Christopher Reeve's youngest son Will was named as one of ESPN's SportsCenter newest on-air reporters. The 22-year-old newbie will be joining the team along with comedian Reese Waters and social media correspondent Sarina Morales.
The three new reporters will be responsible for conducting special reports that will boost the show's ratings and help it in attracting and appealing to younger viewers.
"I'll be different from a traditional SportsCenter reporter because I won't be behind a desk in a suit," said Reeve. "These stories are not going to appear on air and then fade off "” they are going to get an extended life digitally and on social media."
Will was just two years old when his actor father Christopher, who achieved fame by portraying Superman in film adaptations of the comics, became paralyzed following a horse riding accident back in 1995.
His paralysis led to the actor's commitment towards raising considerably large amounts of donations and investing in stem cell research. Almost ten years following the accident, Christopher reportedly experienced numerous infections. Due to adverse reactions to an antibiotic, the actor suffered a heart attack and slipped into a coma.
A second cardiac arrest was experienced and Christopher died on October 10, 2004. Just a few months after the death of his father, Will's maternal grandmother Helen Morisini passed away at the age of 71 due to complications caused by cancer surgery.
Over a year after his father died, Will's mother, Dana, also passed away at 44 due to lung cancer. Dana garnered worldwide respect and appreciation for her commitment to her husband in his battle against paralysis, including her decision to halt her career to provide care for Christopher Reeve.
Will has spoken up about how his parents would react to his decision to sign on to SportsCenter as an on-air reporter.
"Hopefully they would get a kick out it," he said. "The things I am interested in and passionate about are similar to what they were. My parents definitely define who I am."
In terms of sports, Will shared his memories and sentiments of his actor father.
"My dad and I had a huge bond and shared a love of sports," he said. "I hope they would be proud and say, "Great job', no matter what. Then my dad would probably tell me to straighten my tie."
