JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Josh Reynolds, a wide receiver picked up by the Jacksonville Jaguars, is looking forward to a fresh start after an unsettling experience in Denver last month. The Jaguars, currently sitting at a 2-10 record, acquired Reynolds through waivers from the Broncos on Wednesday, filling in for the injured Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis, who are sidelined for the rest of the season. Reynolds has not played in eight games due to injuries sustained during the shooting incident.
In his first comments since the shooting, Reynolds expressed his desire to move past the traumatic experience. “Yeah, man, one of those things I’d rather put behind me. But, I mean, anybody going through that, man, it is a crazy ordeal. But, hey, I’m here now. I’m in sunny Florida. I’m just blessed to be here,” he stated following a practice session on Friday.
The incident occurred in the early hours of October 18 as Reynolds was driving away from a strip club; it coincided with the Broncos returning from a victory over the New Orleans Saints. During the shooting, more than 30 rounds were fired into his vehicle, and two men have since been arrested and charged with serious offenses including attempted murder.
Reynolds himself was struck by bullets in his left arm and at the back of his head. Reflecting on the aftermath, he said, “It was tough for a few weeks, but I had a good support system behind me. A lot of the organization over there was helping me out a lot, so they made it easier for me to kind of transition through that whole process.” His mother played a vital role in his recovery, dedicating her weekends to be with him during this tough time. “She’s always been a big part of my life,” Reynolds noted, “Always been in my corner whenever she can. It’s been awesome to have her traveling and just seeing her at my games, man. It’s awesome.”
Thus far this season, Reynolds has accumulated 12 receptions for 183 yards and one touchdown. Over his eight-year career in the NFL, he has made 232 receptions that totaling 3,116 yards and 20 touchdowns, playing with teams like the Los Angeles Rams, Detroit, Tennessee, and Denver. In 2024, he signed a two-year contract worth $9 million with the Broncos.
Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson praised Reynolds, noting his experience and physical attributes, saying, “You put on the tape, he’s obviously been in a couple of spots, and he’s been a guy that’s a bigger, taller, athletic receiver. Again, gives us depth where we’re obviously missing Christian and Gabe. Definitely gives us something that we can continue to develop that room, I think.” He added, “It helps us in the way that we’re trying to win these games. We’re trying to go out and play well, and he gives us an opportunity to do that. So, we’re excited to get him going a little bit and see how he can help.”
Looking ahead, the Jaguars will face off against the Tennessee Titans, who currently hold a record of 3-9, this Sunday.
