On an empty field, a group of kids who all share the same dream of someday becoming a rich and famous football player, join together in a crowded circle. One person is designated to throw the football up in the air. The kid who catches the football has to run and zig-zag through traffic in an attempt to score a touchdown. This game goes by the name of “Throw-up Tackle.” If the participant is tackled, he would get up, and throw the ball up in the air. A different player may catch the ball, and now it’s his turn to zig-zag through traffic, running the ball and trying his best to score. A few decades ago in the St. Rose section of New Orleans, Ed Reed was one of those kids.
For Ed Reed, his journey as not only a football player but an overall athlete gained momentum at Destrehan High School. On the football field, Reed was an all-state selection at defensive back and as a kick returner. He was also selected as the New Orleans Times-Picayune District Most Valuable Defensive Player. In addition to football, Reed was an exceptional track athlete. He was a member of the state champion 4 x 100 meters relay squad, and he set a high school record in the javelin throw. While in high school, Reed also played basketball and baseball.
His transition from high school to the collegiate level found a landing spot in Miami. Reed was a member of the Hurricanes’Â football team from 1997 to 2001. He was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American in 2000 and 2001. At the University of Miami, Reed set the career interception record with a total of 21. Nine of those 21 interceptions happened during the 2001 season. Reed turned three of the nine interceptions into defensive touchdowns. His ball-hawking skills helped the Hurricanes advance to and win the National Championship.
The football journey reached the ultimate level as the Baltimore Ravens selected Ed Reed in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft. As soon as he set foot in Baltimore, Reed was declared the starting free safety. In his third game as a pro against the Denver Broncos, Reed made his first career interception. He would go on to collect 63 more interceptions during the course of his legendary career. The ball hawk also had career marks of 13 fumble recoveries and 9 defensive touchdowns. “My philosophy was simple. I was trying to score when I got the football in my hand,” Reed said.
Considered one of the best safeties in NFL history, Ed Reed was a great athlete, but he was also a student of the game. He constantly studied film to identify the opponent’s tendencies. Reed’s relentless study habits and attention to detail assisted in his ability to confuse and bait elite quarterbacks. In 2004 he was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He leads the league in interceptions in 2004, 2008, and 2010. As one of the team leaders, Ed Reed played a significant role in the Baltimore Ravens march to a Superbowl victory in 2013 against the San Francisco 49ers.Â
Ed Reed had a historic football career. His work ethic and dedication to his craft contributed to his success. Reed also credits family to his accomplishments. “The reason I’m a Hall of Famer is because of family, because of people who cared about me. They pointed me in the right direction and I took off,” Reed stated.
The Hall of Fame safety is known as a stand-up guy on and off the field. In Canton, Ohio on August 1 at the Hall of Fame game, while the other inductees wore black polo shirts with the Pro Football Hall of Fame logo, Reed steered away from tradition and decided to wear a shirt with the faces of victims of police brutality on it. His shirt featured the faces of Freddie Gray, Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Alton Sterling, Tamir Rice, Philando Castile, Mike Brown, Sandra Bland, and Stephon Clark.
At the Hall of Fame induction which took place Saturday, August 3, Reed’s father Edward Reed Sr., presented and revealed his son’s Hall of Fame Bust. The bust was trending due to the fact it is an exact replica of Ed Reed’s face. On stage with a cigar in his mouth, Reed nodded his head up and down, giving the bust his sign of approval. As he approached the mic, the emotion hit as Reed unleashed a few tears of joy. He thanked his family, friends, coaches, and former teammates. His speech was filled with emotion, humor, and inspiration.
Ed Reed is what is labeled as a generational type player. A high caliber player with the type of ability you see once every twenty years. He’s an iconic football legend and a positive role model. His foundation mentors kids and guides them in the right direction. He has turkey giveaways in Baltimore during the Thanksgiving holiday, and he hosts free football camps for kids at his former high school in Louisiana.Â
The Hall of Fame safety preaches the fact that to achieve the success you must first believe in yourself and be your own individual. “You shouldn’t compare yourself to anyone else, everyone has their own greatness,” Reed said.Â
Ed Reed is a product of hard work, dedication, and tedious preparation. From the St. Rose section of New Orleans, Louisiana all the way to Canton, Ohio, the Ed Reed Football journey started off as a dream. He is living proof that dreams do come true.
