Washington Commanders safety Jeremy Reaves experienced a memorable night on the field Sunday, celebrating two significant moments: firstly, his team’s thrilling overtime victory against the Atlanta Falcons, securing a playoff spot, and secondly, proposing to his longtime girlfriend, Mikaela Worley.
Reaves expressed that he would only have felt right making such a personal commitment after a victory, stating, “I hate losing, so there’s no way I could have done that in the right spirit after a loss.” He had been contemplating the proposal for a while, finally deciding to act after discussing it with Worley’s family.
Reflecting on their relationship, Reaves said, “She’s earned it. I can’t say enough about her. When I was at my lowest last year, she was there to pick me up every day. She showed up. That’s my best friend. Been my best friend since high school.”
On the field at Northwest Stadium, Reaves dropped to one knee to propose to Worley, highlighting the joy of sharing such a life-changing moment amid a successful game. Having faced challenges in his career, including a serious knee injury last year that threatened his future in the NFL, he credits Worley for her unwavering support during his toughest times. “You can tell a lot about somebody when they are going through the worst and how they handle it,” he noted, emphasizing her role as his emotional anchor during his recovery from a partially torn ACL.
Reaves, a Pro Bowl special team player who earned All-Pro recognition in 2021, remains one of the few players from Washington’s last playoff appearance in the 2020 season.
In summary, Jeremy Reaves celebrated a night of triumph and love, showcasing resilience and the importance of support systems in overcoming life’s hurdles. This poignant moment serves as a reminder of the power of companionship, especially in the face of adversity.