Patriots face off-field distractions leading into the season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 18, 2026, 5:21 PM
Last updated Sep 18, 2026
The New England Patriots are navigating significant off-field drama as the 2026 NFL season progresses. Owner Robert Kraft made headlines by attempting to remove Macklemore from Ed Sheeran's tour, following the controversy surrounding a public statement on Palestine. Adding to the drama, running back TreVeyon Henderson shared a politically charged post on social media. This tumult follows a difficult season opener against the Seattle Seahawks, where the Patriots narrowly lost 13-10. With organizational leadership under scrutiny, the team is looking to regain focus amid ongoing distractions.
- •Patriots lost opening game 13-10 against Seahawks, struggling offensively.
- •Robert Kraft faces backlash for comments on musician Macklemore's support for Palestine.
- •Running back TreVeyon Henderson involved in social media controversy.
- •Team's leadership issues have intensified following offseason distractions.
- •New England aims to refocus as they head deeper into the season.
- 5:21 PMYahoo Sports — The Patriots are the new masters of off-field drama
"Distractions have become part of the Pats’ DNA.
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