Able Reese, a linebacker from Ohio State and the fifth overall pick by the Giants in the recent NFL Draft, shared some thoughts during a conversation.
Q: What does your mother, Maeko Walker, mean to you?
A: My mother is everything to me. She shaped who I am today. She was the one who got me into soccer—without her, I wouldn’t be here.
Q: Can you recall the moment when you found out she had a stroke in the eighth grade?
A: Yeah, I was home. My brother was at a football game, and my mom took my sister there too. She mentioned to my sister that something felt off. Then, around midnight, my sister and a friend picked me up. That’s when they broke the news. It was surreal; I just thought, wow, this isn’t good. We rushed to the hospital, and it was chaotic—probably one of the craziest moments of my life.
Q: Did you fear for her life at that moment?
A: Honestly, looking at her there, I thought, this might be it. I really felt that way—until I remembered that God works in mysterious ways.
Q: Were you able to talk to her at any point?
A: Not at first, but eventually, she started to talk again slowly. They discovered she had cancer during her two brain surgeries. It was tough; she was gone for quite a while.
Q: Was it over six months she was in the hospital?
A: Yeah, over six months. We were there to visit her as much as we could.
Q: Do you remember what her first words to you were?
A: I don’t recall the exact first words, but it felt different. Normally, my mother was really lively and active. After the stroke, it wasn’t the same.
Q: She was with you on draft night, right?
A: Yes. Right now, she is recovering; the left side of her body isn’t functioning fully, but her speech is coming back. She’s able to communicate more.
Q: How was the draft night for both of you?
A: It was emotional, actually. She had collapsed from joy. My mom has always supported my football journey—getting me into it, keeping me in it. So achieving this milestone meant a lot to her. She’s always there, driving me to practice, preparing meals for my teammates, and just being a big part of my life.
Q: Did you ever think about quitting soccer during those challenging times?
A: There were definitely moments, especially when my father was in prison and I was bouncing around from place to place. I felt lost—school didn’t seem important anymore. It was a tough time, especially moving from Euclid to Grenville. That was around age 13 or 14, and it felt like everything I knew just collapsed. But everything changed my junior year. My mom returned, my dad got out of prison, and I moved back to Glenville. Ted Ginn Sr. really helped me get my life back on track, pushing me in sports and academics.
Q: How long was your father incarcerated?
A: He was gone from when I was about three until I was 15 or 16.
Q: What do you remember about his return?
A: He walked in looking like he needed a haircut! Even during his time away, he stayed connected with us, always made an effort to call home.
Q: Did he encourage you to keep playing soccer?
A: Absolutely. He saw me struggling and jumped right in to get me back on track.
Q: What was his reaction to the draft?
A: He was just really proud, very proud.
Q: What impact did Ted Ginn Sr. have on your life?
A: He recognized my potential and helped me transform my future. He introduced me to colleges and reignited my love for academics and sports.
Q: What’s your mindset when you’re on the field?
A: It’s about being relentless. I focus on being fast and physical, always wanting to dominate the opponent. I think that’s essential in defense.
Q: What does “violence” on the field mean to you?
A: To me, it’s about dominating your opponent. It’s a one-on-one game, so you have to take control of any engagement quickly.
Q: How would you describe yourself as a player?
A: I see myself as a big, fast guy with good instincts. I’ve learned to play hard and consistently give my best effort.
Q: How do you see your partnership with Tremaine Edmunds in the defense?
A: We’re both aggressive and smart players. It should be exciting to see what we can accomplish together.
Q: What are your thoughts on Coach John Harbaugh?
A: I respect his background; he’s a legend. You can sense authenticity in a person, and he certainly has that.
Q: What drives you in life?
A: I’ve played soccer since I was five, so it feels like second nature. I believe I’m here for a purpose, and I’m driven by the expectations placed on me by others and myself. Every day, I want to strive for greatness.
Q: How would you characterize Glenville, Ohio?
A: It’s a tough place with many distractions that can lead you down wrong paths. Growing up, hearing gunshots felt normal to me, but you need to be resilient and surround yourself with the right people to avoid becoming a statistic. I want to rise above it and bring others along with me.
Q: What inspired you to steer yourself right?
A: My love for soccer drove me. I’ve had a mindset since childhood, thanks to my mother, that I didn’t want to be pulled into the wrong lifestyle.
Q: Any standout teammates from Ohio State?
A: Caleb Downs is hardworking and dependable; Sonny Styles is a strong leader. I’d say Julian Sain has a bright future, and Colonel Tate shows great discipline on and off the field.
Q: What was winning the 2024 College Football National Championship like?
A: Truly incredible—it was one of the best feelings I’ve ever experienced.
Q: If you could alter any part of NFL history, which quarterback would you choose?
A: Probably Mike Vick; he’s one of my favorites.
Q: Who would you fire today?
A: Hmm, everyone (laughs).
Q: Who would you invite to dinner?
A: Family for sure, but also Coach Ginn and Coach Laurinitis from Ohio State.
Q: What’s your favorite movie?
A: “It’s Friday.”
Q: Favorite actor?
A: Ice Cube.
Q: Favorite actress?
A: Queen Latifah.
Q: And rapper?
A: Chief Keef.
Q: What’s your favorite food?
A: Spaghetti with garlic bread.
Q: What are your goals for this season?
A: Right now, the main goal is to win.
Q: What about your long-term career goals?
A: I want to achieve greatness, and I know that involves winning titles and accolades. That’s my driving focus.
Q: Why is greatness so important to you?
A: I feel that I owe it to myself and the people who have supported me. This gift I have, I view it as a responsibility to pursue greatness, not just for me, but for my community and everyone who has invested in my journey.
Q: Any message for Giants fans?
A: They can expect me to pour my heart into every game. I’m proud to represent the Giants and appreciate their support; I promise not to take this opportunity lightly.
