New York Jets cornerback D.J. Reed played with a heavy heart against the Baltimore Ravens on September 11 after finding out just before the season opener that his dad had died, according to the New York Post.
Reed said his dad, Dennis Reed Sr., had been battling multiple sclerosis since 2004. He had taken a turn for the worse recently, and Reed's mom told him last week that they were taking his dad off of the life support he had been on and that he would likely die. Reed's dad managed to survive until Sunday morning.
Reed was preparing for pregame introductions at MetLife Stadium before the Jets squared off with the Ravens when he suddenly received texts from family members telling him that his dad had died.
Reed emotional before the game started
Reed said it was emotional, and he was crying when the national anthem played. He played a solid game against the Ravens, giving up no receptions and recording an interception in the fourth quarter.
Reed ran to midfield when he got the pick, taking a knee and pointing to the sky in honor of his late father, according to USA Today. Some criticized him for the celebration since the Jets were already down by 21 points at that stage. They did so without knowing the meaning behind Reed's powerful tribute.
Reed said he honestly forgot about the score and all that. He does not want to say he did not care because he cares about winning, but it was deeper than football when he got the interception. He said he wanted to pay tribute to his dad and already knew what he would do, and he did it.
Reed unsure if he will attend dad's funeral in Iowa
Reed, who signed as a free agent from the Seattle Seahawks back in March, said it was hard for him to focus against the Ravens initially, but he wanted to do it for his dad. He said it was basically just controlling his energy as his emotions were everywhere.
He believes in God so he just thought there was a reason for him to pass away right before the game. He said his father could have died that whole week, and he passed away right before the game started. He knew his father was watching, so he would put on a show for him.
Reed said he is dedicating this 2022 NFL season to his dad. However, he is unsure if he will attend his father's funeral in Iowa, saying they have already chopped it up in their numerous conversations over the previous months, the Associated Press reported.
