
He has consistently spoken out about the vicious persecution of Christians in Nigeria and has gone so far as to honor victims with in-game attire.
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