During a season marked by difficult results on the track, Tyler Reddick has been at the heart of a family crisis in 2025, drawing widespread attention to the Tyler Reddick family crisis 2025. While the 23XI Racing driver endured a winless stretch and exited the Cup Series playoffs after the Round of 16, his focus quickly shifted to a greater concern: the health of his infant son, Rookie, who required urgent medical treatment.
Reddick, celebrated for his performance in 2024 with three victories and the regular season championship, was candid about his desire to return home, stating,
“More than anything, just ready to get on a plane and go home.”
— Tyler Reddick, Driver. This remark underscored the priority his family crisis held over professional racing struggles as he navigated the emotional toll both at the track and away from it.
Infant Son’s Illness Brings Family Into Spotlight
In May, Tyler Reddick and his wife, Alexa DeLeon, welcomed their second son, Rookie. However, by late September, their newborn’s health became a grave concern. Alexa DeLeon took to social media to inform fans that Rookie was exhibiting symptoms of heart failure. This led to a series of urgent medical interventions, culminating in his admission to the cardiovascular intensive care unit at Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Within just five months of life, Rookie faced a diagnosis that required serious action. Doctors discovered a tumor was “choking” both the renal vein and renal artery, putting significant strain on his heart. As Alexa DeLeon explained, Rookie’s heart was being signaled,
“Hey I’m not getting enough blood… pump harder.”
— Alexa DeLeon, Parent. The resulting complications led to doctors determining the baby’s right kidney was no longer viable, necessitating surgical removal to ease the stress on his vital organs.
Successful Surgery Brings Relief to Reddick Family
On a recent Tuesday, Alexa DeLeon shared a significant and hopeful update on social media about Rookie’s surgery. Relaying the experience, she posted,
“Rookie came back one kidney lighter. He is recovering and still coming out of anesthesia. The surgery went well and his team is confident he will not need treatment after.”
— Alexa DeLeon, Parent.
She continued, signaling the crucial period ahead for Rookie’s recovery:
“The next couple days he will be sore so I will take a break here while we get him over this hump. They are watching his BP & heart to see how they are responding.”
— Alexa DeLeon, Parent. Jeff Gluck, a prominent motorsports journalist, shared the update on X, amplifying the message for the NASCAR community and fans following the family’s situation.
The news of the successful surgery was met with a collective sense of relief. Although the following days would be critical as doctors monitored Rookie’s blood pressure and heart function, the medical team’s confidence gave the family and fans renewed hope.
Reddick’s Resilience Admired by Peers and Co-Owners
Throughout this ordeal, Tyler Reddick remained deeply involved and supportive of his family, drawing widespread respect from those around him. He openly lauded Alexa DeLeon’s composure and dedication, stating,
“Just really proud of her, honestly, throughout this whole process. She’s been — I hate to even use the word, but locked in, honestly, on everything that’s going on, whether that’s what they found today, what the plan is going forward, everything. She’s paying, obviously, very close attention and just giving very good feedback to the doctors on past history and everything. Yeah, difficult situation for both of us being but she’s been a great one.”
— Tyler Reddick, Driver.
Despite his off-track challenges, Reddick continued to demonstrate professionalism in NASCAR competition. After being eliminated from playoff contention due in part to Shane van Gisbergen’s win at the Roval, Reddick finished 10th that afternoon, while his teammate, Bubba Wallace, secured the 15th spot. Even with setbacks such as mechanical issues and streaks of bad luck, co-owner Michael Jordan remained steadfastly supportive on site, a reflection of the trust placed within the 23XI Racing team.
On-Track Performance Amid Family Hardship
Following the Roval, Reddick showed remarkable resilience with consistent top-ten finishes, including a fifth-place run at the South Point 400 in Las Vegas. Denny Hamlin, 23XI co-owner and recent Las Vegas winner, praised Reddick’s ability to balance his demanding family situation while maintaining high-level performance on track. Regarding Reddick, Hamlin said,
“I’m sure he’s probably breathing a little sigh of relief that he still goes there to do his job at a high level, given everything that’s going on off the track.”
— Denny Hamlin, 23XI Racing Co-owner. Hamlin added,
“I could not imagine being in their places. He’s got enough to think about.”
— Denny Hamlin, 23XI Racing Co-owner.
The NASCAR community, including team owners, drivers like Bubba Wallace, and fans, have expressed their support for the Reddick family as they navigate both personal and professional hardship. Now, with the successful surgery giving them hope, Tyler and Alexa continue to focus on Rookie’s recovery while managing public and sporting commitments.
Significance of Reddick’s Story and What Lies Ahead
The Tyler Reddick family crisis 2025 illustrates the complex intersection of public sporting life and private familial struggles. Tyler Reddick’s journey over these recent months, alongside his wife Alexa DeLeon and supported by figures such as medical professionals at Levine Children’s Hospital, team owners like Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, and others in the NASCAR world, highlights resilience amid adversity.
As the family looks ahead to Rookie’s continued recovery, the entire NASCAR community remains invested, offering well-wishes and reflecting on the strength shown by Reddick and his loved ones. While questions about his on-track performance during the family crisis point to his dedication and mental strength, the upcoming weeks will be centered on family, healing, and hopeful progress.
Alexa Reddick shared an update on Rookie after his surgery earlier today. (Via Instagram) pic.twitter.com/aAcZ1rnO8T
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) October 15, 2025
