Patriots OC raves about one high-profile veteran’s practice habits: ‘Great example for any young player’

Story by

Story by
Patriots OC raves about one high-profile veteran’s practice habits: ‘Great example for any young player’

Chris Mason · MassLive

Thu, Jan 8, 2026 ·

2 min read

About Our Ads

FOXBOROUGH — There was plenty of redemption in Rhamondre Stevenson’s regular season.

After three fumbles early in the season and a turf toe injury in October, the Patriots running back powered through adversity to finish the season strong.

Stevenson had six touchdowns in New England ’s final three games, picked up 334 yards from scrimmage (229 rushing, 104 receiving) and was named the AFC’s Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Dolphins last Sunday.

With the playoffs around the corner, Stevenson is playing his best football.

“I have a great deal of respect and admiration for him,” offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said. “I know he’s dealt with some things this year and what a tribute to him, go through some adversity at the beginning of the year relative to the ball security stuff, but just never complained. Never put his head down. Just continued to try to work at improving something that he felt like he could get better at.”

McDaniels said one of the keys to Stevenson’s turnaround has been his effort on the practice field. The offensive coordinator raved about Stevenson’s preparation, hoping other players took note of his habits.

“I think his attitude has been fantastic,” McDaniels said. “The way he practices, I wouldn’t want a player to practice any other way than the way he goes about his business. He prepares as well as any player we have, to get ready to go and play. He plays a tremendous amount of roles for us on offense.

“So I think it’s just a great example for any young player. I hope they’re paying attention. It’s hard to go through a season in the National Football League and not deal with some personal adversity, on or off the field. But then you have to be a professional. Do your job. Improve in that area. Then eventually you’re going to get on the other side of that. I think that I speak for everybody in the building: We’re all super happy and excited whenever Mondre does anything well because he’s so well thought of here.”

More Patriots Content