The Patriots’ head coach compared Henry to a former Titans safety.
When it comes to the New England Patriots offense over the recent years, much has changed from the scheme to coaches to personnel. One of the few constants, however, has been tight end Hunter Henry.
The veteran’s steadying presence has been felt on and off the field for the team since he signed in New England back in 2021, which head coach Mike Vrabel has taken notice of in his first few months working with the tight end.
“He’s a very comfortable player,” Vrabel said Monday. “Very similar to Kevin Byard. And you know I’m not big on comparisons, just talking about personalities. Kevin was really confident and comfortable. He never looked stressed. You would look and see some younger players maybe at the same position and they’d be sweating before the play would start. They were making checks and everything else and running. And Kevin just always had a very calm, confident demeanor and was an excellent player for us.
“I feel the same about Hunter. I think that he’s, anything that you ask him to do, it comes very easy and he’s very instinctive and he’s got a good feel for the game. So, those are all positives, and I think that leads to his consistency.”
The praise to one of Vrabel’s former All-Pro players was appreciated by Henry.
“It means a lot that he would say that. I try to bring that every single day. I try to be the same guy in the building, out here, at home with my wife and kids,” Henry said following practice. “It’s an honor for him to say that, but it’s all the people around me, and definitely my faith.”
While Henry’s approach has led to individual success on the field — including the best statistical season of his career last year in which he hauled in 66 receptions and 674 yards — it’s also helped the 2024 team captain navigate the Patriots back-to-back four win seasons.
“I think I’ve grown more in the last two years than I have in the last 28 years of my life,” Henry said. “In those times, I feel like Ive seen the most growth in those valleys. When you dig in and grow and keep pushing, something good is going to come on the other side of it.”
Henry is hoping the other side is now, especially as his connection grows with quarterback Drake Maye and he reunites with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Playing his first season in Foxboro under McDaniels in 2021, Henry posted a career-high nine touchdowns — tied for the most among all tight ends in football.
The familiarity within the offense has now made Henry’s voice and approach even more valuable inside the Patriots locker room.
“I’ve been able to be a resource for the guys anyway I can,” he said. “All the guys know I’m open to whatever and helping guys out. Because I want us all to be successful. We need everybody, especially on offense.”