Sometimes, we never know what a player is going through, especially during a game. It turns out that for Jets cornerback D.J. Reed, Sunday was more than just a game day for him. It became an emotional one as well.
Reed’s father, Dennis, passed away and Reed found out just before pre-game introductions, he told the media Monday.
Reed says his father battled MS for 18 years. Took a turn for the worse on Wednesday. Shared news with only a few teammates and coaches. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) September 12, 2022
Reed said his father was battling MS for 18 years and it took a turn for the worse on Wednesday. That’s when Reed last spoke to his father. “I love you. You fought a good fight,” he told his father.
You just feel horrible DJ and his family right now, incredible fighter to go play a game and play how he did 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/uyxI3PB6jT
— Will Parkinson (@Willpa11) September 12, 2022
He got a text message from his uncle just before going out onto the field for pre-game introductions and he cried during the national anthem.
He somehow was able to turn his attention to the game. “I just said, I know he’s watching and I’m going to put on a show for him.”
He sure did. When Reed interception Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson in the fourth quarter, he dropped to his knees and looked up to the sky. As it turned out, that interception was dedicated to his late father.
DJ Reed dedicated his interception Sunday to his dad who passed before the game.
Thinking about you and your family, @D7_Reed 💚🙏 pic.twitter.com/4n5FCHd0jf
— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 12, 2022
Now, he’s dedicating this season, his first as a Jet, to Dennis. “This season’s for my dad,” Reed said.
Reed was also hoping his father would get to meet his daugher but he never did.
DJ Reed said what's difficult is that he & his girlfriend are expecting, and he wanted his dad to meet his daughter. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. He did, however, take his girlfriend to see his dad. #Jets
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) September 12, 2022
Reed was very raw and very emotional talking to the media. Major props to him for sharing the story so soon.
