Patriots' TreVeyon Henderson Defends Stance on Family Custody Dispute

New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson defended his public stance on a Massachusetts family's custody battle, which involves their daughter's gender identity. Henderson, a devout Christian, had posted on social media in support of the parents, Joseph and Arlene Kutzko, who claim the state's Department of Children and Families (DCF) took custody of their daughter after they refused to affirm her gender transition.

The parents have been seeking to regain custody since January 2025, when they allege they refused consent for medical procedures aimed at transitioning their daughter to a male. Henderson shared a Fox News clip on the matter, adding his own commentary: "These parents who want to honor our Lord and lead their daughter into the truth, and away from what she can’t see that will destroy her just as God has entrusted the parents to do. May justice be served."

During a media availability on Thursday, Henderson elaborated on his decision to speak out, stating, "I think the biggest thing, what I saw on my end is I saw the, the state take away someone's child because they didn't want to affirm the daughter as a boy." He further explained, "And I heard that the school, without the parents' permission, tried to transition a child or do some sort of thing to transition her into a boy."

Henderson emphasized his belief that parents have a "God-given right to raise up their kid, to know the Lord, to honor the Lord." He asserted that the Kutzkos acted correctly by choosing to affirm their daughter as a girl, the way he believes God created her.

Reporters also questioned Henderson about allegations of abuse against the child's father, which reportedly led to a restraining order. The Boston Herald indicated that the order remains in place after the child obtained it with the assistance of an unidentified adult while in state custody. Henderson maintained his position, stating, "It doesn't mean that he was guilty of those charges. It's just accusations." He added, "I think you're innocent until you're proven guilty."

Henderson acknowledged that his perspective on the world has shifted, seeking to view it through a "Biblical lens." He expressed a sense of calling beyond football, stating, "a child of God is who I am." He concluded by saying his faith provides him with everything he needs, regardless of his football career or financial status, and he is committed to honoring God above all else.