Wikipedia

Jalen Reeves-Maybin

Jalen Ahmad Reeves-Maybin (born January 31, 1995) is an American professional football linebacker and special teamer for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers. He was selected by the Lions in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL draft. Reeves-Maybin has served as president of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) since 2024.

Jalen Reeves-Maybin
refer to caption
Reeves-Maybin with the Lions in 2020
No. 42 – Detroit Lions
Position:Linebacker
Personal information
Born: (1995-01-31) January 31, 1995 (age 29)
Clarksville, Tennessee, U.S.
Height:6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:226 lb (103 kg)
Career information
High school:Northeast (TN)
College:Tennessee (2013–2016)
NFL draft:2017 / round: 4 / pick: 124
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of Week 7, 2024
Total tackles:213
Sacks:1.5
Forced fumbles:6
Fumble recoveries:3
Rushing yards:4
Passing yards:31
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Reeves-Maybin has extensively played on special teams units throughout his career and was selected to his first Pro Bowl and his first All-Pro team in 2023 as a special teamer.

Early years

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Reeves-Maybin is the son of LaDawn Reeves and Marques Maybin. He attended Northeast High School in Clarksville, Tennessee.[1] He played high school football for Northeast. He contributed to the team on offense as a quarterback. He gained more than 2,000 rushing yards as a senior, including 1,000 yards in three postseason games, with more than 300 yards in each game. He scored two touchdowns in playoff game against eventual state champion Beech Senior High School. He was named as an All-State selection on defense in 2012 by the Tennessee Sports Writers.[2]

College career

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Before the 2013 season, Reeves-Maybin committed to play college football for the University of Tennessee under head coach Butch Jones.[3]

During the 2013 season, Reeves-Maybin, as a true freshman, was a standout on special teams with a team-best 11 tackles. He rotated between linebacker and defensive back, playing in 11 games with 14 tackles on the season. He had at least one tackle on special teams in six games in a row. In the annual rivalry game against the #6 Georgia Bulldogs, he had three tackles and blocked a punt in the third quarter that resulted in a touchdown punt return by teammate Devaun Swafford in the 34–31 overtime loss.[4]

During the 2014 season, Reeves-Maybin started in all 13 games. He finished tied for first on the team with 101 tackles with 11.0 tackles-for-loss. In his first career start, he recorded 10 tackles in the 38–7 victory over Utah State in the 2014 season opener at Neyland Stadium. He made his first-career interception, coming against rival Florida in the third quarter of the 10–9 loss. He posted a career-high 13 tackles in the 2015 TaxSlayer Bowl 45–28 victory over Iowa.[5]

During the 2015 season, Reeves-Maybin started in all 13 games. He finished seventh in overall tackles with 105 and ninth in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in tackles per game (8.1). He led the team with 14.0 tackles-for-loss, which ranked eighth in the SEC, and second on team in sacks with 5.0. He had six tackles including a 9-yard sack in the 2016 Outback Bowl 45–6 victory over Northwestern.[6] He had a team-high nine tackles including a tackle-for-loss along with the game-sealing fumble recovery in the final minute and an additional forced fumble in the 27–24 victory over rival South Carolina. He had a team-best 11 tackles, including 2.5 tackles-for-loss and a sack in the 19–14 loss at #8 Alabama in the annual rivalry game. He had a career-high 21 tackles, most by a Volunteer since A. J. Johnson in 2012, including 3.0 tackles-for loss in a 2OT loss to #19 Oklahoma. He finished seventh in overall tackles with 105 and ninth in the SEC in tackles per game. He led the team with 14.0 tackles-for-loss, which ranked him eighth in the SEC, and was second on the team in sacks with 6.0.[2]

During the 2016 season, Reeves-Maybin suffered through an injury-plagued senior season. He started only four games, all in the early portion of the schedule. In the season opener against Appalachian State, he was ejected for targeting on a special teams play early in the game. He made 13 tackles and 1.5 tackles-for-loss in the 45–24 victory over Virginia Tech in the 2016 Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol.[7] In the third game of the season against Ohio, he suffered a left shoulder injury and had to leave the game. The next week, he appeared in the annual rivalry game against #19 Florida before exiting the game due to the injury. On October 18, it was announced that he would be sidelined for the rest of the season.

After the 2016 regular season, Reeves-Maybin declared his intention to enter the 2017 NFL draft.[8]

College statistics

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Year G Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
Solo Ast Tot Loss Sk Int Yds Avg TD PD FR Yds TD FF
2013 9 8 6 14 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2014 13 63 38 101 11.0 2.0 1 1 1.0 0 0 2 0
2015 13 66 39 105 14.0 6.0 0 0 0 4 2 2
2016 4 12 8 20 2.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Career 39 149 91 240 27.0 8.0 1 1 1.0 0 4 4 2

