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Commanders' Jeremy Reaves reflects on journey to another contract
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- Commanders' Jeremy Reaves reflects on journey to another contract
Commanders' Jeremy Reaves reflects on journey to another contract
Jeremy Reaves is one of the easiest players in the NFL to root for. The Washington Commanders ' safety first entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of South Alabama in 2018. After initially being signed by the Philadelphia Eagles, Reaves was released on Sept. 1 as part of the team's final cuts.
Eleven days later, Reaves signed with the then-Redskins' practice squad. He's only been with Washington ever since.
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Reaves' journey hasn't been easy, but he has always worked hard, earning the trust of teammates and every coaching staff he has played for. He made his NFL debut in 2018 after being on the practice squad for much of the season. In 2019, he was waived during final cuts but re-signed to the practice squad. He would end up playing nine games in 2019.
He would follow the same path in 2020 and 2021, beginning the season on the practice squad and ending it on the main roster. Finally, in 2022, Reaves made the 53-man roster out of training camp. He would earn first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors for his play on special teams. The Commanders filmed Ron Rivera informing Reaves of the honor, and punter Tress Way, his close friend, wanted to be a part of it.
After tearing his ACL in 2023, there were questions about how Reaves would fit Washington's new regime. There was a new GM (Adam Peters) and head coach (Dan Quinn). The new regime didn't even need to see Reaves play in order to re-sign him. The Commanders gave Reaves a two-year contract. One year later, the Commanders extended Reaves for another year. Last week, he was extended yet again, keeping him under contract through the 2027 season.
It's quite a feat for a backup safety who plays well when called upon. Reaves is one of the NFL's best special teams players and a locker-room leader. He spoke last week about his journey and signing another extension.
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"It's amazing, man," Reaves said. "It goes to show, it does not matter what people believe about you or what people think about you or what stats or numbers or any of that stuff says about you. The belief starts with you and how you put your best foot forward every day to get where you want to go. None of those other things matters."
Reaves then explained how he was grateful for everything he experienced, the good and the bad, to help him get where he is today.
This weekend, Reaves got married.
So, congratulations on a special week for the beloved Washington safety.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Jeremy Reaves grateful and thankful
