Ed Reed is a name that resonates with football fans and players alike. Born on January 11, 1978, in St. Rose, Louisiana, Reed's journey from high school standout to NFL legend is nothing short of remarkable. He attended the University of Miami, where he became a key player in their 2001 national championship team. Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2002, Reed quickly made his mark, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and the 2004 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. Known for his incredible interception return yards and game-changing plays, Reed's legacy is cemented as one of the greatest safeties in NFL history.
Key Takeaways:
- Ed Reed's journey from Louisiana to the University of Miami paved the way for an illustrious NFL career, marked by records, accolades, and a Super Bowl victory.
- Known for his record-breaking interceptions and versatile play, Ed Reed's impact on the Ravens and the NFL community continues to inspire future generations on and off the field.
Early Life and College Career
Ed Reed's journey to NFL greatness began in Louisiana and flourished at the University of Miami. His early years set the stage for an illustrious career.
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Early Life and Education: Born on January 11, 1978, in St. Rose, Louisiana, Ed Reed attended John Ehret High School in Metairie, where he excelled in football and track.
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College Career: Reed played college football at the University of Miami under coach Butch Davis, becoming a key player in the Hurricanes' 2001 national championship team.
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College Records: At Miami, Reed set multiple records for interceptions, including the NCAA record for most interceptions in a season with nine in 2001. He also holds the all-time interception record for the University of Miami with 21 interceptions.
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College Honors: Reed was named the 2001 Big East Defensive Player of the Year and was a consensus First-Team All-American in 2000 and 2001.
NFL Draft and Rookie Season
Reed's transition to the NFL was marked by immediate impact and recognition, setting the tone for his professional career.
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NFL Draft: The Baltimore Ravens selected Ed Reed with the 24th overall pick in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft.
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Rookie Season: In his rookie season, Reed broke up 12 passes, tallied five interceptions, and recorded 85 tackles. Despite this, he was initially overlooked for a Pro Bowl selection.
Pro Bowl Selections and All-Pro Honors
Reed's consistent excellence earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections.
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Pro Bowl Selections: Reed was eventually recognized for his outstanding play and was selected to nine Pro Bowls during his career.
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First-Team All-Pro: He was named First-Team All-Pro three times (2004, 2006, and 2008) for his exceptional defensive performances.
Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl Champion
Reed's career was highlighted by prestigious awards and a Super Bowl victory, cementing his legacy.
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NFL Defensive Player of the Year: In 2004, Reed was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press.
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Super Bowl Champion: Ed Reed won Super Bowl XLVII with the Baltimore Ravens in 2013, capping off an illustrious career with a championship title.
Record-Breaking Interception Returns
Reed's knack for turning interceptions into significant gains set him apart from his peers.
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Interception Return Yards: Reed holds the NFL record for interception return yards with 1,590 yards.
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Longest Interception Returns: He holds the record for the two longest interception returns in NFL history: 106 yards in 2004 and 107 yards in 2008.
Postseason and Regular Season Interceptions
Reed's ability to perform in high-stakes games was unmatched, making him a postseason standout.
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Postseason Interceptions: Reed is tied with three other players for the most postseason interceptions with nine.
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Regular Season Interceptions: His 64 regular season interceptions ranked him sixth on the NFL's all-time leader list at the time of his retirement.
Career Touchdowns and Special Teams Impact
Reed's versatility extended beyond defense, making impactful plays on special teams as well.
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Career Touchdowns: Reed scored 14 touchdowns in his career, including return touchdowns off a punt, blocked punt, interception, and fumble.
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Punt Return Touchdowns: He became the first player in NFL history to score return touchdowns off a punt, blocked punt, interception, and fumble.
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AFC Special Teams Player of the Week: Reed was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance in Week 6 of the 2003 season.
Hall of Fame and Career Highlights
Reed's career was filled with memorable moments and accolades, culminating in his Hall of Fame induction.
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Pro Football Hall of Fame: Ed Reed was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.
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Career Highlights: Notable games include his performance against the Cleveland Browns in Week 2 of the 2003 season where he intercepted a pass by Kelly Holcomb and returned it for a 54-yard touchdown.
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Blocked Punt Return: On October 12, 2003, Reed blocked a punt by Scott Player and returned it for a 22-yard touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals.
