In a night of celebration and emotion, Washington Commanders safety Jeremy Reaves took the opportunity after his team’s playoff-clinching victory to propose to his longtime girlfriend Mikaela Worley on the field at Northwest Stadium. The 28-year-old defensive back, who battled back from a torn ACL last season, got down on one knee as his teammates and the home crowd erupted in cheers.
“I hate losing, so there’s no way I could have done that in the right spirit after a loss,” Reaves revealed after the game. “That thing was burning a hole in my pocket.” The All-Pro special teamer had considered popping the question last week but decided to wait for the perfect moment – a win that would secure the Commanders’ spot in the postseason.
A Comeback Story and a Supportive Partner
Reaves’ path to this unforgettable night was not an easy one. After earning his place in the league and being named an All-Pro special teams player in 2021, he suffered a partially torn ACL in October 2023, abruptly ending his season and putting his career in jeopardy once again.
“When I was at my lowest last year, she was there to pick me up everyday. She showed up,”
– Jeremy Reaves on girlfriend Mikaela Worley’s support during his injury rehab
Through the challenging recovery process, Worley remained by Reaves’ side, providing unwavering support and encouragement. “She’s earned it,” Reaves said of his now-fiancée. “That’s my best friend. Been my best friend since high school.”
A Memorable Proposal in Front of the Home Crowd
As the Commanders celebrated their thrilling overtime win against the Atlanta Falcons, Worley joined Reaves and his teammates on the field, unaware of the surprise that awaited her. In front of thousands of elated fans, Reaves got down on one knee and asked for her hand in marriage, adding an extra special moment to an already incredible night for the franchise.
Reaves later shared his gratitude on social media, posting, “Glad we got to share that moment with the best fans in the world!” The heartwarming proposal served as a testament to the couple’s enduring love and the strength of their relationship, which helped carry Reaves through one of the most challenging periods of his life and career.
Looking Ahead to the Playoffs and a Bright Future
With a playoff berth secured and a newfound sense of personal joy, Jeremy Reaves has much to look forward to both on and off the field. As one of the few remaining players from Washington’s last postseason appearance in 2020, he now has the opportunity to lead his team on a deep playoff run while embarking on a new chapter in his life with his future wife by his side.
The Commanders’ faithful will undoubtedly be cheering on Reaves and his teammates as they aim to make their mark in the playoffs, but they will also be celebrating the love story that unfolded before their eyes on that unforgettable Sunday night. In a season filled with adversity and triumph, Jeremy Reaves’ proposal to Mikaela Worley stands as a shining moment that will be forever etched in the hearts of players and fans alike.
