The Washington Commanders will have 4 players representing the at this season’s Pro Bowl games, for the first time since 2016. And for 2 of them, this is their first appearance. The Commanders received the list of players selected on Tuesday, and coach Ron Rivera took it upon himself to break the news to the players. And the reactions are just priceless!
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Terry McLaurin, making his first Pro Bowl appearance, will be one of three NFC East receivers, behind CeeDee Lamb and A.J. Brown. Jonathan Allen will be making his second appearance in consecutive years, while Tress Way’s last appearance was in 2020. Rivera elected to inform these players well ahead of what is, in retrospect, the grand finale of the announcement schedule.
get your tissues ready 🥹
watch @RiverboatRonHC tell the guys they made the Pro Bowl pic.twitter.com/7rpj99EIkZ
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 22, 2022
This year, the Pro Bowl is following a new format, one starkly different from its previous editions. The week-long games will include multiple showcases of players’ skills, including a “flag football” game.
The NFC East will send 21 players to the games, after the division’s stellar success this season. The Philadelphia Eagles, the Dallas Cowboys, the New York Giants, and the Commanders have all put up exhilarating performances this season, with the Eagles and the Cowboys already making it to the playoffs.
Jeremy Reaves breaks down after getting news of Pro Bowl selection from coach
The last person on Rivera’s list was free safety Jeremy Reaves. Reaves was undrafted in 2018, and then signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. 4 months later, the Eagles waived his contract but was picked up by the Commanders. And he’s been with them ever since. This is the first year that he has made it to the initial 53-man roster, instead usually making the numbers only when injuries run rampant. He’s been cut 4 times before his statement season this year.
The news sent Reaves into shock for a few moments, then he burst into tears. Hugging the coach and thanking him, he says, “I told you I’d run through a brick wall for you.” Rivera, during the exchange, is also heard saying, “You earned it young man. I know your mom would be proud.”
Reaves’ mother passed away in late 2021, and he has described her death as one of the most significant and soul-shattering losses he has ever endured. As his biggest supporter, she was a constant source of inspiration and support for him.
With the news now spreading across the Commanders community, expect the players to pick up the pace, and fight tooth and nail to try and get their hands on a playoff spot. Will this event bring a newfound motivation in the team to push this last mile in the regular season?
