Commanders for Washington’s safety Jeremy Reaves was rendered speechless upon learning he would represent the squad in the NFL Pro Bowl.
The NFL unveiled their pro bowl picks on Wednesday night, after fans, players, and coaches voted on the league’s best players.
Reaves, who went undrafted in 2018, was one of four Commanders players to earn a berth in the annual game, which will be held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas in February.
Before calling Reaves into the locker room, head coach Ron Rivera surprised wide receiver Terry McLaurin, defensive lineman Jonathan Allen, and punter Tress Way in an emotional footage.
Rivera shook Reaves’ hand and said, “Listen, congrats. You’re on the Pro Bowl special teams.” You are the initiator.
Reaves shed tears as Rivera embraced the game-changing player.
“You have earned it,” Rivera continued. Your mother would be pleased of what you’ve accomplished.
Way exclaimed, “Oh my goodness, he got it!” when Rivera shared the news in private.
Way pleaded with the Commanders’ coach to let him to be a part of the emotional unveiling, even agreeing to remain hidden until the big moment.
Prior to earning a spot on the Commanders’ 53-man roster this season, the former South Alabama football star had been cut four times in his NFL career.
Jeremy Reaves was overcome with emotion when Coach Ron Rivera informed him that he would be a Pro Bowl starter.
Washington Commanding Officers
At the time of his Pro Bowl selection, Reaves had 17 tackles and had played in all 14 games for the Commanders.
After the pick, Reaves thanked his supporters, teammates, and his mother, who died on Thanksgiving Day in 2021 and was his “greatest fan.”
“Momma you’ve been working!”
Reaves issued a tweet. “Many thanks to the fans, my teammates, my family, and Pensacola! Delayed not denied!!!”
»Commanders player breaks down in an emotional video following his first Pro Bowl nomination«