Boston Red Sox legend David 'Big Papi' Ortiz won three World Series during his time in The Bay State, capturing trophies in 2004, 2007 under manager Terry Francona and in 2013 under manager John Farrell. Ortiz is one of the most well respected and beloved athletes in the history of the franchise and the East Coast sports scene as a whole, extending into neighboring franchises including the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins. Ortiz appears to be an avid fan of the Patriots as evidenced by comments he made on a rising Patriots rookie over the weekend who thrilled fans with a rare 100-yards long play on Friday against the 2024-25 NFC North runner-up Washington Commanders.
Red Sox Legend David Ortiz Shouts Out Patriots Rookie After Huge Play vs. Commanders originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Boston Red Sox legend David 'Big Papi' Ortiz won three World Series during his time in The Bay State, capturing trophies in 2004, 2007 under manager Terry Francona and in 2013 under manager John Farrell.
Ortiz is one of the most well respected and beloved athletes in the history of the franchise and the East Coast sports scene as a whole, extending into neighboring franchises including the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins.
Ortiz appears to be an avid fan of the Patriots as evidenced by comments he made on a rising Patriots rookie over the weekend who thrilled fans with a rare 100-yards long play on Friday against the 2024-25 NFC North runner-up Washington Commanders.
"HELL YEAH, MAN! Gotta love it," Ortiz said under a video of Henderson's 100-yard first quarter kick return at Gillette Stadium on Friday night.
HELL YEAH, MAN! Gotta love it
— BigPapi (@Kenm0reSquare) August 9, 2025
Henderson is expected to become a sparkplug for a team that will likely start veteran Rhamondre Stevenson, the team's last 1,000 plus yard rusher, at running back this season.
Henderson is used to a two-running back rotation as he played alongside fellow star ball carrier Quinshon Judkins last season for the national title winning Ohio State Buckeyes.
The Patriots are now coach by another former Buckeye and former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, who is expected to bring toughness and a winning pedigree to the franchise this season and beyond.
The Patriots are still learning the ropes as a team with some of the youngest players at key positions in the NFL, but Vrabel's team is quickly becoming a trendy pick to challenge the Bills for the AFC North crown this season as part of what could be a major resurgence in Foxborough.
The news came as another area sports legend, Tom Brady, took a verbal jab at a division rival during his statue unveiling. Meanwhile, a legendary NFL coach sent a message about Henderson that had fans talking.
The Patriots have a game against the Vikings next weekend that could provide more evidence as to which young players are ready to contribute at a high level when the games really matter.
For now, Henderson and the Patriots are basking in the afterglow of a game that showed the excitement now coursing through the veins of New England fans everywhere.
Related: ESPN Insider Believes Patriots Could Top Bills in AFC East
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Baseball
