A growing number of New England Patriots fans are urging the team to release second-year running back TreVeyon Henderson following his public show of support for former Chicago Bulls guard Jaden Ivey, who was waived by the Bulls on Monday for anti-LGBTQ+ comments and criticism of the NBA’s Pride Month initiatives.
The post was widely interpreted as backing Ivey, who was cut by Chicago for “conduct detrimental to the team” after a series of Instagram livestreams in which he condemned Pride Month as celebrating “unrighteousness” and made statements rooted in his Christian faith that drew widespread backlash for being anti-LGBTQ+.
The reaction from parts of the NFL fanbase has been swift and vocal. On social media platforms, NFL forums and Patriots-specific fan groups, numerous supporters are demanding the organization take immediate action, arguing that Henderson’s stance conflicts with modern professional sports’ emphasis on diversity and inclusion.
“Patriots need to cut Henderson now,” one prominent fan comment read. “This isn’t about faith — it’s about hate speech that has no place in the league or on this team.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, suggesting the team’s brand and sponsor relationships could be damaged if it appears to tolerate such views.

However, Henderson has also drawn significant support from fans who view his post as a defense of religious freedom and personal belief. Many praised the 2025 draftee for standing firm in his faith, with comments like “Real ones stand up for what’s right” and calls for other Christian athletes to speak out.
The Patriots, under head coach Jerod Mayo, have built a reputation for a disciplined, no-nonsense culture that typically steers clear of off-field social controversies. As of Tuesday afternoon, the organization had not issued any official statement regarding Henderson or the situation.
Henderson, who showed flashes of star potential as a rookie with his speed and vision in the backfield, now finds his future with the team in question amid the mounting pressure. The Patriots’ depth chart at running back remains competitive, and any roster move would carry both on-field and public-relations implications.
Meanwhile, Ivey continues to post religious content on social media, and the crossover controversy between the NBA and NFL has sparked broader conversations about where the line falls between personal expression and team standards in professional sports.
The Patriots are scheduled to begin offseason activities in the coming weeks. Further developments regarding Henderson’s status are expected as the story continues to unfold.