With their season hanging in the balance, the Washington Commanders clinched their first playoff berth since 2020 after a thrilling 30-24 overtime victory against the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday. The game not only secured their spot but also set the stage for one of the most memorable moments of the day: safety Jeremy Reaves' proposal to his longtime girlfriend, Mikaela Worley.
Reaves had orchestrated the surprise proposal earlier in the week, contingent upon the Commanders winning the game. He recalled the nervous anticipation leading up to the game, stating, "It was going to be on standby. Listen, I hate losing. So there was no way I could have done it after a loss. There’s no way." With the winning touchdown caught by tight end Zach Ertz during overtime, Reaves felt the moment was destined. "God's going to tell me if this is the day to do it. If we win this game, it's destiny," he shared.
Following the game-winning touchdown, Reaves found Worley, who was cheering with family, including her brother and sister-in-law, and pulled her onto the field. Surrounded by the cheering crowd, he got down on one knee, delivering the ultimate surprise. Their love story traces back to their humble beginnings in Pensacola, Florida, where both excelled at their respective colleges, with Worley playing volleyball and Reaves playing football.
Outside of the sports world, Worley works as a certified physician's assistant, showing her support during Reaves' difficult recovery period from ACL surgery last season. "She’s earned it, I can’t say enough good things about her," Reaves said, reflecting on her unwavering support. "When I was at my lowest last year, she was there to pick me up. She’s been my best friend since high school." With this shared bond, the proposal added another chapter to their story just as their professional aspirations soared with the playoff clinch.
The Commanders' victory holds significance beyond personal milestones. They now shift their focus to the regular-season finale against the Dallas Cowboys, where they hope to improve their record to 12-5. An impressive feat as it would be their best record since 1991 when they finished with 14 wins.
Washington faces tough odds against Dallas, especially considering their challenging history with the Cowboys, having lost six out of their last seven matchups, including their previous face-off during Week 12. The Commanders aim to break this trend; they are currently 17-43-2 against the Cowboys on the road.
Dallas, currently struggling with injuries and their own playoff elimination, poses another challenge. They announced wide receiver CeeDee Lamb would miss the rest of the season, and there is question about who will start at quarterback, leading to uncertainty about the team's strategy.
The importance of the coming game lies not only in the rivalry but also the playoff seedings at stake. Should the Commanders fall to the Cowboys, they risk dropping from the No. 6 playoff position to No. 7, which would tenfold increase their challenges when facing the Philadelphia Eagles, who await them as potential wild-card competitors.
The urgency to maintain health as they head to AT&T Stadium runs high. Both Reaves’ personal ambitions and the team's playoff objectives remain interconnected. Their focus on getting to the playoffs aligns with the team dynamics as Washington must evaluate how to keep players healthy for the postseason.
Fans eager to watch the game can catch it broadcast on FOX, with commentary from Adam Amin, Mark Sanchez, and sideline insights from Kristina Pink. The pre-game coverage on the team’s radio network features analysis from former player London Fletcher and play-by-play commentary from Bram Weinstein. Fans can engage with game breakdowns immediately after with interactive discussions available on the Commanders app.
Whether it's the exhilarating excitement of clutch performances leading to overtime victories or the heartfelt culmination of love stories on the field, the Washington Commanders are not just playing for glory but for cherished memories and history. With the next game looming, followers can feel the pulse of the team as they march forward, seeking victory and the promise of what lies beyond.