After the Patriots’ surprising run to the Super Bowl last season, veteran Rhamondre Stevenson is in a rush to get back

FOXBOROUGH — Rhamondre Stevenson is a survivor.

The 28-year-old running back is one of just two members of the Patriots’ 2021 draft class left on the roster (Christian Barmore is the other). Stevenson has played for three head coaches in five seasons, and he is one of the only players left who can say he played for offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels during previous stint with the Patriots.

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Now, paired with TreVeyon Henderson again, Stevenson is poised to lead the New England ground game in 2026. That certainly appeared to be the case Friday, the second day in pads at training camp. Stevenson got the bulk of the work as the early-down option, and he flashed reliable hands in the passing game, hauling in multiple receptions from quarterback Drake Maye.

“I love the pads. Just [getting] on the right track with our O-linemen and getting a couple of hits in,” Stevenson said, who spoke with reporters after signing autographs. “I love it. You know, this game is played in pads, so when you get in pads, that tells it all.

“It’s only been a couple days in the pads. But I love how our offensive line is moving people. Love how our tight ends are getting their nose dirty. Things like that. It’s great.”

The Stevenson-Henderson dynamic paid off handsomely in 2025. With Stevenson as the meat-and-potatoes option between the tackles, Henderson served as the home-run hitter who could take it the distance at any moment. As a result, the combination helped New England rank sixth in rushing yards per game (128.9). The Patriots also were tied for third in rushing plays of 20 or more yards (16), and they tied for fourth in rushing plays of 40 or more yards (five) and rushing touchdowns (22).

While the position of third-down back remains open, Stevenson and Henderson appear to be set heading into the season.

“I think we feed off each other really well,” Henderson said. “Rhamondre, he’s a great back. But we’re both two distinct backs. We have our different talents, I just think we feed off each other really well. I’m excited to continue to play alongside him and grow with him, as well. He’s been such a great leader for this room. For this team.”

After a slow start that included ball-security issues last season, the 6-foot, 227-pound Stevenson finished with 130 carries for 603 yards and seven touchdowns. He was particularly impressive down the stretch, rushing for 325 yards (5.6 per carry) during a four-game stretch at the end of the regular season and into the playoffs.

For a veteran such as Stevenson who endured four-win seasons in 2023 and 2024 — as well as family tragedy — last year’s Super Bowl run was especially sweet.

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“Just staying down for the come-up,” he said when asked to explain the improvement he and his teammates made from 2024 to ’25. “You know, we worked hard, even though it was losing seasons we were having. We were still coming in here, working hard, and believing we could be the team we are now. The team we were last year. So yeah, I think it was just our hard work [paying] off a little bit.”

Now, Stevenson is hungry for more. To that end, he’s growing into an expanded role as a leader. He recognizes that he’s one of the senior members of the roster, at least when it comes to time in New England.

“I’m kind of a type of guy that leads by example, and just lead by the way I play on the field,” he said. “But you know, I’ve been challenged to be more vocal to the guys and just speak up a little bit more, and so I’m taking that step.”

He and Henderson figure to get a boost from the addition of fullback Reggie Gilliam. Gilliam was a key part of a Buffalo ground game that finished in the top 10 in five of the last six seasons, and led the league in 2025.

“He’s an athletic guy,” Stevenson said of Gilliam. “He’s a fast fullback, and I think it’s just both of us [operating] like we have the ball. I think that’ll be just fine. He’s played the position for [six] years now, so I think he knows what he’s doing. Just get on the same page. It’ll take a couple weeks.”

While Stevenson is cagey when asked about his goals for this season, he needs 1,785 rushing yards to surpass Sam Cunningham for the franchise record (Stevenson is fifth on the list with 3,669 yards).

According to the Stevenson, the objective is simple.

“I have personal goals,” he said. “Just to be a great teammate. Come in here, be successful as I can, and just be a great teammate. That’s the main thing.”

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