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TreVeyon Henderson scores kickoff return touchdown on first play of NFL career

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby: Grant Grubbs08/08/25grant_grubbs_
TreVeyon Henderson return TD
© Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson didn’t waste anytime introducing himself to Patriots fans on Friday night. The former Ohio State standout returned the Washington Commanders’ opening kickoff for a stunning 100-yard touchdown as Patriots fans rained down cheers.

The Patriots selected Henderson with the No. 38 overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Henderson spent four seasons at Ohio State, where he amassed 3,761 rushing yards, 853 receiving yards and 48 total touchdowns in 47 career appearances.

Henderson is listed as the Patriots’ second running back on their depth chart and is expected to make an immediate impact for the team. Look below to check out TreVeyon Henderson’s jaw-dropping return TD.

Fans shouldn’t be too surprised by Henderson’s standout play. Ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein raved about Henderson’s potential.

“Henderson is capable of starring on third downs or biting off a bigger chunk as a three-down option,” Zierlein wrote. “He has average size but above-average juice with good acceleration. He’s an average decision-maker inside and is not overly creative once confronted by the defense, but he has the pacing and subtle shiftiness to excel as an outside runner.

“He might be the best pass-protecting running back in this draft and is more than capable as a pass-catcher. Henderson isn’t Jahmyr Gibbs, but he can operate in a similar role for teams looking to add a more dynamic player to their running back room.”

Despite weighing 202 pounds, Henderson recorded an impressive 4.43-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine earlier this year. He also notched a 38.5” vertical leap. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel spoke highly of Henderson during training camp.

“He seems to be a quick learner, and if there’s something that happens in protection, he rarely makes the same mistake twice,” Vrabel said. “… You see him playing with effort when he doesn’t have the ball in his hand, and he’s been able to do some things in the run game and learns quickly to be able to move him around in different positions offensively.”

Henderson didn’t slow down after his electrifying kickoff return. In the first half alone, Henderson recorded one carry for 18 yards and three catches for 12 total yards.

The Patriots totaled 1,969 rushing yards last season, the 13th most in the NFL. In its debut campaign under Vrabel, New England will look to escape the middle of the pack and have one of the best rushing attacks in the league.