Professional career

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Pre-draft

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Reeves-Maybin was one of 29 collegiate linebackers to attend the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana. He chose to only have measurements taken and met with teams due to a pre-existing shoulder injury.[9] On March 31, 2017, Reeves-Maybin attended Tennessee's pro day and performed all of the positional and combine drills for scouts and team representatives from all 32 NFL teams, including five NFL defensive coordinators and Pittsburgh Steelers' head coach Mike Tomlin.[10] At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Reeves-Maybin was projected to be a sixth or seventh round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts. He was ranked the 23rd best outside linebacker prospect in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com.[11]

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump
6 ft 0+3⁄8 in
(1.84 m) 		230 lb
(104 kg) 		32+1⁄4 in
(0.82 m) 		9+5⁄8 in
(0.24 m)		 4.68 s 1.64 s 2.68 s 4.38 s 7.35 s 35.5 in
(0.90 m)		 9 ft 9 in
(2.97 m)
All values from NFL Combine/Tennessee's Pro Day[12][13][14]

Detroit Lions (first stint)

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2017

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The Detroit Lions selected Reeves-Maybin in the fourth round (124th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft.[15] He was the 11th linebacker chosen in 2017 and the second linebacker drafted by the Lions, behind first-rounder Jarrad Davis.[16] On May 12, 2017, the Lions signed Reeves-Maybin to a four-year, $3.01 million contract with a signing bonus of $618,887.[17]

Throughout training camp, he competed against Thurston Armbrister, Steve Longa, and Antwione Williams for a role as the backup outside linebacker. Head coach Jim Caldwell named Reeves-Maybin the backup weakside linebacker behind Tahir Whitehead to start the regular season.[18]

He made his professional regular season debut in the Lions' season-opening 35–23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.[19] On September 18, 2017, he recorded two combined tackles in a 24–10 victory at the New York Giants.[20] In Week 8, Reeves-Maybin collected five combined tackles while playing only 22 defensive snaps in the Lions' 20–15 loss to the Steelers. Reeves-Maybin missed two games (Weeks 10–11) with an ankle injury.[21] On December 10, 2017, he made a season-high six combined tackles, deflected a pass, and made assisted on his first career sack in the Lions' 24–21 victory at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He made his first career sack with teammate D. J. Hayden, as they both tackled quarterback Jameis Winston for a nine-yard loss.[22] He finished his rookie season with 30 combined tackles (25 solo), two pass deflections, and was credited with a half a sack in 14 games and zero starts.[23] Head coach Jim Caldwell was fired after the season although the Detroit Lions finished second in the NFC North with a 9–7 record.[24]

2018–2021

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In 2018, Reeves-Maybin played in nine games before being placed on injured reserve on December 5, with toe and neck injuries.[25]

In the 2019 season, Reeves-Maybin appeared in all 16 games and recorded 37 total tackles and one forced fumble.[26]

In the 2020 season, Reeves-Maybin appeared in all 16 games and recorded ten total tackles.[27]

On March 17, 2021, Reeves-Maybin re-signed with the Lions.[28] In the 2021 season, he finished with 82 total tackles, four passes defeflected, and two forced fumbles in 15 games.[29]

Houston Texans

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On March 23, 2022, Reeves-Maybin signed a two-year contract with the Houston Texans.[30] In the 2022 season, he appeared in all 17 games, mainly in a special teams role.[31] He was released on March 16, 2023.[32]

Detroit Lions (second stint)

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On March 23, 2023, Reeves-Maybin signed a one-year deal with the Lions.[33] In the 2023 regular season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, he converted a first down for the Lions on a fake punt in the first quarter.[34] In Week 13, Reeves-Maybin recorded four special teams tackles in a 33–28 win over the New Orleans Saints, earning National Football Conference Special Teams Player of the Week.[35] In Week 17 against the Dallas Cowboys, Reeves–Maybin was part of a trick play in which he converted a 31-yard fake punt pass to Khalil Dorsey to keep the Lions' drive alive.[36] On January 3, 2024, it was announced that Reeves-Maybin would be invited to the 2024 Pro Bowl games along with four other Lions teammates.[37] He was voted as the NFC's sole special teams player representative.[38][39] On February 26, 2024, Reeves-Maybin signed a two–year, $7.5 million contract extension with the Lions.[40]

Personal life

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Reeves-Maybin is the cousin of former Detroit Tigers outfielder Cameron Maybin.[41]

Additionally, he is the son of former Louisville Cardinals standout basketball player Marques Maybin. Marques was a shooting guard at the University of Louisville from 1997–2001.[42]

In March 2024, Reeves-Maybin was elected to a two-year term as president of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).[43]

