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Jeremy Reaves
Jeremy Reaves
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Jeremy Antoine Reaves (born August 29, 1996) is an American professional football safety and special teamer for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the South Alabama Jaguars, where he was named the 2017 Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year.

Key Information

After going unselected in the 2018 NFL draft, Reaves signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent before joining Washington later that year. He received first-team All-Pro honors in 2022 for his special teams play after spending the majority of his early career on the practice squad.

Early life

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Reaves was born on August 29, 1996, and raised in Pensacola, Florida. He attended Pensacola Catholic High School, playing both baseball and football. He originally played running back for the Crusaders before his coach moved him to defensive back after his sophomore year. He was named first-team all-area as a junior. In his senior year, he was selected as honorable mention All-State after recording 39 tackles and five interceptions, despite missing an extended period of time because of vertebrae fractures.[1]

College career

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Reaves played four seasons for the South Alabama Jaguars, playing cornerback his first three years before moving to safety going into his senior season.[2] In his first year as a starter as a sophomore, he was named second-team All-Sun Belt Conference after making 96 tackles (second-highest on the team behind Blake Dees with 102), eight for a loss, six passes defensed (led the team), and sharing a five-way tie for the team lead of two interceptions and a three-way tie of a team-leading three forced fumbles (with Dees and Devon Earl.)[3][4] In his junior season in 2016, Reaves was named first-team All-Sun Belt after making 85 tackles (6 for loss) and again led the team with seven pass breakups, while tied with Kalen Jackson for the second-most forced fumbles (2) behind Randy Allen (3), as well as second-most interceptions (3) behind fellow cornerback Jalen Thompson (4).[5][6]

In his senior year against Louisiana-Monroe, Reaves made his second collegiate fumble recovery (after making his first in the same season) which he returned for 92 yards, in a game where he caught his second interception of the season. He completed his senior year recording a team-leading 104 tackles (7 for loss) and three interceptions, tied for the lead with three forced fumbles (Nigel Lawrence) and two fumble recoveries (Malcolm Buggs and Zach Befort), as well as performing 1.5 sacks (which included his first collegiate sack) and 8 passes defensed. For his efforts, he was named the 2017 Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year (in doing so, he became South Alabama's first player awarded in the conference.) Reaves finished his collegiate career with 301 tackles (21 for loss), eight interceptions, 22 passes defensed, and nine forced fumbles.[7][8] His performance earned him an invitation to the 2018 Senior Bowl, where he made eight tackles and an interception.[9]

Professional career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
5 ft 10+34 in
(1.80 m)
202 lb
(92 kg)
30+38 in
(0.77 m)
7+34 in
(0.20 m)
4.66 s 1.62 s 2.65 s 4.48 s 7.44 s 31.0 in
(0.79 m)
9 ft 2 in
(2.79 m)
18 reps
All values from Pro Day[10][11]

Philadelphia Eagles

[edit]

Reaves signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent on April 28, 2018.[12] He was waived by the Eagles on September 1 as part of final roster cuts.[13]

Washington Redskins / Football Team / Commanders

[edit]
A man in a white football jersey on a green football field looks toward the camera while removing his helmet
Reaves with the Washington Football Team in 2021

On September 12, 2018, Reaves was signed to the practice squad of the Washington Redskins.[14] He was promoted to the Redskins' active roster on December 19.[15] In Week 16, he made his NFL debut against the Tennessee Titans.[16]

On August 31, 2019, Reaves was waived by Washington and re-signed to the practice squad the following day.[17][18] On October 12, he was promoted to the active roster.[19] In Week 8 against the Minnesota Vikings, Reaves had his first career start, making three tackles before leaving the game due to a head injury.[20] Reaves finished the 2019 season, appearing in nine games and three starts, with 15 tackles, a quarterback hit and a pass defended (the latter two made in the season finale).[21]

On September 5, 2020, Reaves was waived as part of final roster cuts and signed to their practice squad the following day.[22][23] On October 27, he was promoted back to the active roster following a season ending injury to Landon Collins.[24] In Week 12 against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, Reaves recorded his first career sack on Andy Dalton during the 41–16 road win.[25] In Week 17 against his former Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football, Reaves recorded his first career interception off a pass thrown by Nate Sudfeld in the fourth quarter. The drive ended with turnovers by both teams and a Washington field goal as the remainder of the game went scoreless during the 20–14 road win.[26] Reaves finished the season with 25 tackles, a QB hit and two passes defensed, appearing in nine games and three starts.

On August 31, 2021, Reaves was released as part of final roster cuts and re-signed to the practice squad the following day.[27][28] On December 11, he was activated to the active roster as a COVID-19 replacement player.[29] In Week 15 against the Eagles, he made a career-high 12 tackles. On January 8, 2022, Washington signed him to the active roster ahead of the Week 18 season finale.[30] Reaves finished the 2021 season appearing in five games and two starts, making 29 tackles and one pass defended.

