Washington Commanders safety and special teams star Jeremy Reaves was made aware that he had been selected to a Pro Bowl in a heart-warming moment caught on camera. Reaves has spent five years in the league, but only made it on to a 53-man roster for the first time this year after being cut five times.
After being undrafted in 2018, Reaves signed with the Philadelphia Eagles for pre-season, but did not make the roster and was cut before being picked up by the Washington franchise and assigned to their practice squad.
Each season up until 2022, Reaves had spent time on the practice squad and had been elevated to the main roster for gamedays in 2019, but would be waived three more times and never making the 53-man roster on a permanent occasion.
But after an impressive pre-season the special-teams ace finally made the team, and has been one of the better players in that phase of the game this season.
In the video, head coach Ron Rivera calls Reaves in to his office - a place the player will be all too familiar with as it's where they are told that they will be released, but this time, it was good news.
Rivera said: "Congratulations. You're the Pro Bowl special teams guy. You're the starter."
Speechless, Reaves then breaks down into tears before being comforted by his head coach, who told him that he'd earned it. He added: "And I know, your mom would be proud."
Reaves mother tragically passed away last year, as he took to Twitter to thank her. He wrote: "Momma you’ve been working! Thank you to the fans, my teammates, family, and the city of Pensacola! Delayed not denied!!!".
Whilst also being used in multiple positions on special teams, Reaves has also had time playing safety for the Commanders on defence - with 17 total tackles.
Reaves is one of four Commanders to be named to the Pro Bowl, with wide receiver Terry McLaurin, defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and punter Tress Way all making the team.
The Pro Bowl hosts the best players from each position in an end of season game, in a weekend filled with festivities in what will be a new format in 2022. The game is set to be held in Las Vegas.
