Stop Dealing with People Who Have Nothing to Lose: The Jeremy Reeves Lesson
Jeremy Reeves’ story is a cautionary tale.
He made a beautiful gesture, one that should have been remembered for all the right reasons.
Time and time again, I’ve said this: Never deal with people who have nothing to lose. And yet, we see it happen over and over, especially with successful individuals who should know better. Today’s example? Jeremy Reeves, a football player for the Washington Commanders.
Reeves did something beautiful, something worth celebrating. On national TV, in prime time, he proposed to his long-term girlfriend. A woman who’s been with him through the struggles, the ramen-noodle nights, the uncertainty of an NFL career. That moment should have been a highlight, a pure celebration of love, loyalty, and perseverance.
But no. Enter a woman with nothing to lose. Out of nowhere, she decides to share “her story”—claiming she was flown out, dropping intimate details, and overshadowing what should have been a beautiful memory. That’s the thing about people who have nothing to lose: they will exploit any opportunity to attach themselves to someone with everything to lose.
Why People with Nothing to Lose Are Dangerous
When someone has nothing to lose, they have no fear of consequences. They don’t care about reputations, careers, families, or emotional fallout. Their only goal is attention, relevance, or, in some cases, revenge. And here’s the kicker—they’ll often succeed because they have nothing holding them back.
For Jeremy Reeves, this isn’t just about whether the accusations are true or false. It’s about the fact that his beautiful moment—a proposal to the love of his life—was hijacked. And regardless of the outcome, there’s a stain on that moment now.
Don’t Feed the Fire
One of the biggest mistakes successful people make is addressing these situations directly. They jump on social media, respond to DMs, issue public statements—fueling the fire instead of letting it burn out. When you deal with someone who has nothing to lose, every word you say becomes ammunition.
The best move? Silence. Don’t address it. Don’t validate it. Don’t let someone who’s playing checkers pull you into their game when you’re supposed to be playing chess.
The Trap of Engagement
Engaging with people who have nothing to lose is like wrestling with a pig—you both get dirty, but the pig enjoys it. These people thrive on chaos, on seeing you flustered, on getting a reaction. Whether it’s in business, relationships, or public life, engaging with them is always a losing game.
If you’re a multi-millionaire—or honestly, anyone with goals, dreams, and something to protect—you cannot afford to deal with people who have nothing to lose. They’ll drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.
Protect Your Circle
The people you keep close matter. Jeremy Reeves made his commitment to a woman who’s been there for him since day one. That’s the type of relationship you guard fiercely. That’s the type of person who deserves your time, loyalty, and love.
But when you let outsiders in—especially those with questionable motives—you risk everything. Success doesn’t just attract good people; it attracts opportunists, grifters, and drama seekers. Be vigilant.
Truth vs. Perception
Let me be clear: I’m not here to debate whether Jeremy Reeves cheated or not. As more information comes out, it seems like whatever happened (if it happened) wasn’t recent. But honestly, the details don’t matter. The damage is done.
And that’s the point: someone with nothing to lose can cause irreparable damage just by saying something. Truth becomes secondary to perception, and perception spreads faster than facts.
Lessons to Take Away
Keep your circle tight. Know who’s around you and why they’re around you.
Don’t engage with nonsense. Silence is often the loudest response.
Protect your moments. Whether it’s a marriage proposal, a business deal, or a personal milestone, don’t let anyone hijack your joy.
Recognize the warning signs. Opportunists have patterns—they’ll show you who they are if you’re paying attention.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, Jeremy Reeves’ story is a cautionary tale. He made a beautiful gesture, one that should have been remembered for all the right reasons. But because of one person with nothing to lose, it’s now tied to unnecessary drama.
So here’s my advice: If you’re building something—whether it’s a career, a relationship, or a reputation—don’t let people with nothing to lose anywhere near it. They’ll burn it all down just to keep warm.
Jeremy, if you happen to read this: keep your head up. Stay focused on the people who matter—the ones who’ve been with you from day one. And to everyone else: Stop dealing with people who have nothing to lose. It’s never worth it.