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SALT LAKE CITY — Trevor Reilly has taken an unconventional path to the NFL, and it's a path defined by adversity.
“It’s been a crazy ride," he said.
After serving an LDS Church mission to Sweden, he arrived at Utah in 2009 as a skinny walk-on. He left as one of the Pac-12 toughest and most feared defenders — a transformation that made his NFL dreams a reality.
“Dreaming of playing in the NFL then I wake up one morning and it's game time on Sunday, so to live that 20-year road has been crazy," he said.
There were plenty of bumps in that road: When he was 13 his 6-year-old brother was killed in motorcycle accident; he had to prove himself as a walk-on eventually earning a scholarship at Utah.
After working his way up the depth chart he was primed for a breakout season in 2012 when he tore his ACL in spring football. He opted to put off surgery until after the season, and started every game, led the team in tackles and was named Honorable Mention All-Pac-12, despite playing with a torn ACL.
That fall his father almost died from an infection and spent a month in the hospital, enduring 20 surgeries.
Reilly dealt with the disappointment of a 5-7 season and the Utes missing a bowl game for the first time in 10 years. On top of that, he faced surgery on his knee and months of injury rehab to return for his senior year. That was followed by the devastating news he and his wife Jessica received in May of 2013.
They have two daughters, Nelli and Shayn. Shayn was 9 months old when Jessica made a discovery that would change their lives forever.
The Utah football program was a huge support. They stepped up. Coach Whit (Kyle Whittingham) visited us in the hospital. We were just so lucky to be there. They were so family oriented. People stepped up when they needed to and I feel like I'm forever indebted to those people.
–Jessica Reilly
“I was getting her out of the bath and putting lotion on and there was a bump under her ribs and I told Trevor this isn’t right and we need to take her in. He’s like ‘Oh, she’s fine. It’s probably constipation or gas or something’ like a typical dad he just kind of brushes it off," Jessica said. "Then the next day I was just like, no, we need to take her in and at least get her checked out. It’s not going to do any harm.”
What doctors discovered was a 1-pound tumor on one of her kidneys. Their 9-month old daughter had cancer.
“All of a sudden we're doing surgery and chemotherapy within days,” Trevor said.
Fortunately for Shayn the cancer had not spread. But following surgery she spent a week in the hospital and faced nine months of chemotherapy.
“It was the hardest nine months ever, but we got through it,” Jessica said.
“We broke down," Trevor said. "It was crazy to go through that roller coaster of emotion and a harsh dose of reality."
The Reilly’s leaned on their faith at that difficult time.
“Faith that there is more than just this life, so if something were to happen I would have reassurance in my own mind and my own soul that everything would be OK,” Trevor said.
He credits his wife Jessica for being “a rock” for the family.
Jessica gives credit to the Utah football program for its love and support. She mentioned Utah football academics coordinator Beth Brannan and Timberly Sitake, the wife of Utah defensive coordinator Kalani Sitake, as those who stepped up to babysit and provide any support they could.
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Trevor Reilly inspired by daughter's battle with cancer
The game of football demands toughness, both mental and physical. And you won't find many players who possess more toughness than Utah defensive end Trevor Reilly.“The Utah football program was a huge support. They stepped up. Coach Whit (Kyle Whittingham) visited us in the hospital," Jessica said. "We were just so lucky to be there. They were so family oriented. People stepped up when they needed to and I feel like I’m forever indebted to those people.”
While Shayn fought cancer, life had to go on for the rest of the family, including Trevor, who had a lot at stake during his senior year.
Trevor dedicated that season to his daughter and played inspired football. He led the team in tackles (100), tackles for loss (16) and sacks (8.5). He was named First Team All-Pac-12 and honorable mention All-American. His age, 26, affected his draft stock, but his play caught the eye of the New York Jets who selected him in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
“That was a dream come true," he said. "I’ve been watching the draft for 15 years on TV and then to hear my name called was pretty awesome.”
Jessica will never forget the look on Trevor’s face before his first preseason game.
“He had this grin after the first preseason game that was like a little kid on Christmas," she said. "It was so cute. It was just a moment of true happiness.”
There is also happiness is seeing Shayn healthy. Now 2 years old she is in remission.
“She’s amazing and she is healthy," Jessica said. "It’s just the best news ever when you hear she is cancer-free. I don’t even have the words."
The Reilly family recently received more good news. They are expecting a third child and Trevor is excited that it is going to be a boy.
The greatest trial of their lives has been followed by some of their greatest blessings. They share their story to give other families going through similar circumstances the hope and strength to endure.
“That’s my message. 'Hey, it ain’t that bad. You can always get through it,'" he sad. "I’ve seen people get through amazing things. I’ve been through a few things myself. We can do it.”
