Rhamondre Stevenson, the New England Patriots’ starting running back and a fourth-round draft pick in 2021, has overcome multiple obstacles in his NFL career, including fumbling issues that peaked in 2024 and early 2025. Despite these setbacks, Stevenson has rushed for 603 yards on 130 carries this season and is preparing for Super Bowl 60, where his performance will be crucial against the Seattle Seahawks defense. His season’s success is especially poignant considering the recent loss of his father, Robert Stevenson, in March 2025.
Grieving the Loss of His Father While Staying Focused on Football
Stevenson’s absence from the Patriots’ offseason OTAs raised concerns, later attributed to the sudden passing of his father, Robert, at age 54 in Las Vegas. The Patriots granted Stevenson time off to mourn, with running backs coach Tony Dews traveling to offer support. Stevenson had a close bond with his father, often speaking to him before games. Upon returning to the team, he stated,
“The same as any other year. Got back to it a little bit late, I’ve got some things going on in my life. But the same principles, same standard. But I am out here now, trying to get myself back into shape and get ready for camp.”
— Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots running back
Carrying His Father’s Memory in the Most Intimate Way
Although typically private, Stevenson addressed media inquiries during the Super Bowl buildup with openness about his late father’s influence. He shared that he wears a bracelet containing his father’s ashes as a symbol of their enduring bond. In an interview with WBZ’s Dan Roche, Stevenson expressed,
“Me and my dad were best friends. Every time I come out here, I hear his voice talking to me … I know he is still with me and carrying that love with me and my family.”
— Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots running back
His Mother’s Tireless Efforts Supporting His Football Ambitions
Stevenson’s path to the NFL was not straightforward. Academic struggles resulted in NCAA ineligibility, forcing him to momentarily step away from football and work as a shelf-stocker at Wal-Mart. Determined to persevere, he enrolled at Cerritos Junior College to improve his grades before transferring to Oklahoma University. Throughout this challenging period, his mother, Juran Stevenson, played a critical role by working two demanding jobs. According to a 2021 Las Vegas Sun report,
“She frequently would return home from her second job at 3:30 a.m., only to awake a few hours later to start the grind all over again. A lab technician, she logged 72 over two jobs at Comprehensive Cancer Centers and Summerlin Hospital.”
— Las Vegas Sun
Growing Up in a Large, Working Household in Las Vegas
Rhamondre was raised in a bustling family of seven siblings in Las Vegas. Both his parents maintained steady employment but faced financial pressures typical of a large household. Juran Stevenson spoke candidly about their situation in the Boston Globe, stating,
“My husband and I were not rich. We have seven children. We’re not wealthy, but we’re not able to get any kind of public assistance or any kind of grants or anything like that. Because our income — my husband makes good money, I make good money — but when you have seven children, it’s barely nothing.”
— Juran Stevenson, mother of Rhamondre Stevenson
Keeping His Private Life Away from the Spotlight
Known for his reserved nature, Stevenson has kept his personal relationships out of public view. He is not married and seldom shares details about his dating life or posts on social media, with only 21 Instagram posts dating back to his college days. However, he frequently honors his mother publicly, revealing deep gratitude for her sacrifices. On Mother’s Day 2022, he wrote on Instagram,
“Happy Mother’s Day to the strongest most loving person in my life. There is no post or materialistic thing I can give to repay you for how good you did with me and all my siblings. No way I’m where I’m at without you! FOREVER IN DEBT. I love you momma.”
— Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots running back
Implications of Stevenson’s Family Background for His NFL Future
Rhamondre Stevenson’s journey from a large, hardworking family in Las Vegas to the bright lights of the NFL reflects resilience shaped by personal loss and family dedication. His ability to overcome fumbling difficulties and maintain focus after his father’s death demonstrates a mental toughness that will be essential in the high-pressure environment of the Super Bowl. Support from his mother and the Patriots organization has underscored a network of care behind his development, suggesting that Stevenson’s career may continue to rise as he honors his family’s legacy.
“Me and my dad [Robert] were best friends. Every time I come out here, I hear his voice talking to me … I know he is still with me and carrying that love with me and my family.” — Rhamondre Stevenson, to @RochieWBZ on “First Down”, referencing the bracelet he wears with ashes pic.twitter.com/B34eP4Hap2
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 4, 2025
