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What we know: Former Detroit Lions player shot in head while leaving gentlemen's club

Two men involved in the shooting have been arrested

Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds runs out during player introductions before an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/David Dermer) (David Dermer, Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Former Detroit Lions player Josh Reynolds was shot in the back of his head and his left arm while leaving a gentleman’s club in Denver.

The shooting occurred on Friday (Oct. 18) at 3 a.m. when officials say he and his friends were followed while leaving Shotgun Willie’s around 2:45 a.m.

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Two of his friends were shot and officials said, someone called the police about the shooting near East Hampden Avenue and South Dahlia Street.

The caller said he was driving in a blue Ford Bronco and had been shot, but later stopped responding on the phone which the operator said they sounded like they were running.

Officials said another person called the police, stating he too was being followed and that his friends had been shot while running and said he needed an ambulance.

A third caller reported that they had been shot at as well.

Officials said they responded and found the victims in which Reynolds, who currently plays for the Denver Broncos, was shot twice, once in his left arm and once in the back of his head.

One of his friends was shot in his back, and a third person was wounded by shattered glass.

Officials said all three victims were wounded by shattered glass, leaving them with scrapes from climbing over a fence.

Their vehicle was found with numerous bullet holes in the back driver-side and front windshield.

Police said they’ve arrested two men involved in the shooting on Wednesday, Oct. 23.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds (8), defended by Denver Broncos cornerback Fabian Moreau (23), reaches for a pass during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/David Dermer) (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The Broncos placed Reynolds on injured reserve after five games due to a broken finger.

He did not travel with the team during last week’s Thursday Night Football matchup in New Orleans against the Saints.

His condition has not been released as of Oct. 25, 2024.

“Josh Reynolds was a victim of a shooting on Friday in Denver and received treatment for minor injuries. Out of respect for the legal process, we will defer further comment on this matter to the authorities.”

Denver Broncos

The nine-year veteran spent three seasons with the Lions from 2021-2023, playing 38 games and catching 97 receptions for 1,293 yards and 10 touchdowns.


About the Author
Brandon Carr headshot

Brandon Carr is a digital content producer for ClickOnDetroit and has been with WDIV Local 4 since November 2021. Brandon is the 2015 Solomon Kinloch Humanitarian award recipient for Community Service.

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