Washington special-teamer Jeremy Reaves is a perfect example of how an underdog can rise through hard work and perseverance.
Since he signed with Washington as an undrafted free agent in 2018, Reaves has yo-yoed off and on the roster.
He made the opening 53-man roster this season for the first time in his career. In 2021, head coach Ron Rivera said of Reaves: “He epitomizes what grit is.”
On Wednesday, Rivera broke the news to a surprised Reaves that he had made the Pro Bowl — one of four Washington players to be honored.
“You earned it, dude,” the coach said. Check out the emotional interaction between Reaves and Rivera in this behind-the-scenes video:
Reaves’ relentless pursuit of his NFL dream finally paid off with recognition as one of the league’s all-stars.
On Thanksgiving last year, Reaves lost his mother. The former South Alabama player said playing football helped him get through the loss.
“I needed something to keep me going, and I know my mom would’ve wanted me to keep going,” he told the media in August.
In addition to Reaves, WR Terry McLaurin, DT Jonathan Allen and punter Tress Way are the Commanders’ Pro Bowlers.
But only one of these selections is worth a good cry.
