Jeremy Reaves

Jeremy Reaves's Biography

Jeremy Antoine Reaves, a renowned name in the world of American professional football, was born on August 29, 1996. Reaves presently serves as a safety and special teamer for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). His journey so far in the field of football is inspirational, and his skills on the field have made him a mainstay of his team and an exceptional player in the NFL.

Born and raised in Pensacola, Florida, Reaves showed an affinity for sports from an early age. He attended Pensacola Catholic High School where he played baseball and football, showcasing his athletic abilities and cultivating a passion for sports that would shape his future career. Interestingly, he began his football journey as a running back for the Crusaders, until his coach decided to move him to the crucial defensive back position after his sophomore year. Despite facing setbacks such as vertebrae fractures, Reaves excelled in the sport. He was named first-team all-area as a junior and received an honorable mention All-State as a senior after making 39 tackles and five interceptions.

After high school, Reaves was recruited by the South Alabama Jaguars where he continued his football journey. Throughout his first three seasons, he proved to be an unyielding cornerstone, playing cornerback. However, he was moved to safety going into his senior season. His sophomore year saw his first season as a starter, where he made a remarkable 96 tackles, the second-highest on his team, and led the team with six passes broken up, tying for the team lead with two interceptions and three forced fumbles. Recognizing his pivotal role and influential gameplay, he was named to the second-team All-Sun Belt Conference.

In his junior year, Reaves again showcased his knack for defensive playmaking and was named first-team All-Sun Belt after making 85 tackles and again leading the team with seven pass breakups. During his senior year, Reaves continued his dominant performances and was honored as the Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year. By the end of his collegiate career, Reaves had made a whopping 301 tackles, claimed eight interceptions, defended 22 passes, and forced eight fumbles.

Following his successful college days, Reaves got his first entry into the professional league when he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent on April 28, 2018. However, he was waived off by the Eagles by September 1, 2018. Undeterred, Reaves continued to pursue his NFL dream and was signed to the Washington Redskins’ practice squad on September 12, 2018. His dedication paid off when he made his NFL debut on December 22, 2018, against the Tennessee Titans after being promoted to the Redskins’ active roster.

Reaves’ journey with the Washington Commanders, previously the Redskins, witnessed many ups and downs. He was waived in August 2019, only to be signed to the practice squad the next day. By October 2019, Reaves was back on the active roster and made his first career start against the Minnesota Vikings. In the following years, he splits his time between the practice squad and the active roster, but his performances kept improving.

Reaves made the Commanders’ 53-man roster out of training camp in 2022, the first time in his career that he had done so after being a final cut in each of his previous four NFL seasons. In the same year, he gained recognition for his special teams play and was honored as a first-team All-Pro. In 2023, Reaves was named the special teams starter of the Pro Bowl, marking his first appearance in the prestigious match.

Despite a setback in October 2023, where he was placed on injured reserve for a partially torn ACL, Reaves bounced back, and on March 13, 2024, he re-signed with the Commanders on a two-year contract. His journey thus far is a testament to his indomitable spirit, extraordinary talent, and dedicated professionalism, securing a coveted spot for him in the world of American professional football.