FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Call him the unlikely rookie.

New York Jets linebacker Trevor Reilly is 26 years old, a seventh-round pick, the 233rd player chosen in last spring's draft. Not only did he make the team, but he made opening day. There he was last Sunday, blocking on the opening kickoff, fulfilling a lifelong dream only one year after living every parent's nightmare.

Trevor Reilly is focused on remaining on the Jets' roster. "I have a lot on the line here," he said. AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

Reilly's daughter, Shayn, was diagnosed with kidney cancer in April 2013. She was only seven months old. His wife, Jessica, was rubbing lotion on Shayn's belly one day and she detected a lump. The diagnosis was swift, and the kidney was removed. Eight months of chemotherapy ensued, with the good news coming last December: remission.

"The doctor says she's cancer-free and doing really well," Reilly said Thursday in the Jets' locker room.

After several months of gut-wrenching stress, Reilly is loving life again. He finished his college career at Utah, got drafted into the NFL, beat the odds by making the team and dressed for the Jets in Week 1. He plays on most of the special teams.

"It was a dream come true," said Reilly, reflecting on his opening day experience at MetLife Stadium. "This is gravy. Making it has been the biggest thing for me. Ever since I was a kid, for more than 20 years, this was a dream and I saw it come to fruition. It's pretty awesome. Hopefully, the gravy train continues."

Reilly is older than most of the veterans because he spent three years out of football, serving a church mission in Sweden. He got a late start, but he impressed the Jets' scouts with his toughness and versatility. He arrived at training camp as the fourth (and last) strongside linebacker on the depth chart, but he beat out veteran backup Garrett McIntyre. Reilly's upper body isn't chiseled, like most of the players, but he is a substance-over-flash kind of guy.

"I have a lot on the line here," he said. "This is a job for me. It's a ruthless business. They can let you go at anytime and they don't have to pay you anymore. You have to be locked in."

Now it has a permanent feel to it. His wife and two daughters arrived this week, and they're living in a house near the team's facility. And, oh, yes, they received more good news recently. The couple is expecting their third child.