He feels like he’s reading situations faster and making more confident moves. His teammates have been impressed
by the work he has done. Speaking about the progress achieved by secondary candidates, Bobby McCain referred to
Reaves as “one of the smartest guys in the back end.”
The gains, Reaves would tell you, are inextricably linked to a loss—one of the most profound and soul-shaking he has
ever experienced. In November 2021, the 25-year-old’s mother died.
“My mom was my biggest fan,” Reaves explained. “She constantly told me to believe in myself.Don’t try to do too
much; just do what you know you’re capable of. So I’ve kind of taken that approach. It is a sensation of tranquility. I
am not panicked, and I am not seeing too much.”
Last season, getting out on the field was therapeutic for him because of the sport’s lengthy link with his mother.
“It was probably the best thing for me, honestly,” the safety stated. “I need something to keep me going, and I know
my mother would have wanted me to continue. Simply put my best foot forward every day. Trying to commemorate
her in the best way possible, and that was really how I got through it all.”
Football has served as a distraction and a method for Reaves to keep close to his late mother during his ongoing
bereavement process. It has also created an environment in which people genuinely care about him and want to be
by his side.
“These guys, this building, the staff, my teammates, I mean, without them, I don’t know what last year would’ve been
like for me, honestly,” Reaves said in an interview. “It was the most support I’ve ever received in my life.”
