Patriots Rookie Gets Excited 8-Word Message From Jon Gruden After Huge Play vs. Commanders

The New England Patriots showed out in preseason game number one under new head coach Mike Vrabel, taking the fight to the 2024-25 NFC runners-up the Washington Commanders and winning 48-18 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Friday night.

The Patriots' win came on the same day a statue of franchise legend Tom Brady was revealed with owner Robert Kraft watching on in joy, and also included a huge kickoff return from former Ohio State star and New England rookie TreVeyon Henderson.

Henderson returned a kick from Andy Borregales 100 yards to the house, starting things off on the right foot in Vrabel's first preseason game as the coach of the team he once starred for during his playing days.

Henderson also got a message from former NFL head coach Jon Gruden, who took to X to share his excitement.

"Let's Freakin' GO, TreyVeyon!!!" former Raiders and Buccaneers coach, and Eagles offensive coordinator, Jon Gruden wrote on X.

"Welcome to the league!"

The post included a video of the former Buckeyes star's incredible play on the preseason circuit as fans looked on in awe.

"I can't believe he's in the second round," Gruden added of Henderson, who was selected with the 38th overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft in Green Bay.

"That speed is immaculate. What a way to make a debut!" a fan said.

"New England has new life as a team," another added.

"Coach Vrabel effect."

"How's Judkins doing!?" a third asked of the Browns rookie and fellow former Buckeyes star.

"Bears should (have) got him so help me God if (Colston) Loveland is a bust," another fan said.

The Gruden comments came as the Patriots delivered a simple message to Brady amid his statue unveiling. Meanwhile, a Patriots receiver was spotlighted for his potential ability to have a Zay Flowers type of effect on the team this year.

Next up, New England will take on arguably the most successful quarterback in the history of Tom Brady's alma mater Michigan,, JJ McCarthy and his professional team the Minnesota Vikings in a preseason tilt on Saturday, Aug. 16.