DJ Reader has become an internet sensation, and it’s not due to his football skills.
The Bengals revived their playoff aspirations with a Monday night victory over the Jaguars, and their hopes could receive another boost if they can overcome the Indianapolis Colts in Week 14.
While many professional athletes claim they don’t pay attention to negative comments on social media, Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader is a different breed. Not only does he acknowledge negative comments, but he actively seeks them out.
In a recent conversation with reporters, Reader revealed that he spends a significant amount of time searching for negative comments and makes it clear to his critics that he knows how to handle himself.
“I’ve tried to get away from it because I will sit up in bed all night. I have time. I have time to go back and forth with people,” Reader stated. “If I really let most of my opinions out, most people would not like DJ Reader’s opinions about a lot of things. I don’t let it go too far. I let most of that stuff stay in. I almost had to tell a dude in the comments one day, ‘You know I fight, right?’ Like, we can fight right now. The things you are saying, we can fight.”
While admitting he’s tired of hunting for comments, Reader emphasized that his DMs are open, encouraging people to tag him or send him messages on social media.
“If you are going to say something about me, put my name on it,” Reader asserted. “At me. At me. Don’t say, DJ Reader, and I gotta go looking for it. At me. It’s right there. @DJRead98. At it. Press the tweet button. Let me know personally that way I see it and I don’t have to go look for it. Thank you. Or you can DM it to me. DM me. They are open. Please. If you really got a problem with me and whatever I’m doing on the field or in my life, let me know. Send it. Big fat direct messages. I promise I’ll read it.”
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For the season, Reader has accumulated 32 combined tackles and 1 sack.
As the Bengals prepare for their Week 14 clash with the Indianapolis Colts, the final injury reports revealed that Reader is listed with a back injury. He did not practice on Friday and is officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.
Although the Bengals currently rank fourth in the AFC North, their 6-6 record keeps them firmly in contention for a playoff spot.
