# Patriots coach Vrabel softens stance on TreVeyon Henderson

> Patriots coach Mike Vrabel shifts position after TreVeyon Henderson's activism amid Russini scandal.
- Title: Patriots coach Vrabel softens stance on TreVeyon Henderson
- Summary: Patriots coach Mike Vrabel shifts position after TreVeyon Henderson's activism amid Russini scandal. Patriots coach Mike Vrabel softened his criticism of…
- Keywords: mike vrabel, treveyon henderson, patriots, dianna russini, nfl, counseling, gender identity, seahawks, news, politics, coach, Vrabel
- Source: OutKick — https://foxnews.com/outkick-sports/patriots-coach-mike-vrabel-about-face-treveyom-henderson-activism-russini-scandal
- Author: Armando Salguero
- Published: 2026-09-18T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mike vrabel, treveyon henderson, patriots, dianna russini, nfl, counseling, gender identity, seahawks, news, politics
## Vrabel's April stance
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel cautioned running back TreVeyon Henderson to remember he represents the team in April.
## Henderson defends family
TreVeyon Henderson defended a Massachusetts couple who lost custody of their daughter to DCF after refusing to allow her to transition to a boy.
## Vrabel's recent comments
Vrabel said Henderson handled his activism 'maturely' and is 'a special person, great teammate' who spoke on his beliefs.

> I think he's handled it, I mean, about as maturely
## Vrabel's April comments
Vrabel previously warned Henderson's activism could cross a 'fine line' when expressing personal beliefs publicly.

> I think there's a fine line
## Russini scandal
Vrabel was photographed with married reporter Dianna Russini at a Sedona resort days before an NFL meeting in Arizona.
## Vrabel's shift
Vrabel now says Henderson's activism does not represent the team poorly regardless of disagreement.

> I think he pretty much spoke on what he thought and what he believes
## Key takeaway

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel softened his criticism of running back TreVeyon Henderson's social activism following his own misconduct with reporter Dianna Russini.