The New England Patriots released running back Antonio Gibson on Monday, just four months after he suffered a torn ACL. Gibson, who was set to enter his seventh NFL season, will now test free agency ahead of the upcoming season. This move has caught many off guard, including Gibson’s wife, Victoria, who expressed her surprise openly.
Victoria Gibson’s Reaction to Husband’s Release
Victoria Gibson shared her feelings about the Patriots’ decision on Instagram the same day. She posted a video recreating a famous monologue by Rihanna, all while showcasing personalized Patriots-themed nail art. Accompanying the clip, she wrote,
“Why would the Patriots release MY HUSBAND?”
This strong statement elicited numerous reactions from fans and celebrities alike.
“Why would the Patriots release MY HUSBAND?” Victoria wrote.
Social media influencer Kayla Nicole joined the conversation with a brief but expressive comment, adding, “Ommmmgggggg this sound,” in response to Victoria’s post.
Season Performance and Financial Considerations
Gibson started the 2025 NFL season as the Patriots’ second-string running back, but his year ended prematurely in Week 5 after the team’s 23-20 victory over the Buffalo Bills. Retaining Gibson would have resulted in a salary cap hit of approximately $4.14 million for New England. Following the release announcement, Gibson thanked his former team and fans on Instagram, signaling optimism about the future.
“Thank you to the organization and the fans for the support and belief, but the journey continues and the best is yet to come,” Gibson said.
Before joining the Patriots, Gibson spent four seasons with the Washington Commanders from 2020 through 2023.
Victoria Shares Optimism Amid New Beginnings
In addition to addressing the release news, Victoria shared a more hopeful message on her Instagram story by reposting NBC Boston‘s coverage. She captioned it with a three-word phrase: “New chapter unlocked,” indicating a positive outlook despite recent changes. The couple is also expecting their fourth child together, an announcement Victoria made last October, six months after their wedding.
Next Steps for Antonio Gibson and Patriots Fans
Antonio Gibson’s departure marks a significant change for the Patriots’ roster as they prepare for the 2024-25 season. With free agency now open to him, Gibson will explore options to continue his career in the NFL. Meanwhile, Patriots fans and the organization will strategize adjustments to their depth chart and lineup heading into the coming campaign.
