For Rhamondre Stevenson, Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins was more than just a return to form or the first victory of the season. It was a performance that his late father, Robert, would have been proud of.
Speaking to reporters after the New England Patriots’ 33-27 win at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, the veteran running back had his dad on his mind.
“It feels great,” Stevenson said. “It’s been tough on me for the last couple of months, but just putting my best foot forward and just knowing what
my Pops would want me to do.”
Stevenson’s father passed away in March at the age of 54, prompting him and the team alike to adapt to a new normal. He was granted a flexible schedule during offseason workouts to mourn his dad’s death, and received consistent support from head coach Mike Vrabel and running backs coach Tony Dews.
Last Sunday against his hometown Las Vegas Raiders, he played his first game without his father watching. A week later against the Dolphins, he looked like the back of old again — and then some: the 27-year-old had a crucial role in the Patriots’ win, gaining 54 yards on 11 carries and adding both a career-best 88 receiving yards on five catches and a two-point conversion.
His 142 scrimmage yards rank fourth among his 59 career games, and are the most he has had in a single game since his 2022 sophomore season.
“He probably would have loved this game,” Stevenson said about his father. “Just remembering that and just remembering the things he would say and just keep going. Yeah, I think he’ll be proud of today.”
After the game, Stevenson was among the six Patriots awarded game balls from head coach Mike Vrabel. However, as he made sure to point out, the bigger picture was more important than his individual success.
“It just shows our toughness. It shows we can do it for four quarters,” Stevenson said. “Don’t be a front runner. Don’t only be good when things are going good. Adversity is going to happen, so just fighting back against that and becoming victorious, that’s huge.”
Stevenson knows what he is talking about.
