D.J. Reader has had enormous postseason success with the Cincinnati Bengals over the past two years, but the defensive tackle still has a deep appreciation for his original draft team.
The former Houston Texans 2016 fifth-rounder was in Houston June 24 attending a charity dodgeball event at Pitch 25 and elaborated on why he will have a soft spot for the Bayou City, regardless of where he plays pro football.
“I’ll always have love here, the team that drafted me and let me play the game that I love,” Reader said via Aaron Wilson of KPRC-TV. “I’ve got love and respect and the opportunity I have. It’s always going to be my roots here. I’m always here. I’m always in the city. I’m always around.”
The former Clemson product made a strong case for a second contract in 2019 with 52 combined tackles, six tackles for loss, 13 quarterback hits, and 2.5 sacks through 15 games, all of which he started.
Former Texans defensive end J.J. Watt considered Reader to be one of his best friends on the team. Former coach and general manager Bill O’Brien also had an appreciation for Reader’s play despite the club not being able to work out an extension in the 2020 offseason.