References

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  1. ^ Robinson, George (October 19, 2018). "Northeast quarterback, running back wearing jersey numbers of former standouts Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Travis Stephens for crucial region game". The Leaf Chronicle. Retrieved November 5, 2018.
  2. ^ a b "Jalen Reeves-Maybin Bio". Tennessee Volunteers Athletics. Utsports.com. Archived from the original on May 7, 2017. Retrieved May 5, 2017.
  3. ^ "Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Northeast , Outside Linebacker". 247Sports. Retrieved October 24, 2022.
  4. ^ "Georgia vs. Tennessee – Game Recap – October 5, 2013". ESPN.com. October 6, 2013. Retrieved May 5, 2017.
  5. ^ "2015 TaxSlayer Bowl Official Game Stats" (PDF). Stat Broadcast. Retrieved October 24, 2022.
  6. ^ "2016 Outback Bowl: Northwestern vs. Tennessee Stats". Stat Broadcast. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  7. ^ "Virginia Tech vs Tennessee (Sep 10, 2016)". utsports.com. CBS Interactive. September 10, 2016. Retrieved September 11, 2016.
  8. ^ Crawford, Brad (December 3, 2016). "Tennessee LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin will enter NFL Draft". Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved May 5, 2017.
  9. ^ Kirschner, Alex (March 6, 2017). "NFL Combine results 2017: Full numbers for linebackers". sbnation.com. Retrieved January 19, 2018.
  10. ^ Griffith, Mike (March 31, 2017). "Tennessee football pro day results: Butch Jones relishes outgoing players' growth, performance". seccountry.com. Retrieved January 19, 2018.
  11. ^ "Jalen Reeves-Maybin, DS #23 OLB, Tennessee". nfldraftscout.com. Retrieved January 19, 2018.
  12. ^ "NFL Draft Profile: Jalen Reeves-Maybin". NFL.com. Archived from the original on January 8, 2020. Retrieved January 19, 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  13. ^ "2017 NFL Draft Scout Jalen Reeves-Maybin College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  14. ^ "Jalen Reeves-Maybin 2017 NFL Draft Profile". ESPN. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  15. ^ Twentyman, Tim (April 29, 2017). "Detroit Lions draft linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on April 29, 2017. Retrieved April 29, 2017.
  16. ^ "2017 NFL Draft Listing". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 24, 2022.
  17. ^ "Spotrac.com: Jalen Reeves-Maybin contract". spotrac.com. Retrieved May 14, 2017.
  18. ^ Meinke, Kyle (September 5, 2017). "Detroit Lions list 6 new starters on first depth chart of regular season". mlive.com. Retrieved January 19, 2018.
  19. ^ "Arizona Cardinals at Detroit Lions – September 10th, 2017". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved November 18, 2017.
  20. ^ "Detroit Lions at New York Giants – September 18th, 2017". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved November 18, 2017.
  21. ^ "Lions' Jalen Reeves-Maybin: Absent from injury report". CBSSports.com. November 3, 2017. Retrieved January 19, 2018.
  22. ^ "Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – December 10th, 2017". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 24, 2022.
  23. ^ "Jalen Reeves-Maybin 2017 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 24, 2022.
  24. ^ "2017 Detroit Lions Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 24, 2022.
  25. ^ "Lions place LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin on Reserve-Injured". DetroitLions.com. December 5, 2018. Retrieved October 24, 2022.
  26. ^ "Jalen Reeves-Maybin 2019 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 24, 2022.
  27. ^ "Jalen Reeves-Maybin 2020 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 24, 2022.
  28. ^ "Lions re-sign LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin". DetroitLions.com. March 17, 2021. Retrieved March 21, 2021.
  29. ^ "Jalen Reeves-Maybin 2021 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 24, 2022.
  30. ^ "Houston Texans Transactions (3-23-2022)". HoustonTexans.com. March 23, 2022. Retrieved March 23, 2022.
  31. ^ "Jalen Reeves-Maybin 2022 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
  32. ^ "Houston Texans Transactions (3-16-2023)". HoustonTexans.com. March 16, 2023. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
  33. ^ Birkett, Dave (March 23, 2023). "Special teams standout Jalen Reeves-Maybin returning to Detroit Lions". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
  34. ^ Butler, Ric (September 8, 2023). "WATCH: VFL Jalen Reeves-Maybin Converts First Fake of the NFL Season". Rocky Top Insider. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
  35. ^ Gordon, Grant (December 6, 2023). "Bengals QB Jake Browning, 49ers WR Deebo Samuel highlight Players of the Week". NFL.com. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  36. ^ Ramsey, Jared (December 30, 2023). "Watch: Detroit Lions extend drive with creative fake punt from own territory". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  37. ^ Maakaron, John (January 3, 2024). "Lions' Pro Bowlers, Alternates Revealed". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on January 4, 2024. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
  38. ^ Alper, Josh (December 6, 2023). "Jalen Reeves-Maybin named the NFC special teams player of the week". NBC Sports. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  39. ^ "VFL Jalen Reeves-Maybin selected to first-career NFL Pro Bowl". WBIR. January 4, 2024. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  40. ^ Woodyard, Eric (February 26, 2024). "Lions make Reeves-Maybin NFL's highest-paid core special-teamer". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  41. ^ Meinke, Kyle (April 29, 2017). "New Lions LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin is cousins with ex-Tigers OF Cameron Maybin". mlive.com. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  42. ^ Rothstein, Michael (April 29, 2017). "Jalen Reeves-Maybin's goal: Similar success as his cousin, Cameron Maybin". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 5, 2018.
  43. ^ Birkett, Dave (March 16, 2024). "New NFLPA president Jalen Reeves-Maybin talks 18-game schedule, banning turf fields". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
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