Jalen Ahmad Reeves-Maybin Bio
Jalen Ahmad Reeves-Maybin (born January 31, 1995) is an American professional football linebacker and special teamer. He has played in the National Football League (NFL) since 2017, primarily known for his contributions on special teams. Reeves-Maybin played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers and was selected by the Detroit Lions in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He has served as president of the NFL Players Association since 2024 and earned his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors as a special teamer in 2023.
Early Life and Background
Jalen Reeves-Maybin was born in Clarksville, Tennessee, to LaDawn Reeves and Marques Maybin. He attended Northeast High School in Clarksville, where he excelled in football, playing on both offense as a quarterback and defense. During his senior year, he rushed for over 2,000 yards, including more than 300 yards in three postseason games, and was named an All-State selection on defense in 2012 by the Tennessee Sports Writers Association.
Reeves-Maybin’s athletic talent was evident early, and his family background includes a strong sports lineage. His father, Marques Maybin, was a standout basketball player at the University of Louisville. This environment fostered Reeves-Maybin’s development and passion for sports from a young age.
Path to American Football
Reeves-Maybin committed to the University of Tennessee before the 2013 season, joining the Tennessee Volunteers football program under head coach Butch Jones. As a true freshman, he made an immediate impact on special teams and contributed at linebacker and defensive back positions. His notable early achievements include blocking a punt against Georgia that led to a touchdown and consistently making tackles on special teams.
Throughout his college career, Reeves-Maybin became a key defensive player, earning second-team All-SEC honors in 2015. Despite an injury-plagued senior season in 2016, he declared for the NFL Draft and was selected by the Detroit Lions in 2017, marking his transition to professional football.
Jalen Ahmad Reeves-Maybin Career
Early Career (2017–2019)
Reeves-Maybin was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, signing a four-year contract. He began his rookie season as a backup weakside linebacker and contributed primarily on special teams. He recorded his first career sack in December 2017 and finished his rookie year with 30 tackles and two pass deflections in 14 games.
In 2018, Reeves-Maybin’s season was cut short due to toe and neck injuries, limiting him to nine games. He returned in 2019 to play all 16 games, recording 37 tackles and one forced fumble, continuing to establish himself as a reliable special teams player and linebacker depth.
Houston Texans Era (2022–2023)
In March 2022, Reeves-Maybin signed a two-year contract with the Houston Texans. During the 2022 season, he appeared in all 17 games, primarily contributing on special teams. The Texans released him in March 2023, after which he returned to the Detroit Lions.
Detroit Lions (Second Stint) and Leadership Role (2023–Present)
Reeves-Maybin re-signed with the Detroit Lions in March 2023. That season, he played a significant role on special teams and saw increased defensive snaps late in the year. He earned National Football Conference Special Teams Player of the Week honors and was selected to the 2024 Pro Bowl as the NFC’s sole special teams representative. In February 2024, he signed a two-year contract extension with the Lions and was elected president of the NFL Players Association, reflecting his leadership both on and off the field.
Driving Style and Strengths
Reeves-Maybin is known for his versatility and tenacity on special teams and defense. His ability to execute trick plays, such as fake punts, and his tackling prowess make him a valuable asset. His football intelligence and leadership qualities have been recognized by teammates and coaches alike.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Reeves-Maybin’s career highlights are his selection to the Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro in 2023 as a special teamer. He has been involved in key plays, including successful fake punts that have extended drives for his team, showcasing his playmaking ability.
Jalen Ahmad Reeves-Maybin Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Jalen Reeves-Maybin has contributed significantly to his teams’ special teams units and defensive efforts. While primarily recognized for his special teams impact, he has accumulated notable tackles and forced turnovers across multiple seasons.
Detroit Lions Highlights
Reeves-Maybin was drafted by the Detroit Lions and spent the majority of his career with the team. His first sack came in 2017, and he has steadily increased his role, culminating in Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in 2023. His leadership and special teams excellence have been key components of the Lions’ special teams success.
Other Wins & Performances
During his tenure with the Houston Texans in 2022, Reeves-Maybin appeared in all games, contributing mainly on special teams. His consistent performance in this role has been a hallmark of his professional career.
Jalen Ahmad Reeves-Maybin Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Jalen Reeves-Maybin comes from a family with a strong sports background. His father, Marques Maybin, was a notable basketball player at the University of Louisville. Additionally, Reeves-Maybin is the cousin of former Major League Baseball outfielder Cameron Maybin, highlighting a family tradition of athletic achievement.
Personal Life
Reeves-Maybin maintains a professional focus on his football career and leadership roles. He has not publicly disclosed details about a spouse or children. In 2024, he was elected president of the NFL Players Association, emphasizing his commitment to player advocacy and leadership within the sport.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Reeves-Maybin was signed to the Chicago Bears’ practice squad in November but was released in December after appearing in three games. This move marked a new chapter in his career as he sought to continue contributing at the professional level. His experience and special teams expertise remain valuable assets as he navigates this phase of his NFL journey.