Perhaps no player identifies with the Washington Commanders’ fan base more than safety Jeremy Reaves.
In 2018, Reaves was an undrafted free agent who initially signed with the Philadelphia Eagles before being waived during final cuts. This began his journey in Washington, where the Commanders quickly signed him to their practice squad. That December, Reaves made his NFL debut.
Over the next three seasons, Washington cut Reaves, re-signed him to the practice squad, and signed him to the 53-man roster, only to release him during final cuts — multiple times. There was a point where Reaves almost gave up on his dream.
However, everything changed in 2022, when Reaves, for the first time, made the 53-man roster out of training camp. He’s never left since. Reaves earned a trip to the Pro Bowl in his first full season on the roster and was named first-team All-Pro for his outstanding play on special teams.
Unfortunately, early in 2023, Reaves suffered a knee injury and missed the remainder of the season. The injury couldn’t have come at a worse time, with the Commanders expected to undergo a regime change and Reaves a free agent.
However, new general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn wanted to rebuild the culture. They quickly learned how special Reaves was — on and off the field — signing him to a two-year extension.
Now, the Commanders just finished their best regular season in 33 years. They won 12 games, their first playoff game in 19 years, and, on Sunday, will play in the NFC championship game for the first time in 33 years.
Reaves is happy. He’s one of Washington’s longest-tenured players. He’s not just happy for himself but for the fans. It isn’t lip service, either. If you follow Reaves on social media, he’s constantly interacting with fans and doing things in the community. He’s a good player but, most importantly, a great person.
This week, ahead of the franchise’s biggest game in 33 years — notice that number — Reaves wrote a column for the fans in The Player’s Tribune.
It’s outstanding.
Reaves spoke of many things, but one stood out. While he’s happy for himself and his teammates, he’s most pleased for the fans.
Fans aren’t just happy because the team is winning but because they have a franchise quarterback, Jayden Daniels. Reaves understands how lucky the Commanders are to have Daniels. He also understands why the fans have taken to Daniels.
So this is a pro’s pro … as a rookie. Then, on top of that, he treats everyone right, with kindness. He lifts people up. And when you’re like that, people want to ride with you. I will absolutely follow that guy into battle any day. And it’s been so awesome to see our fans take to him, and all the joy he brings them. Because they absolutely deserve that joy.
Reaves continues his previous thought, almost reflecting on the season.
We all do, honestly. It’s been a long time coming. I feel like this entire franchise, after all we’ve been through, deserves as many special moments as possible.
Yes, Jeremy, you are correct. The franchise and its fans deserve everything.
It’s impossible for me to put into words what this football team means to me. This franchise. This city. Our fans. All of it.