Playoff Performances and Records
Reed consistently delivered in the playoffs, setting records and making game-changing plays.
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Playoff Debut: In his first career playoff game against the Tennessee Titans on January 3, 2004, Reed recorded one pass deflection and an interception.
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2004 Season: Reed set an NFL mark for most interception return yardage in a season with 358 yards on nine interceptions. He also returned an interception 106 yards for a touchdown, an NFL record at the time.
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First-Team All-Pro in 2004: He was named First-Team All-Pro for the first time in 2004.
Versatility and Defensive Impact
Reed's versatility and ability to disrupt opposing offenses made him a defensive powerhouse.
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Career Sacks: Reed accumulated two sacks during his career.
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Pass Deflections: He recorded 16 pass deflections in the 2003 season alone.
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Interceptions in 2004: Reed led the league in interceptions with nine in the 2004 season, including a then-NFL record 106-yard pick-six.
Injury Comeback and Continued Excellence
Despite injuries, Reed continued to excel and lead the league in key defensive stats.
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2006 Season: Despite missing significant time due to injury in 2005, Reed rebounded in 2006 by starting all 16 games and recording five interceptions.
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2007 Season: In 2007, Reed picked off Payton Manning twice in an ugly loss to the Indianapolis Colts and followed up with seven interceptions, breaking up 13 passes.
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2008 Season: Reed tied his 2004 interception total with nine in the 2008 season, leading the league in interceptions for the second time. He also defended 16 passes and forced and recovered a fumble for a touchdown.
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Longest Interception Return in 2008: Reed broke his own record for the longest interception return in NFL history with a 107-yard pick-six in 2008.
Free Agency and Final Seasons
Reed's career saw him play for multiple teams, but his impact remained significant.
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Postseason Performances: Reed consistently performed well in the postseason, including his exceptional performance in the Wild Card round of the 2008 playoffs where he lost his brother Brian.
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Free Agency: After the 2008 season, Reed became a free agent for the first time in his career and signed with the Houston Texans. However, he was released after just one season.
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New York Jets: Reed finished his career with the New York Jets in 2013, playing seven games and totaling three interceptions.
Career Statistics and Legacy
Reed's career stats and legacy continue to inspire future generations of players.
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Career Statistics: At the end of his career, Ed Reed ranked seventh all-time in interceptions with 64 and first in interception return yards with 1,590.
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Legacy: Reed's legacy extends beyond his on-field accomplishments. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest safeties in NFL history and has inspired a generation of defensive backs.
Impact on the Ravens and Post-Retirement
Reed's influence on the Ravens and his post-retirement activities highlight his lasting impact on the sport.
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Impact on the Ravens: During his time with the Baltimore Ravens, Reed was instrumental in helping the team return to their winning ways after a five-year drought without a championship.
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Coaching and Advising: After retiring from football, Reed transitioned into a role as a senior football advisor, leveraging his extensive knowledge and experience to help shape the next generation of players.
Community Involvement and Personal Life
Reed's contributions off the field and his personal journey add depth to his legacy.
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Community Involvement: Reed has been actively involved in various community initiatives, particularly focusing on youth development and education programs.
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Personal Life: Despite his high-profile career, Reed remains humble and dedicated to his family. He has been open about his personal struggles and has used his platform to raise awareness about mental health issues.
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Enduring Impact: Ed Reed's impact on the NFL extends far beyond his playing career. His legacy continues to inspire players and coaches alike, cementing his place as one of the greatest defensive backs in NFL history.
Ed Reed's Lasting Legacy
Ed Reed's career is a masterclass in defensive football. From his early days at the University of Miami to his dominance with the Baltimore Ravens, Reed's impact on the game is undeniable. He set records for interception return yards, scored touchdowns in nearly every way imaginable, and earned a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His nine Pro Bowl selections and First-Team All-Pro honors highlight his consistent excellence. Beyond stats, Reed's leadership and football IQ made him a cornerstone of the Ravens' defense. Even after retiring, he continues to influence the sport through coaching and community work. Reed's story isn't just about numbers; it's about a player who changed how the safety position is played. His legacy will inspire future generations, cementing his place as one of the greatest defensive backs in NFL history.
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