Jeremy Reaves Bio
Jeremy Antoine Reaves is an American professional football safety and special teamer for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). He was born on August 29, 1996, in Pensacola, Florida. Reaves played college football for the South Alabama Jaguars and received the 2017 Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year award. After going undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. Reaves later joined the Washington Commanders, where he became a significant player, earning honors such as first-team All-Pro and the Pro Bowl in 2022. His leadership on special teams solidified his role within the team.
Early Life and Background
Jeremy Reaves was raised in Pensacola, Florida, where he attended Pensacola Catholic High School. During his time at high school, he played both baseball and football. Initially, he played running back for the Crusaders, but after his sophomore year, his coach transitioned him to defensive back. In his junior year, he earned first-team all-area recognition. His senior season was marked by an honorable mention All-State selection after he recorded 39 tackles and five interceptions, despite facing challenges due to vertebrae fractures.
Path to American Football
Reaves played four seasons for the South Alabama Jaguars, where he initially played cornerback for three years before switching to safety in his senior season. In his sophomore year, he made a significant impact, earning second-team All-Sun Belt Conference honors after recording 96 tackles, eight for loss, and six passes defensed. His junior season saw him named first-team All-Sun Belt, making 85 tackles and leading the team in pass breakups. In his senior year, he achieved a career-high 104 tackles and three interceptions, which earned him the title of Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2017. His college performance culminated in an invitation to the 2018 Senior Bowl, where he showcased his skills with eight tackles and an interception.
Jeremy Reaves Career
Early Career (2018)
Jeremy Reaves signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent on April 28, 2018. However, he was waived by the Eagles during final roster cuts on September 1, 2018. Shortly after, on September 12, he was signed to the practice squad of the Washington Redskins. He was promoted to the active roster on December 19, 2018, and made his NFL debut in Week 16 against the Tennessee Titans.
Breakthrough (2022)
In 2022, Reaves achieved a significant milestone by making the Commanders’ 53-man roster out of training camp for the first time in his career. His performance on special teams earned him a selection to the Pro Bowl as the NFC special teams starter for the 2023 Pro Bowl. Additionally, he was named the first-team All-Pro special teamer in January 2023. Reaves finished the 2022 season with a career-high 33 tackles, one pass defensed, and played a career-high 374 snaps on special teams, appearing in all 17 games with three starts.
Notable Works and Milestones
Jeremy Reaves’s signature work includes his outstanding performance during the 2022 season, which led to his selection as a Pro Bowl player and first-team All-Pro. His contributions on special teams have been crucial for the Washington Commanders, showcasing his skills and determination.
Jeremy Reaves Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Jeremy Reaves has received several nominations and honors, including his recognition as a Pro Bowl player and first-team All-Pro in 2022.
Jeremy Reaves Awards Won
Jeremy Reaves has achieved notable awards, including the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year in 2017, and he has been recognized as a first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl player in 2022.
Jeremy Reaves Family
Jeremy Reaves is engaged to Mikaela Worley.
Personal Life
Reaves proposed to Mikaela Worley on December 29, 2024, on the field of Northwest Stadium after a victory against the Atlanta Falcons.