Former Centennial Standout Enters Super Bowl With Heavy Heart

Rhamondre Stevenson, in his fifth year with the Patriots, is still grieving the loss of his father who passed away last March.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Rhamondre Stevenson, a running back for the New England Patriots, will play in Super Bowl 60 against the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday. However, Stevenson is still dealing with the unexpected loss of his father, Robert, who passed away last March at the age of 54. Despite the personal tragedy, Stevenson has persevered and had a strong second half of the season, earning a spot in the big game.

Why it matters

Stevenson's story highlights the resilience and strength of character required to overcome personal adversity and achieve success at the highest level of professional sports. His journey from junior college to the NFL, and now the Super Bowl, is an inspiring tale of determination in the face of hardship.

The details

Stevenson, who prepped at Centennial High School in Las Vegas, took the junior college route before landing at Oklahoma and being drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round. After his father's unexpected passing last March, the Patriots organization rallied around Stevenson, with running backs coach Tony Dews even attending the memorial service. Despite early-season struggles with fumbles, Stevenson turned his season around in the second half, accounting for 948 scrimmage yards and 9 touchdowns.

  • Stevenson's father, Robert, passed away unexpectedly on a Sunday in March 2026.
  • Stevenson struggled with fumbles in 3 of the Patriots' first 5 games this season.

The players

Rhamondre Stevenson

A running back for the New England Patriots who is playing in his first Super Bowl after overcoming personal tragedy and early-season struggles.

Robert Stevenson

Rhamondre Stevenson's father, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 54 last March, just before the start of the NFL season.

Mike Vrabel

The head coach of the New England Patriots, who helped support Rhamondre Stevenson through the loss of his father.

Tony Dews

The running backs coach for the New England Patriots, who flew to Las Vegas to attend the memorial service for Rhamondre Stevenson's father.

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What they’re saying

“It kind of did surprise me. That just showed me how intentional they were and it's not just football, but making sure I'm good mentally and as a person.”

— Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots Running Back (reviewjournal.com)

“We're very excited but it's also bittersweet. This is something my husband and we as a family thought about ever since Rhamondre made it to the NFL — to play in a Super Bowl. Now that he's made it, my husband is not here physically. But I know he's watching from above.”

— Juran Stevenson, Rhamondre Stevenson's Mother (reviewjournal.com)

“I think there's things that come up that you're not really prepared for, and to have Rhamondre have something that traumatic happen to him and his family, and him not know us as people, was hard. He doesn't know Mike Vrabel, he doesn't know Tony Dews — other than taking some faith that we're looking out for him as a person, and we're looking out for him and his family, and what's best and how they handle it.”

— Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots Head Coach (reviewjournal.com)

What’s next

The Patriots will face the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 60 on Sunday, February 11, 2026.

The takeaway

Rhamondre Stevenson's journey to the Super Bowl has been marked by personal tragedy, but his resilience and the support of the Patriots organization have allowed him to overcome the adversity and reach the pinnacle of his sport. His story serves as an inspiration for persevering through life's challenges and honoring the memory of loved ones.