From college pitcher to NFL defensive anchor: the resilient career of D. J. Reader
In short: Few athletes transition from the baseball mound to the NFL trenches with such impact. A former Clemson pitcher, D. J. Reader has navigated devastating injuries and professional trades to become a cornerstone of the defensive line, proving that durability is just as vital as raw strength.
David Vernon "D. J." Reader Jr. entered the professional football landscape via the 201 and 16th overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft. Drafted by the Houston Texans in the fifth round, Reader was tasked with a significant responsibility: replacing the retired veteran Vince Wilfork as the team's starting nose tackle in 2017. His early career was marked by high-profile moments, such as a 2018 season opener where he recorded two sacks against Tom Brady.
However, the physical toll of the nose tackle position is evident in Reader's medical history. His career has been punctuated by several stints on injured reserve, including a quad injury in October 2020 and a knee injury in September 2022. Despite these setbacks, his resilience has been recognized both on and off the field. In 2021, while playing for the Cincinnati Bengals, he earned the Ed Block Courage award and contributed to a Super Bowl LVI run.
Beyond the statistics, Reader's impact extends to community service. Having lost his father, David Sr., to kidney failure in 2014, Reader has become a prominent supporter of the National Kidney Foundation. His commitment to service is extensive; he has logged over 4,000 hours of volunteer work, earning the President's Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Service Award in 2022. Through his 'A Son Never Forgets Foundation,' he continues to provide wellness programs and football camps to his North Carolina community.
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