David Vernon “D.J.” Reader Jr. is a defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions, known for his impact both on and off the field. A Greensboro, North Carolina native, D.J. excelled in sports from an early age, playing football at Grimsley High School and later at Clemson University, where he was a two-sport athlete in football and baseball. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communications in just three years.

Throughout his career, D.J. has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the 2019 Spirit of the Bull Award, a nomination for Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, and the 2021 Ed Block Courage Award. In 2022, he received the Lifetime Presidential Service Award from President Joe Biden, and November 7th was declared "D.J. Reader Day" in Cincinnati. However, these honors are not what drive him; his commitment to serving his community comes from a genuine desire to make a meaningful impact.

Inspired by the memory of his late father, who passed away from kidney disease in 2014, D.J. has been a dedicated advocate for kidney health, supporting the National Kidney Foundation and hosting free screenings through his foundation, A Son Never Forgets. The foundation’s initiatives include the Reader Resource Room, which provides essential school supplies and educational materials for students, the Higher Learning Scholarship, awarded in honor of his father to support college-bound students, health & wellness programs that offer dental screenings and the annual youth football camps.

Previously, D.J. served as an ambassador for the NFL’s Fuel Up to Play 60 initiative, promoting healthy lifestyles and encouraging physical activity among young students. He participated in Kids Triathlon events and partnered with organizations like United Way to foster literacy and instill the habit of daily reading.

D.J.'s passion for service stems from his parents, who instilled in him the importance of giving back. As he continues to pursue his goals on the field, he is also working toward completing his Master of Business Administration.