Jeremy Reaves and Tress Way began their time as teammates back in Sept. 2018. That also marked the start of a lifelong friendship. Way, who has been the Washington Commanders’ punter since 2014, revealed on Thursday that the 2026 NFL season is likely his last.
“Just the memories with the guys are awesome, said Way. “Pro Bowls are sweet.”
Way seemed to have a few things on his mind as he jumped from thought to thought. “That’ll be... having that for the rest of my life. You know, a few jerseys hanging up, that is... That will be really special for me. And this year is special because I am pretty sure this is going to be my last season.”
It’s safe to say that it was a bittersweet day in the Commanders’ locker room as they prepare for Sunday’s Week
1 game against the Eagles. Way is a beloved teammate, community member and family man.
Reaves was particularly emotional.
“I thought he was joking,” Reaves said. "I had heard a few times before that this could possibly be the last one. Fifty percent of me didn’t want to believe it, and then fifty percent of me felt that it’s for real this time. It’s a gut punch. It sucks. Tough one. That’s my brother. His family is my family—vice versa. I’ve seen his kids grow up from 3 and 4 to, you know, 7 and 8 years old now. I’m Uncle Reavo to them. They’ve become such a big part of my life, and vice versa. He married me and my wife. Every big moment in my life, he’s been a part of.”
Reaves then turned away from the cameras as he’d become emotional.
Reaves shared how important it was for him and Way to both be voted as two of Washington’s five team captains this season. Reaves and Way, alongside Terry McLaurin, Jayden Daniels and Frankie Luvu, will serve as team captains all season.
Jeremy Reaves teared up when talking about Tress Way and his likely retirement. pic.twitter.com/raY48MADwH
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) September 10, 2026
The Commanders have had some dark moments over the years. Way, Reaves and McLaurin have always been the bright lights. One of the most emotional moments came in 2022 when former head coach Ron Rivera informed Way and McLaurin they’d made the Pro Bowl. He also planned to tell Reaves he’d made it, too. It was a special moment for Reaves, as that 2022 season was the first time he’d made the 53-man roster. Way asked Rivera if he could be there when the coach told Reaves he’d made it. And Rivera obliged.
It was a heartwarming moment.
get your tissues ready 🥹
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 22, 2022
watch @RiverboatRonHC tell the guys they made the Pro Bowl pic.twitter.com/7rpj99EIkZ
When the Commanders face the Eagles on Sunday, Reaves will be a starting safety, while Way begins his 13th and final season as Washington’s punter. Both have come a long way.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders' Jeremy Reaves emotional after Tress Way's big news
