Patriots' TreVeyon Henderson Goes Viral for Bold Faith: 'Apart from Jesus I Can't Do Anything'

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An NFL star running back has gone viral – not for a post about his speed and strength, but for one boasting in his weakness and the infinitely powerful God who saved him.

New England's TreVeyon Henderson made the remarks this week in a now-viral post on X/Twitter, saying he has heard the common saying that “God gives his toughest battles to his toughest soldier,” when in fact it's the opposite that is often true.

Henderson helped lead the Patriots to the Super Bowl last year in his rookie season, tallying more than 1,000 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns while finishing third in voting for NFL AP Offensive Rookie of the Year.

He's one of the league's most outspoken Christians.

Henderson's post has 1.5 million views.

“I've heard the saying that 'God gives his toughest battles to his toughest soldiers.' But when I see the disciples that Jesus chose and suffered for His name sake, I don't see Him choosing the 'toughest soldiers', as I learn about men and women in the past and even today who have laid down their lives for Jesus, once again I don't see God choosing His 'toughest soldiers.'

“But I see a strong and mighty God choosing weak men and women, and empowering them by His Holy Spirit to face some of the toughest battles and be used for His glory.”

Henderson, a star at Ohio State before being drafted by the Patriots, said meeting Christ completely changed the way he viewed himself and his own strength.

“I once thought I was a 'tough soldier' until I met Jesus, I then realized that I'm so weak without Him, and apart from Jesus I can't do anything,” he wrote. “I need Jesus daily. The only way that I can truly become who God wants me to be and truly do what God wants me to do, is not by my power not by my might, but only by The Spirit of The Living God. Thank you Jesus.”

His message resonated with sports fans across social media, including some who admitted they normally root against the Patriots.

“As a Colts fan, I am required by the laws of the state of Indiana to despise TreVeyon Henderson because he plays for New England,” the humorous account @NotKennyRogers said. “But my goodness, this is really really awesome.”

Last season, Henderson used the NFL's My Cause My Cleats initiative to highlight Global Christian Relief and the millions of Christians worldwide who endure persecution because of their faith.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Brooke Sutton / Contributor

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel. 

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