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Comedian Matt Rife almost became public enemy No. 1 for New England Patriots fans during a charity event hosted by NFL quarterback Drake Maye.
Maye hosted a celebrity softball game for charity on Sunday night and it featured several notable names taking part, including Rife and Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson.
On one play during the game, Rife was the beneficiary of a bad throw to first base after what looked like a routine groundout.
The throw was errant and that led to Rife trying for second base, something he quickly regretted after getting in a rundown.
And then Stevenson nearly paid the price for that errant throw and Rife’s aggressiveness because the comedian’s slide into second base took the Patriots running back’s legs out, which was a scary scene to watch when you think about NFL players and leg injuries.
MORE: Is Patriots star Christian Gonzalez holding out?
Thankfully, Stevenson appeared to be OK after the play, and Rife avoided never hearing the end of it from Patriots fans for the rest of his existence on planet Earth.
Wherever they were, head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels definitely cringed watching that clip.
Just a few baseball-related thoughts here:
Rife clearly needs to work on his slide and everyone involved in the rundown needs to do a better job not crowding second base.
Food for thought for 2027, gentlemen.
Jan 18, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) moves with the ball in the first quarter in an AFC Divisional Round game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Rhamondre Stevenson will once again share a backfield with 2025 second-round pick TreVeyon Henderson.
The question is: will Stevenson actually lead the backfield?
Henderson is clearly the more explosive and exciting player given his big-play ability that makes him a scoring threat from anywhere on the field.
MORE: Bills trade for DJ Moore off to rough start
But Henderson also proved shaky in pass protection, and if that continues his playing time will be negatively impacted, which will benefit Stevenson.
Stevenson has his own issues, though, as the veteran has struggled with fumbles during his career.
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) takes a handoff from quarterback Drake Maye (10) against the Miami Dolphins during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium – Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Stevenson could be auditioning for a new team in 2027.
That’s because the veteran running back has a clear out in his contract next year.
New England can save $6.4 million while incurring a dead-cap hit of $3.2 million if Stevenson is cut next offseason.
MORE: Ex-Cowboys star gets embarrassed in MMA fight
The Patriots’ willingness to do so will depend upon Stevenson staying healthy (he has missed games in each of the past three seasons) and productive in 2027.
Henderson taking a step forward and proving himself to be a clear lead back will be important for Stevenson’s future, also.
Continue reading...
Maye hosted a celebrity softball game for charity on Sunday night and it featured several notable names taking part, including Rife and Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson.
On one play during the game, Rife was the beneficiary of a bad throw to first base after what looked like a routine groundout.
The throw was errant and that led to Rife trying for second base, something he quickly regretted after getting in a rundown.
And then Stevenson nearly paid the price for that errant throw and Rife’s aggressiveness because the comedian’s slide into second base took the Patriots running back’s legs out, which was a scary scene to watch when you think about NFL players and leg injuries.
MORE: Is Patriots star Christian Gonzalez holding out?
Thankfully, Stevenson appeared to be OK after the play, and Rife avoided never hearing the end of it from Patriots fans for the rest of his existence on planet Earth.
Wherever they were, head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels definitely cringed watching that clip.
Just a few baseball-related thoughts here:
Rife clearly needs to work on his slide and everyone involved in the rundown needs to do a better job not crowding second base.
Food for thought for 2027, gentlemen.
Rhamondre Stevenson’s 2026 outlook
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Jan 18, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) moves with the ball in the first quarter in an AFC Divisional Round game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Rhamondre Stevenson will once again share a backfield with 2025 second-round pick TreVeyon Henderson.
The question is: will Stevenson actually lead the backfield?
Henderson is clearly the more explosive and exciting player given his big-play ability that makes him a scoring threat from anywhere on the field.
MORE: Bills trade for DJ Moore off to rough start
But Henderson also proved shaky in pass protection, and if that continues his playing time will be negatively impacted, which will benefit Stevenson.
Stevenson has his own issues, though, as the veteran has struggled with fumbles during his career.
Last hurrah in New England?
You must be registered for see images attach
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) takes a handoff from quarterback Drake Maye (10) against the Miami Dolphins during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium – Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Stevenson could be auditioning for a new team in 2027.
That’s because the veteran running back has a clear out in his contract next year.
New England can save $6.4 million while incurring a dead-cap hit of $3.2 million if Stevenson is cut next offseason.
MORE: Ex-Cowboys star gets embarrassed in MMA fight
The Patriots’ willingness to do so will depend upon Stevenson staying healthy (he has missed games in each of the past three seasons) and productive in 2027.
Henderson taking a step forward and proving himself to be a clear lead back will be important for Stevenson’s future, also.
Continue reading...
