Jeremy Reaves Proposes to Longtime Girlfriend After Commanders' Playoff Victory

Washington Commanders safety Jeremy Reaves had a night to remember both on and off the field on Sunday. After a thrilling overtime win against Atlanta, which secured the Commanders a playoff spot, Reaves proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Mikaela Worley, in a heartfelt moment that capped off an already emotional evening.

Reaves, 28, planned the proposal carefully, knowing the timing had to be just right. "I hate losing, so there's no way I could have done that in the right spirit after a loss," Reaves shared. "That thing was burning a hole in my pocket."

A Game-Changing Moment

The safety had initially considered proposing the previous week but decided to wait. After informing Worley’s family on Friday, he knew the playoff-clinching win would be the perfect backdrop.

"If we win this game, it's destiny," 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."

Following the Commanders’ victory, Worley joined Reaves and his teammates on the field at Northwest Stadium to celebrate. Amid the cheers of fans and teammates, Reaves dropped to one knee and proposed, creating a moment of pure joy that he later shared on social media.

Photo credit:  Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images

Reaves posted on X (formerly Twitter), "Glad we got to share that moment with the best fans in the world!"

Overcoming Adversity Together

Reaves’ journey to this moment has been anything but easy. In October 2023, he underwent surgery for a partially torn ACL, which sidelined him for the rest of the season. This marked another hurdle in his career after he earned All-Pro honors as a special teams player in 2021. Despite his accomplishments, the injury cast doubt on his future in the NFL.

"You can tell a lot about somebody when they are going through the worst and how they handle it," Reaves said. "I was going through the worst last year coming off an ACL [tear]. Couldn't do anything, couldn’t be my own man, and she was the crutch there when I couldn’t do it myself."

Through these challenging times, Worley stood by his side, providing unwavering support. Reaves acknowledged her role in his recovery and credited her with being his anchor during some of his toughest days.

A Playoff Push with Meaning

Reaves is among the few remaining players from Washington’s last playoff appearance in the 2020 season. Sunday’s victory marked another milestone in his career, one that felt even sweeter as he celebrated with his teammates, fans, and the love of his life.

The Commanders’ safety not only showcased his grit on the field but also reminded everyone of the importance of resilience, love, and seizing the moment. With a playoff run ahead, Reaves will carry both professional and personal triumphs as he takes on new challenges.

For Jeremy Reaves, Sunday wasn’t just about clinching a playoff berth—it was about celebrating the people who make the journey worthwhile.