Back at the NFL owners’ meetings in Arizona earlier this offseason, Mike Vrabel made it clear he had TreVeyon Henderson’s back. The Patriots coach defended his star running back’s social media activity during the fallout around NBA guard Jaden Ivey. “I love TreVeyon; I love the person,” Vrabel told reporters, talking about how he wants players to feel comfortable expressing their beliefs. That’s why things escalated so quickly this week when a viral post appeared to show Henderson using that same faith to take a shot at his own head coach.

The post shared by an X account called “Football Crave” falsely attributed a bible verse from Hebrews 13:4 to Henderson. The post falsely implied that Henderson had “planted his flag” on the ongoing controversy surrounding Vrabel and Russini. The problem was Henderson never said any of it. 

The RB retaliated in a fresh tweet, saying, “I have never made a public statement on the Vrabes situation. Respectfully, please stop misspreading false information.” 

The fake quote read, “If you read this, I pray that God gives you hope. Your sin may be great, but God’s grace is greater. Turn away from sin and put your trust in Jesus. Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” Now it spread fast, and for one reason and that’s people thought it sounded like something Henderson might actually post this. And there is history, 

He is one of the few NFL stars who openly talks about his faith in social media on regular basis, and even posts Bible verses and motivational messages for his followers. And the instance about the Jaden Ivey controversy too, he posted a Bible message. 

Henderson shared Matthew 5:10: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” At the time, many fans interpreted this as a post made in support for Ivey after the former Bulls guard was waived for “conduct detrimental to the team” after his comments criticizing the NBA’s Pride Month messaging. Well, that made the fake post feel believable to many people. And that’s become the bigger issue around the Patriots lately.

What used to be one of the most no-fuss organizations has turned into this nonstop online rumor mill. The Mike Vrabel Russini situation has become a chaotic mess over the few weeks alone. From paternity tests to fake insider reports on resignations, burner accounts and even bizarre conspiracy theories involving Russini’s family. Most of it has been completely unverified and many simply debunked, but that hasn’t stopped it from making its round on social media. 

As far as the situation goes, both parties continue to deny the suggestions around the nature of their relationship. Vrabel was forced to step away from the spotlight on Day 3 of the draft when the attention seemed to have hit a peak. He has, however, returned to the Patriots building to oversee practice. Russini has resigned from her post at The Athletic.

Despite everyone within the team choosing to soldier ahead, many believe that Vrabel might not be able to make the most of what would have been a groundbreaking career for himself.

Mike Vrabel faces mounting resignation speculation

Vrabel’s first season at the Patriots was a roaring success. Vrabel rightfully earned himself Coach of the Year honors last season. But now, fans have begun betting on how long he lasts as the team’s head coach. Kalshi says that there is a 64% chance of him keeping the job after Week 1, dropping from the initial 77%. But the Patriots don’t want him to lose him.

According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, it is  “definitely not in [the team’s] plans to move on from Mike Vrabel.”

New England had forgotten what a Super Bowl game felt like after having dominated the league with six titles since 2000. Having successfully reclaimed that glory will have fans petition for an extension for him if it wasn’t already being discussed. What matters most now is how the Patriots weather this storm. But it looks like the players agree when it comes to rallying behind Mike Vrabel.

“He’s our head coach,” quarterback Drake Maye told AP. “I think he’s done a great job of talking to us and talking us through it. I’m just looking forward to getting back to work and getting ready.”

“Coach coaches football. He keeps the main thing, the main thing,” linebacker Robert Spillane said. “I know he’s dealing with personal issues, but when we’re in the building, we speak football. … I love Coach, and I’m going to be here to support him as he would be there to support me through anything. I’m just a player and trying to do that the best I can.”

Henderson, being a key part of the team, made that post very damning, as it would serve as a confirmation coming from within the team. While this incident serves as a reminder to carefully consume developments about this controversy, how the franchise recaliberates itself is still left to be seen.