Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson writes foreword for upcoming young adult novel

By AI, Created 5:02 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson has written the foreword for Stacy A. Padula’s upcoming book, “Gripped Part 6: The Dunkin Legacy,” due May 26. The collaboration ties Henderson’s personal story of depression, injury and faith to a series built around addiction, mental health and redemption.

Why it matters: - TreVeyon Henderson’s foreword connects a current NFL player’s real-life testimony to a young adult series aimed at readers grappling with addiction, depression and identity. - The partnership adds visibility to Stacy A. Padula’s “Gripped” franchise as it heads toward another book release and ongoing television development. - The book targets young adult readers, parents, educators, youth groups and faith communities.

What happened: - New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson wrote the foreword for “Gripped Part 6: The Dunkin Legacy,” the next release in Stacy A. Padula’s young adult series. - The book is scheduled for release on May 26, 2026. - Pre-orders are available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other retailers. - Henderson is a 2025 second-round draft pick from Ohio State, selected No. 38 overall. - The collaboration grew out of a youth revival event at Duxbury High School last year, where Henderson shared his Gospel-centered story.

The details: - Henderson’s foreword describes growing up in Hopewell, Virginia amid family challenges, community violence, parental separation, anger and depression. - Henderson says football became an escape, paralleling protagonist Taylor Dunkin’s story. - His time at Ohio State brought fame, but Henderson says he still felt empty, lost, angry and depressed. - A season-ending injury removed football and pushed Henderson toward Jesus Christ. - Henderson writes, “I truly believe God connected Stacy and me for a reason.” - Henderson also writes that “Gripped” points to Jesus Christ as the only One who can truly help people overcome their struggles. - Henderson says Jesus “opened my eyes to the truth” and changed his life. - “Gripped Part 6: The Dunkin Legacy” continues an ongoing storyline with at least eight books planned. - The series, launched in 2019, addresses opioid addiction, peer pressure, betrayal, identity crises and recovery. - The story centers on the Dunkin family’s battles against crime and inner demons. - The series is in television development with Emmy-winning producer Mark Blutman, who is adapting it with Padula’s input. - Blutman is known for “Boy Meets World,” “Girl Meets World” and “Ghostwriter.” - Padula said she writes books that capture the authentic teenage experience without “sugarcoating” or idealism. - Padula said Henderson’s candid testimony sheds light on the topics addressed in “Gripped.”

Between the lines: - Henderson’s involvement gives the series an outside-the-book testimonial from a public figure who speaks directly about faith and mental health. - The pairing of sports celebrity and faith-driven fiction appears designed to broaden the book’s reach beyond traditional YA readers. - The planned joint social media rollout and podcast or interview suggest the collaboration is also meant to drive awareness around mental health and spiritual themes.

What’s next: - Padula and Henderson plan a joint social media announcement. - The two also plan a podcast or interview appearance focused on faith, mental health awareness and hope in Christ. - “Gripped Part 6: The Dunkin Legacy” will reach readers on May 26, 2026. - The broader “Gripped” series will continue expanding, with at least eight books planned. - More information is available in the series announcement.