In 2022, for the first time in his career, Reaves made the Commanders' 53-man roster out of training camp.[31] The following December, he was selected to his first Pro Bowl as the NFC special teams starter of the 2023 Pro Bowl.[32] In January 2023, Reaves was named the 2022 first-team All-Pro special teamer.[33] He finished the season with a career-high 33 tackles and 1 pass defensed, playing a career-high 374 snaps on special teams, appearing in all 17 games and 3 starts.

On March 15, 2023, the Commanders placed a tender on Reaves, which he signed a month later.[34][35] On October 10, after five regular-season games, he was placed on injured reserve for a partially torn ACL.[36][37] He did not play for the rest of the season.

On March 13, 2024, Reaves re-signed with the Commanders on a two-year contract.[38] He finished the season appearing in all 17 games, making 20 tackles.

With one year remaining on his contract, Reaves signed a one-year contract extension with Washington on June 12, 2025.[39] In the Week 18 win over the Eagles, he recorded his second career interception on quarterback Tanner McKee.[40]

Personal life

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Reaves proposed to his girlfriend, Mikaela Worley, on December 29, 2024 on the field of Northwest Stadium after a victory against the Atlanta Falcons.[41]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Jeremy Reaves is an for the of the (), renowned for his special teams prowess and resilience in overcoming obstacles. Born on August 29, 1996, in , Reaves grew up as the son of military veterans, instilling in him a strong work ethic that has defined his professional journey. He attended the , where he played as a , amassing 301 tackles, 8 interceptions, and multiple forced fumbles over his , earning recognition as a standout . Going undrafted in the , Reaves initially signed with the as an undrafted free agent but faced repeated roster cuts, spending time on practice squads with teams including the and before joining the Washington Football Team (now Commanders) in 2020. His breakthrough came on special teams, where in the 2022 season he recorded a career-high 33 tackles and earned NFLPA First-Team honors, along with his first selection as the NFC special teams starter. Despite suffering a partially torn ACL early in the 2023 season that sidelined him for 12 games, Reaves made a full recovery and re-signed with the Commanders on a two-year contract in free agency, signed a one-year contract extension in June 2025, continuing to contribute as a core special teamer and rotational safety into the 2025 season.

Early years

Upbringing in Florida

Jeremy Reaves was born on August 29, 1996, in . He grew up as the son of two military veterans: his father, Michael, who served in the U.S. Army before becoming a for 25 years, and his mother, Rose, who served in the U.S. Air Force. This family background, rooted in , emphasized core values such as hard work, discipline, grit, selflessness, and resilience, which shaped Reaves' character from childhood. Pensacola, a coastal city in the with a strong military presence due to the nearby , provided a community environment that reinforced these principles through its culture of service and perseverance. Reaves' upbringing in this setting, supported by his parents' experiences, instilled a sense of duty and determination that influenced his personal development. His family offered unwavering encouragement for his interests, creating a supportive home where athletic pursuits were valued alongside life's broader lessons. Reaves' early exposure to sports began at age five with football, where his initial practice ended in a hard hit that nearly deterred him from continuing; however, his father's advice to "stick with it" and assurance of future rewards kept him engaged. This introduction, combined with family support, sparked his passion for athletics beyond just football, including early interests in other activities that built his physical and . These formative experiences in Pensacola laid the groundwork for his disciplined approach to sports.

High school football at Pensacola Catholic

Reaves attended Pensacola Catholic High School in , where he participated in the school's football program as a three-year letterwinner. During his freshman and sophomore years, he played primarily as a for the Crusaders, showcasing his speed and power in the backfield. In his junior and senior years, Reaves transitioned to positions, primarily , under the direction of his coaches, which allowed him to excel in coverage and run support for one of Florida's top Class 4A programs. This shift highlighted his versatility, as he also contributed on offense with receiving duties, recording 17 receptions for 252 yards as a junior. During his senior season in , Reaves suffered a significant injury midway through the year, sustaining a hairline of the L5 and L6 vertebrae in his lower back after a hit, yet he persevered and continued playing through the pain, drawing on his family's emphasis on resilience to aid his recovery. Despite the setback, he recorded 39 total tackles and five interceptions over nine games, contributing to the Crusaders' 12-1 record and a regional final appearance. His performance earned him recognition as a two-time Pensacola News Journal All-Area selection and the PNJ .

