FLORHAM PARK (N.J.) New York Jets Cornerback D.J. Reed It was highly anticipated. It was a brand new season, a team, and a fresh start. MetLife Stadium was crowded Sunday with hopeful fans. Reed, a free agent addition to the offseason, was about to enter the green-and white madness. He looked at his phone before heading to the tunnel to see the pregame introductions.
Condolences from relatives
Dennis Reed Sr. had passed away earlier in the day in Waterloo. He had lost his 18-year battle to multiple sclerosis. He was 61. D.J. He knew that the future was grim. However, he only learned of his father's death minutes before kickoff. He was elated and then heartbroken in a flash.
He wept during national anthem thinking about his father, and getting caught up in the emotions of 9/11 anniversary.
“I just said, ‘OK, I know he’s watching, so I’m going to put on a show for him,'” Reed said.
The Jets lost against the Baltimore RavensAlthough the score was 24-9, the 25-yearold was one of the brightest spots. He refused to let a receiver catch a ball on his head and performed an aerial interception in the final minutes of the game. Reed's response to the NFL logo at Midfield was criticized on social media. He raised both arms, looked up to the sky and knelt down. But this wasn’t just a guy celebrating a loss. After the game, he said that it was for his father.
.@D7_Reed It was there when I got up.#BALvsNYJ CBS pic.twitter.com/CKdt4ZFi24
— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 11, 2022
He said, “I honestly forgot all about the score.” “I don’t want to say I didn’t care, because I care about winning, but it was deeper than football when I got the interception. “I wanted to pay tribute my dad.”
It will continue.
He stated, “This is for my father.”
Reed's ability to perform under difficult circumstances was admired by the entire league and his circle of friends, which included former teammates. San Francisco 49ers Richard Sherman, teammate.
“He's like my little brother, and I can't picture what he was thinking or going through — and what's he going through right now,” the ex-star cornerback said to ESPN via phone interview. “But I know football's peace is his. It is, for many. It is where you find your peace, your tranquility, and your distraction. You can find a way to release your pain and sadness, and make it as positive as possible. He was able do that. He made his dad proud by going out.”
Robert Saleh, Jets coach, said that “D.J. is a pro’s pro, a man’s man. … [He] It was a difficult time. [Sunday] He was on an emotional roller coaster the entire week.
Reed shared intimate details about their relationship with his father and their last conversation with reporters, speaking openly to them about the death of his father. It may have been cathartic for Reed. He talked about how his dad introduced him to sports such as football, wrestling, and tennis. He also recalled the sad moment in 2004 when his father was diagnosed by MS, an incurable, crippling disease of central nervous system.
“That’s when things in my household started getting really tough,” he said. He was always active, even when he wasn't sick. He was a great father. His body deteriorated after he became sick. He couldn’t be there like he wanted to be there.”
Their last conversation took place on Wednesday. Dennis Reed couldn't speak due to a life-sustaining tube in his throat. He listened to his son. D.J. This is what D.J.
“I love you…You fought a good battle… “Thank you so much.”
D.J. D.J. appreciated his father's humor and toughness, and he tried to emulate those qualities in his own life.
Although he was only 5'9, he was not a five star recruit with dozens of schools fighting for his services. He grew up in Bakersfield and attended Fresno State College as a walk-on. After transferring to Cerritos College, Norwalk, California where he lived in a roach-infested home with eight other students, he returned to Bakersfield. He didn't have a glamorous junior-college experience.
Reed eventually made it to Kansas State. He played well enough to be a fifth round pick for the 49ers in 2018. He was cut in 2020 by the 49ers and claimed waivers by them. Seattle Seahawks. He saved his career by returning to Seattle, and he was awarded a free three-year contract worth $33million from the Jets.
Sherman said, “He is such an amazing person.” Sherman said, “He's gone through so many things. He didn't follow a traditional route to get to where he is today. He has taken the difficult road every step.
“He is undersized, and people count it against him. But ask his receivers. They could not tell you his height or the impact it has on his game. He's an outstanding player. He is an exceptional person. He's a giant. He is a natural. His determination and effort are unmatched.
Reed's mental toughness faced challenges on Sunday. It will also be difficult in the coming weeks and days. He said that the hardest part will be during the offseason. He had planned to visit his father and his daughter in the next two months. He doesn't plan to attend the funeral at this time.
He stated, “Me & my dad, it was already chopped up.” We had great communication. It was pure love. I don’t know if a funeral will be the best situation for me. For me, the best situation is to keep busy, and that’s what I’ve been doing, being around my teammates, being around the building. That’s what helps me.”
