The Patriots running back had a sluggish start to the season but now finds himself at the forefront of a big Wild Card matchup on Sunday night.
Remember back in late September when New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson fumbled the ball twice against the Pittsburgh Steelers?
The fallout from that game, which the Pats lost 21-14, seemed to signal that Stevenson was not the guy for the team's run game. However, head coach Mike Vrabel would think otherwise, marking a shift from the expected narrative.
In fact, while Vrabel did begin to tie in rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson more in the run game as the season progressed, Stevenson was not cast aside.
Patriots fans are used to it after 24 years of Bill Belichick. A great player makes some mistakes; then the former Super Bowl-winning coach thought it was time to trade them to Cleveland or anywhere else that would take said player. Vrabel has made some different choices that have resulted in a positive effect on the team.
Mike Vrabel's Faith in Stevenson is an Example of his Forward Thinking
Vrabel could have demoted Stevenson, but instead, he kept him key in his overall vision of what the team needs to be, especially ahead of Sunday's Wild Card matchup against the Chargers.
"He cares deeply about this team," Vrabel once said about Stevenson. His teammate and fellow running back also backed him.
"I feel like Rhamondre has been through so much in this program. I'm so grateful to have him by my side," said TreVeyon Henderson. "He's been like a brother to me, teaching me the ropes."
Vrabel also knew what was going on in Stevenson's personal life. The Patriots rusher lost his father, Robert, back in March of 2025 at the age of 54. Stevenson wears his father's ashes in a bracelet, which he only takes off for games and practices.
Stevenson's mom, Juran, was in the stands in Week 18 in a game that looked like a far cry from his Week 3 game, which looked like it was going to cost him a roster spot on the team. He would go on to win his first-ever AFC Offensive Player of the Week award of his career.
Stevenson has only had one fumble loss since Week 3, and due to his coaches and teammates rallying around him throughout the season, he comes into Gillette Stadium on Sunday to play in the first-ever playoff game of his career. He also marches in scoring six touchdowns in the last three games.
The Pats' faith in him is clear.
Vrabel, who has often been described as a player's coach, demonstrated this in his handling of Stevenson's development during a difficult period both on and off the field. The results may be evident against the Chargers on national television.