Willard Reaves facts for kids

Willard Sheldon Reaves (born August 17, 1959) is a famous American-Canadian former professional gridiron football player. He was a talented running back who played in both the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the National Football League (NFL). After his football career, Reaves also became involved in politics. He served as the deputy leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party in Canada.

College Football Career

Willard Reaves played college football at Northern Arizona University from 1977 to 1980. During his time there, he ran for a total of 2,139 yards. His best year was 1979, when he rushed for 1,084 yards. That year, he was recognized as a First-team All-American player.

Later, in 1992, Reaves was honored by being added to the Northern Arizona University Athletics Hall of Fame. In 2002, he also became a member of the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and Museum.

Professional Football Career

Willard Reaves had a very successful career playing professional football. He played in both the Canadian Football League and the National Football League.

Playing in the CFL

Reaves played five seasons for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the CFL, from 1983 to 1987. In his first year, 1983, he rushed for 898 yards. He was almost named the CFL's Most Outstanding Rookie and was chosen as an All-Star player.

The year 1984 was a huge one for Reaves. He led the entire league in rushing, gaining 1,733 yards. He also scored 18 touchdowns, which were team records. He set a CFL record by gaining 2,140 yards from scrimmage. For his amazing performance, he won the CFL's Most Outstanding Player Award. He also helped his team, the Blue Bombers, win the 72nd Grey Cup. This was their first Grey Cup victory since 1962.

Reaves continued to be a top rusher in the CFL. He gained over 1,000 yards two more times: 1,323 yards in 1985 and 1,471 yards in 1987. He led the league in rushing during both of those seasons. By the end of his CFL career, he had rushed for a total of 5,923 yards for the Blue Bombers. He led the CFL in rushing three times and was a CFL All-Star three times.

Playing in the NFL

In 1988, Reaves had a disagreement about his contract with the Blue Bombers. He was then released from the team. He decided to try out for the NFL. In 1989, he played two games with the Miami Dolphins and one game with the Washington Redskins.

Political Career

After his football career, Willard Reaves became involved in politics in Manitoba, Canada. In October 2021, he was announced as a candidate for the Manitoba Liberal Party. He ran in a special election called a "by-election" for the area of Fort Whyte in 2022. He ran against another former Blue Bomber player, Obby Khan, and lost the election.

Reaves ran against Khan again in the main election in 2023, but he was defeated once more. On November 28, 2023, Reaves was named the deputy leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party. He held this important position for several months, stepping down on June 26, 2024.

Personal Life

After retiring from the NFL, Willard Reaves moved back to Winnipeg, Canada. He worked as a sergeant with the Manitoba Sheriff Service. Willard has four children. His oldest son, Ryan Reaves, is a professional ice hockey player. Ryan plays as a right wing for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League. Willard's youngest son, Jordan Reaves, is also a professional football player. Jordan plays for the Edmonton Elks in the CFL. Willard also has two daughters named Regina and Renee.

Willard Reaves has a very interesting family history. He is the great-great-grandson of Bass Reeves. Bass Reeves was a former slave who became the first black lawman west of the Mississippi River. He was also one of the first black U.S. deputy marshals. Bass Reeves' life story was even featured in a TV series in 2023 called Lawmen: Bass Reeves. Bass served as a deputy U.S. marshal in Fort Smith, Arkansas, working under a judge known as the "Hanging Judge," Isaac C. Parker.