Jets Cornerback Pays Emotional Tribute After Interception

The New York Jets were slowly but surely defeated by the Baltimore Ravens at home in Week 1 24-3, but it was an act by cornerback D.J. Reed in the fourth quarter that caught the attention of the fans and media, and today, we learned the heartbreaking reason behind it. With the Jets already trailing and Lamar Jackson looking to add on more points, he threw one deep, but not deep enough, as Reed registered his first interception as a New York Jet, capping off a fantastic game by he and Sauce Gardner, but it was what came next that shocked some.

DJ Reed dedicated his interception Sunday to his dad who passed before the game.

Thinking about you and your family, @D7_Reed 💚🙏 pic.twitter.com/4n5FCHd0jf

— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 12, 2022

Reed went to the middle of the field and got on his knees, looking at the sky above, and many thought it was an overreaction during a blowout, but it was actually D.J's tribute to his father, who passed away just before the game. Reed revealed today that he was texted by his cousins directly before the game to inform him, and that's why the emotions came out during the pre-game national anthem.

In his late father's honour, D.J. played a fantastic game, and ended it with a great, athletic interception, and all of our thoughts and prayers go out to Reed and his family during this difficult time, after he showed amazing strength to get through the game directly after learning of this news.

Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports