New England Patriots - NESN.com
Much about the NFL remains uncertain entering Week 7, but a reporter at least answered one mystery surrounding the New England Patriots.
Former NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick posed a vital question earlier this week, wondering why the font on TreVeyon Henderson’s jersey nameplate appeared much smaller than that of other players. He asked Pablo Torre, the host of the “Pablo Torre Finds Out” podcast, to take a break from his digging into Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson to investigate this case.
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini beat Torre to the punch, revealing the reasoning for Henderson’s unusual jersey on Saturday.
“I was told Henderson prefers a jersey cut in which the stripes sit tight against the nameplate,” Russini said. “To keep those stripes visible, the equipment staff has to squeeze the lettering, which is why his name looks bite-sized.”
Russini noted that Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs has the same preference, but his shorter last name prevents any notable font discrepancies.
It’s unclear if Henderson even realizes how the stripes affect his nameplate. The rookie running back didn’t have any answers when the Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan asked his jersey earlier this week, but Henderson doesn’t mind the look.
“I low-key like it,” Henderson said.
While Russini solved that riddle, the Patriots must now figure out how to unlock Henderson’s big-play potential.
The former Ohio State has tallied 247 scrimmage yards in a condensed role through six games, averaging 3.6 yards per carry with no gain above 15 yards in 57 touches. Henderson played just 19 snaps in last Sunday’s win over the New Orleans Saints.
Henderson will see a breakthrough performance when the Patriots play the Tennessee Titans this Sunday afternoon.
