The 2016 fifth-round pick, D.J. Reader is an American football player who plays as a nose tackle for the Detroit Lions in the NFL. After playing his first four seasons for the Houston Texans from 2016 to 2019, he joined the Cincinnati Bengals in 2020 and remained with the team until the end of the 2023 season. In 2024, he joined the Lions, signing a two-year contract with the team. His current contract with the Lions is valued at $22 million, including a guaranteed amount of $7,425,000.
Before embarking on his professional journey in the NFL, Reader honed his skills playing college football for the Clemson Tigers. Throughout his collegiate career, he represented Clemson University and finished with 145 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and five sacks over 46 games. His impressive performance earned him a selection to the 2016 Senior Bowl. Before committing to Clemson University, he attended Grimsley Senior High School, where he was highly rated as both an offensive line and defensive line prospect.
Who are D.J. Reader’s Parents?
Felicia and David Vernon Reader Sr. are the parents of the Lions’ nose tackle, Reader. They welcomed him on July 1, 1994, in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Who is D.J. Reader’s Mother?
Felicia Reader is the mother of DJ Reader. During her formative years, she played softball for North Carolina A&T, representing the team from 1985 to 1988. On Instagram, she maintains a public account under the username @flee63.
In an episode of “Inside the Shield with pro football moms’, Felicia Reader discussed Reader's football journey, favorite food and their game day ritual. She said, “as an NFL family of course, you are honored that your kid can actually grow into the dreams that they desire from the beginning.” She also added, "So for our family, when we look at him, we see all the golden nuggets that we deposit into him and now he’s actually able to go in and cash in on them.”
Who is D.J. Reader’s Father?
David Vernon Reader Sr., Reader’s father passed away due to kidney failure in 2014. However, as of July 2024, no additional public information is available about him.
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FAQs On D.J. Reader Parents
A. D.J. Reader recorded an official time of 5.33 seconds to complete the 40-yard dash at the 2016 NFL Combine.
A. Yes, D.J. Reader has one son named Rocky.
A. D.J. Reader stands 6 feet 3 inches or 1.91 meters tall and he weighs around 335 pounds or 152 kg.
A. In the 2023 NFL regular season, D.J. Reader recorded a total of 34 tackles, including 20 solo tackles.
