Newly engaged Washington Commanders safety Jeremy Reaves is reflecting on what has been a transformative and emotional year. Hours after proposing to his longtime girlfriend, Mikaela Worley, following Washington’s playoff-clinching victory over the Atlanta Falcons on “Sunday Night Football,” Reaves took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute to his fiancée.
“A year ago, I was at one of my lowest. A year later, you helped get me back to my best!” the 28-year-old wrote. “Every time life tore me down, you built me right back up and spoke life into me! You carried the weight when I couldn’t during some tough days (all that PA school definitely came in handy lol!) God makes no mistakes, and He gave me you when I needed you most. 8+ years of friendship, a lifetime to go as one! I meant it when I said 5life! I love you, Mikaela R Worley PA-C.”
Reaves ended the post with a nod to Proverbs 18:22: “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”
A Romantic Game-Day Proposal
Reaves’ proposal was a perfect culmination of a thrilling day for the Commanders, who secured their first playoff berth since 2020 with a dramatic 30–24 overtime win at Northwest Stadium. After the game, Reaves got down on one knee near the sideline and presented a sparkling engagement ring to Worley, a physician assistant.
“That thing was burning a hole in my pocket,” Reaves joked during the postgame press conference.
Worley, who said yes, has been a constant source of strength and support for Reaves throughout their relationship, especially during challenging times.
“You can tell a lot about somebody when they are going through the worst and how they handle it,” Reaves said, referring to his recovery from a partially torn ACL. “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.”
A Year of Challenges and Triumphs
Reaves’ journey has been anything but easy. The undrafted free agent out of South Alabama joined Washington’s practice squad in 2018 after being waived by the Eagles. He has since fought to earn his place on the Commanders’ roster, culminating in a Pro Bowl selection for the 2022 season. However, his 2023 campaign ended prematurely due to his ACL injury, making this year’s playoff berth all the more meaningful.
“Every victory feels sweeter when you’ve had to fight for it,” Reaves said.
Looking Ahead
With the Commanders sitting at 11–5, the team heads into their Week 18 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys riding high on momentum and camaraderie under first-year head coach Dan Quinn.
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has played a pivotal role in the team’s success, and the playoff-bound Commanders are hoping to make a deep postseason run.
For Reaves, however, the victory is already personal. He now looks forward to building a lifetime of memories with Worley, his partner and unwavering supporter.
“She’s been there through it all,” Reaves said. “I couldn’t ask for a better teammate in life.”
Leave a Reply