College career

Walk-on at South Alabama

Reaves joined the Jaguars as a walk-on in 2014 after graduating from Pensacola Catholic High School, where his late switch to defense had honed his tackling and coverage skills. As a true that year, he appeared in all 13 games, primarily in reserve roles, and recorded 16 total tackles along with one forced fumble and one pass breakup while adapting to the physical and strategic demands of . In his season of 2015, Reaves emerged as a starter at for all 12 games, delivering a breakout performance with 96 tackles (65 solo), eight tackles for loss, six passes defended, two interceptions, and three forced fumbles, which earned him second-team All-Sun Belt recognition and established him as a key contributor in the secondary. During his 2016 junior campaign, Reaves started the first nine games at before shifting to for the remainder, finishing with 85 tackles (59 solo), 5.5 tackles for loss, a team-high seven passes defended, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles, securing first-team All-Sun Belt honors and solidifying his versatility across positions. As a non- walk-on, Reaves worked to earn playing time and financial support through consistent effort, eventually securing a based on his on-field contributions. Throughout his early college tenure, Reaves overcame a back injury sustained while attempting an in practice, where he landed awkwardly on his rear, leading to escalating pain over the following week that tested his resilience. His nickname "No YAC," originally a high school jab at his limited yards after contact as a , evolved into a badge of defensive honor at , symbolizing his ability to shut down receivers and prevent post-catch gains.

Senior year and awards

Entering his senior year, Reaves was selected as a preseason first-team All-Sun Belt by league media and multiple publications, reflecting high expectations for his leadership and production. During the 2017 season, Reaves transitioned to a hybrid "Rover" safety position and delivered a breakout performance, leading the Jaguars with 104 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, three interceptions, and three forced fumbles over 12 games. His efforts anchored South Alabama's secondary, which ranked among the Sun Belt's better units in pass defense, and he tied for fifth in the conference in tackles per game while ranking in the national top 85. Reaves' versatility and ball skills were pivotal, as he also contributed eight pass breakups and two fumble recoveries, helping to limit opponents' big plays in key conference matchups. Reaves' senior campaign culminated in him being named the 2017 Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year, the first such honor for a South Alabama player since the conference's inception. He followed this with first-team All-Sun Belt recognition, capping a college career that saw him amass 301 total tackles, eight interceptions, and nine forced fumbles—records that underscored his relentless pursuit and turnover creation. As a senior, Reaves assumed a prominent role on the Jaguars' defense, mentoring younger players and serving as a vocal presence that boosted team morale during a challenging 6-6 season. His on-field intensity and off-field guidance helped foster a resilient unit, positioning for competitiveness in the Sun Belt and elevating Reaves' profile ahead of the NFL Draft.

Professional career

Undrafted free agent and Eagles

Reaves went undrafted in the after a standout senior season at the , where he recorded 104 tackles, three interceptions, and eight pass breakups. On May 11, 2018, he signed with the as an undrafted free agent, one of 15 rookies added to the roster following the draft. During and the preseason, Reaves competed for a depth role at , appearing in all four exhibition games. He tallied 17 total tackles (12 solo), including a pass breakup in the finale against the . Despite showing promise as a versatile defender, his performance drew mixed reviews, with early games highlighting tackling inconsistencies according to grading. The Eagles waived Reaves on September 1, 2018, as part of final roster cuts, and he did not join their . Reaves did not appear in any regular-season games during his brief time with .

Signing with Washington and early years

After being released by the shortly after going undrafted in 2018, Jeremy Reaves signed with the Washington Redskins' on September 12, 2018. He was released from the six days later but re-signed to it on October 22, 2018. On December 19, 2018, Reaves was promoted to the active roster, making his NFL debut the following day in Week 16 against the , where he contributed on special teams without recording defensive statistics. Entering the 2019 season, Reaves was waived by on August 31 but re-signed to their the next day. He earned a promotion to the active roster on October 12 and appeared in nine games, primarily on special teams, where he recorded 15 total tackles (10 solo) and one pass deflection. His role remained limited on defense, with most contributions coming during punt and coverage units. The franchise underwent a to the Washington Football Team prior to the 2020 season amid controversy over the previous moniker. Reaves was waived on September 5, 2020, but signed to the practice squad the following day; he was elevated to the active roster on October 27 to replace injured safety . Over nine games that season, Reaves focused heavily on special teams while seeing increased defensive opportunities late in the year, tallying 25 total tackles (15 solo), one sack, and one . He did not opt out of the season due to protocols. In 2021, still with the Washington Football Team, Reaves faced another waiver on August 31 before returning to the on September 1. He received multiple elevations to the active roster in December amid injuries and absences, including on December 11, 14, 25, and January 1, 2022 (for the regular-season finale). Appearing in five games, Reaves continued to develop his special teams presence, logging 29 total tackles (20 solo) and one pass deflection, with occasional defensive snaps as a reserve . These early years established Reaves as a reliable contributor and special teams asset, gradually building toward a more prominent role.

