Before he was running routes for the Green Bay Packers, Jayden Reed was flashing his football potential with the Michigan State Spartans.
After appearing for a season for the Western Michigan Broncos, Reed spent three campaigns in East Lansing from 2020 to 2022. At Michigan State, Reed was able to spend seasons alongside his former high school teammate and quarterback Payton Thorne, where they further developed their bond on and off the field.
In three seasons with the Spartans, Reed collected 2,069 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns on 147 receptions through 31 games. Thorne, meanwhile, produced 6,493 passing yards and 49 touchdowns to go along with 24 interceptions on a 60.9 percent completion rate before transferring to the Auburn Tigers.
Green Bay Packers’ Reed sends message to former college teammate after heartbreaking update
Thorne, who inked a contract with the Cincinnati Bengals after going unselected in the 2025 NFL draft, recently shared a tough update about his father, Jeff, who was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer in February. According to Thorne, Jeff was expected to have his tumor removed, but a big obstacle prevented that important medical procedure from getting done.
“Unfortunately, after beginning the surgery, doctors found that the cancer had progressed and spread to the point that they said he was inoperable,” Thorne shared in a post on Instagram.
Added Thorne: “I share this today as a request for help and assistance from anybody who may have information or connections on alternative treatments or previous experience with a similar case. Please reach out if you are knowledgeable in immunotherapy, integrative/holistic treatments, targeted therapies, etc.”
Supportive messages poured out for Thorne and his family after his posted the emotional update, with Reed also among the many keeping the quarterback’s family in their thoughts.
In an Instagram Story post, Reed, who lost his father in 2015, shared Thorne’s message and added three prayer hands emojis.
Jayden Reed offers support for former Michigan State teammate Payton Thorne. [Via Reed's IG] pic.twitter.com/hNi3Pjm3Xl
— Don March (@ItsAlwaysMarch) July 20, 2025
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