As the game clock ticked under 20 seconds, Drake Maye took a snap from around the 15-yard line. With his offense needing a touchdown to win an end-of-game practice situation, Maye lofted a ball toward the back left corner of the end zone.
In came Rhamondre Stevenson, who tracked the throw and hauled it in over his shoulder before getting down in bounds with linebacker Robert Spillane tight in coverage.
Touchdown.
That play has been a regular feature for Stevenson out of the backfield this summer — and
it’s something he plans to carry into the regular season.
“I’m trying to make it [a regular occurrence],” Stevenson said with a smile.
At 6-foot, 227 pounds, Stevenson doesn’t fit the typical profile of a passing-game running back. But the 28-year-old is coming off a season in which he posted career highs in yards per reception (10.8) and success rate (59.5%) as a pass catcher.
Those skills have continued to show up on the practice field throughout training camp, including on his highlight-reel touchdown Monday.
“I always been confident and comfortable catching the ball and doing those routs out the back field,” Stevenson said. “I think it was just getting those things on film and just letting everybody around me, all the offensive players, all the offensive staff, gain that confidence I had in myself in me. So, I think they just seen me working at it, running some routes, getting open, and I think we sticking with it a little bit.”
Stevenson’s value in the passing game extends beyond catching the ball. Throughout his career, he has become one of the league’s best and most reliable running backs in pass protection — a skill he continues to hone, knowing that 80 percent of the job is mental.
That comes in addition to his impact on the ground, where Stevenson led all running backs in rushing yards over expected per carry (+1.4) while finishing third in yards after contact per attempt (3.83) in 2025.
Despite that production, Stevenson remains one of the league’s most underrated backs. In ESPN’s annual positional rankings, which are voted on by coaches, executives and scouts, Stevenson did not receive even an honorable mention vote — unlike fellow Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson.
Stevenson also took to Twitter, in a now-deleted post, to poke fun at his 77 overall Madden rating with three laughing crying emojis.
His lack of recognition primarily stems in part from his past fumbling issues. But after finishing last season without a fumble over his final 13 games, Stevenson is looking past those ball-security concerns.
Internally, the Patriots know Stevenson’s value. The veteran is now set to lead their backfield this season after holding that role throughout training camp and putting together what he believes has been the best summer of his career.
“I feel great. Probably one of my healthier training camps, I would say. Body feels fresh. Been proactive in the training room, things like that. Just trying to stay ahead of everything,” Stevenson said. “I’m ready for the first game.”