Breakthrough seasons and All-Pro recognition

Reaves experienced a significant breakthrough during the with the , where he established himself as one of the league's premier special teams players. Appearing in all 17 games and starting three on defense, he recorded 33 tackles, including 20 solo stops, while contributing one pass deflection. On special teams, Reaves led the in total special teams plays and ranked second league-wide with 16 special teams tackles, excelling in his role as a gunner on punt coverage and providing consistent downfield tackling that limited return opportunities. His performance earned him First-Team honors from the , recognizing his impact in neutralizing opponents on kick and punt coverage units. Building on his special teams foundation from earlier years in Washington, Reaves saw expanded defensive responsibilities at , playing meaningful snaps in the secondary and demonstrating versatility that complemented his core special teams duties. Notable contributions included key stops on returns, such as his tackle on a critical fourth-quarter punt in Week 10 against the Minnesota Vikings, which helped secure a Commanders victory. The momentum carried into 2023, where Reaves was selected to his first as a special teamer, further solidifying his elite status in that phase of the game. Through the first five games, he notched six tackles (four solo) on defense while maintaining high participation on special teams, with snap percentages exceeding 20 percent league-wide.

Injuries and recent contracts

During Week 5 of the , Reaves suffered a partial tear of his (ACL) in a game against the , which required season-ending surgery on October 23, 2023. Following the injury, Reaves underwent extensive rehabilitation, including training at Stark Performance in , where he progressed ahead of typical timelines by checking off key recovery milestones within five months. He returned fully for the 2024 season, appearing in all 17 games for the and recording 20 tackles primarily on special teams. His resilience in overcoming the ACL tear, motivated in part by his selection to the 2023 Pro Bowl, allowed him to contribute steadily to the team's special teams unit. On March 13, 2024, Reaves signed a two-year extension with the Commanders worth $6 million, securing his role as a core special teamer and occasional defensive contributor through the 2025 season. Reaves further solidified his commitment to the franchise by agreeing to a one-year extension on June 12, 2025, valued at $3.35 million with a $1.705 million , keeping him under through 2026. As of Week 11 in the 2025 season, Reaves has played in all 11 games, accumulating 33 solo tackles, one sack, and three pass deflections while embodying the revitalized team culture under owner Josh Harris through his leadership on special teams and defense.

Personal life

Family background

Jeremy Reaves was born and raised in , to parents with strong military backgrounds that profoundly shaped his character and approach to life. His father, , served as an sergeant before retiring and spending 25 years as a , while his mother, Rose Price, was a in the . This dual military heritage created a strict, regimented household environment that emphasized discipline and leadership from an early age. Reaves' parents instilled in him a deep sense of grit, selflessness, and resilience, values drawn directly from their own experiences navigating challenges in service and beyond. He has credited them with teaching him a "never " mentality, observing how they confronted hardships head-on without wavering, which fostered his ability to persevere through adversity. His mother's emphasis on positivity, love, and integrity further reinforced a servant- , encouraging him to treat others with regardless of circumstances and to maintain routines that built unyielding . This military-influenced upbringing was particularly evident in his self-critical drive for improvement and qualities that emerged during his football journey. Throughout his path as a walk-on and undrafted , Reaves' family provided unwavering support, blending with profound belief in his potential. His mother was his biggest advocate up until her death in November 2021, offering encouragement during early setbacks like injuries and roster cuts, while his father contributed to the disciplined foundation that sustained him. Their guidance helped him channel resilience into motivation, honoring their legacy through his persistence in professional football.

Engagement and relationships

Jeremy Reaves has been in a romantic relationship with Mikaela Worley, a certified physician's assistant, since the summer of 2023. The couple, who knew each other as friends from high school, went public with their relationship during that time and have since shared glimpses of their partnership through social media and interviews. Worley, who played college soccer at the , has been a supportive presence in Reaves' life amid the demands of his NFL career. On December 29, 2024, following the ' 30-24 overtime victory over the at FedExField—which clinched a playoff berth—Reaves proposed to Worley on the sidelines in an emotional moment captured on video. The surprise proposal, planned with the help of his teammates, highlighted the couple's shared joy in his professional triumphs. Reaves later described the event as "destiny," emphasizing Worley's role in his personal growth. Worley's support proved particularly vital during Reaves' recovery from a partially torn ACL sustained in October 2023, which sidelined him for the remainder of that season. As a medical professional, she assisted with his rehabilitation, helping him balance the physical and emotional challenges of with their developing relationship. The couple has spoken publicly about how this period strengthened their bond, allowing Reaves to maintain focus on his return to the field while nurturing their partnership away from the spotlight.

References

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