“I just never want to forget where I came from,” heartwarming and unbelievably grounded, right? That’s D.J. Reader for you. From baseball to becoming one of the NFL’s most formidable nose tackles. The powerhouse in the trenches for the Detroit Lions, D.J.’s career has been a rollercoaster. But behind his towering presence on the field, there’s a softer side to the big man that truly defines him.

Family means everything to D.J. Reader. His parents shaped his understanding of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of giving back to the community. D. J. carries these lessons in his heart. Especially now that he’s a father.

Who are D.J. Reader’s kids?

D.J. Reader’s journey into fatherhood has shaped his off-the-field life as much as his career. His son Rocky was born in 2019, marking a new chapter in Reader’s life. “Everything I do is because of [Rocky],” he said in an interview. “I made a promise to that little kid when he was born, as soon as I knew about him. He made me take my life more seriously… Made me patient as a person. He changed my career; he changed my life,” he added, highlighting the strong connection they share.

His father’s death in 2014 left a lasting impact on him. It influenced him to honor his dad’s memory and impact. “He was Superman to me,” Reader often says, emphasizing the profound influence his father had on his life.

David Reader Sr. was a mentor and educator, something DJ admired deeply. “I used to see him over at MC Horton Library tutoring kids, always making sure kids were good,” Reader told GreenboroSports in June 2024. While talking about his father’s legacy and its impact on his parenting, he said, “He meant the world to me. He put a lot of confidence in me, and I take that confidence and support right in Rocky and just make sure he’s good.”

The family’s commitment to giving back is evident in their foundation, ‘A Son Never Forgets’, which Reader and his mother, Felicia, created. The foundation focuses on supporting families in need and spreading awareness about kidney disease. A cause close to D.J.’s heart after his father’s battle with the illness. Through initiatives like backpack drives, free football clinics, and fundraising events, Lions’ nose tackle is teaching Rocky what it means to make a difference in the community.

Even for Rocky, the influence of Reader’s parents paves the way for his upbringing. The only question that remains is: Will this torch be effectively passed on, in football and service?”

Will D.J. Reader’s children follow in his footsteps?

It’s too early to predict whether Rocky will follow his father into the NFL. But one thing is clear about the Reader’s family story, greatness of character is just as important as raw talent, if not more. Reader would hope that, regardless of Rocky’s career choices, he would take with him the lessons of perseverance, hard work, and giving back that shaped his journey.

Reader is gaining popularity on social media, especially for his candid tweets. Like “Kids play multiple sports. Have fun trust me it helps your game!,” a suggestion to the young ones Reader posted on November 18. This statement, in itself, underscores how much he values sports in the development of children. And, when it comes to his son, he would want D.J. Jr. to know that success isn’t just about personal achievements; it’s about caring for and uplifting those around you.

In June, Reader wrapped up his youth camp at Grimsley High School. In the interview with GreenboroSports, he mentioned how it is a tribute to his father and the city that helped shape him. “A son never forgets just means just that, man,” Reader said. “I feel like my dad and even the city of Greensboro still have a lot of roots to me. I just never want to forget where I came from, the people that are around me, and I always want to give back and pay it forward.”

While D.J. Reader’s roots in Greensboro remain strong, one would hope for his game to be as strong. From the Houston Texans to the Cincinnati Bengals, and now to the Detroit Lions, Reader has had quite a journey on the field. Off the field, Reader continues his commitment to giving back, as the journey for Rocky is just beginning. But one thing’s for sure. With a father like D.J., he’s already on the right path.