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Edward Earl Reed Jr. (born September 11, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League (NFL), spending the majority of his career with the Baltimore Ravens. He played college football for the Miami Hurricanes, where he played on Miami's 2001 national championship team and was named a unanimous All-American. He was selected by the Ravens in the first round of the 2002 NFL draft and played 11 seasons with them before playing with the Houston Texans and New York Jets in 2013.

Key Information

During his playing career, Reed was selected to nine total Pro Bowls, was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2004, won Super Bowl XLVII, and has an NFL record for the two longest interception returns (106 yards in 2004 and 107 yards in 2008).[1] He also holds the all-time NFL record for interception return yards, with 1,590, and postseason interceptions (9, tied with three other players). His 64 regular season interceptions ranked him 6th on the NFL's all-time leader list at the time of his retirement. Due to his accolades, Reed is considered to be one of the greatest safeties in NFL history, and was often referred to as a "ball hawk" during his prime.[2][3][4][5] Reed was known for studying film to memorize opposing teams' tendencies,[6][7] as well as his ability to lure quarterbacks into throwing interceptions.[8] Reed was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.

In 2016, Reed worked as an assistant defensive backs coach for the Buffalo Bills. In 2020, he was hired by the University of Miami, his alma mater, to serve as their football team's chief of staff, an advisory role to head coach Manny Diaz.

Early life

[edit]

Reed was born in St. Rose, St. Charles Parish, Louisiana, on September 11, 1978. He attended Destrehan High School in Destrehan, Louisiana.[9] With the Fighting Wildcats football team, he was an all-state selection at defensive back and as a kick returner and also the New Orleans Times-Picayune District Most Valuable Defensive Player.[10]

Reed totaled 83 tackles, seven interceptions, three forced fumbles and 12 passes deflected in his senior year while also seeing action at running back and quarterback. He also returned three punts for touchdowns. Reed also played basketball, baseball, and track & field.[11] His jersey number 20 was retired by the football team in 2005.[10][12]

Track and field

[edit]

In addition to football, Reed was a standout track athlete at Destrehan High School. He was a member of the state champion 4 × 100 meters relay squad.[10] He set a high school record throw of 56.94 meters (186 ft 10 in) in the javelin throw. Also a standout performer in the long jump and triple jump, he recorded personal bests in high school of over 24 feet (7.3 m) and over 46 feet (14 m), respectively.[10]

While in college, Reed joined the Miami Hurricanes track and field team in 2000, where he competed as a jumper and javelin thrower. He placed 7th in the triple jump at the 2000 Big East Championships, setting a career-best jump of 14.58 meters (47 ft 10 in). In addition, he finished 3rd in the javelin throw, with a personal-best throw of 60.08 meters (197 ft 1 in).[13]

College career

[edit]

Reed received an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Miami, where he was a standout defensive back for coach Butch Davis and coach Larry Coker's Miami Hurricanes football teams from 1997 to 2001.[10] Reed was a member of the Hurricane's 2001 National Championship team.[14]

After redshirting in the 1997 season, Reed led the team with two interceptions and four forced fumbles in the 1998 season. He had two more interceptions in the 1999 season.[10] Reed was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American in the 2000 season, and a unanimous first-team All-American in the 2001 season.[15] In 2001, he led the nation with nine interceptions for 209 yards, which was a school record, and three touchdowns. He helped seal a memorable win over Boston College in 2001 when he grabbed the ball out of teammate Matt Walters's hands, who had just intercepted it, and raced 80 yards for a touchdown.[16] Reed was honored as the Big East Defensive Player of the Year in 2001, and was named National Defensive Player of the Year by Football News. He was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award and was a semifinalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy.[10]

Reed set several records during his time at the University of Miami. He holds the record for career interceptions with 21, career interception return yards with 389, and interceptions returned for touchdowns with five.[17] He also blocked four punts during his four-year career.[10] In addition, he was a member of the track and field team during his years at Miami and was a Big East champion in the javelin.[18]

Reed and Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne were roommates during their time at the University of Miami.[19] He graduated in 2001 with a bachelor's degree in liberal arts.[14] Reed was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame as part of its Class of 2012 at a banquet held in Miami on March 29, 2012.[20]

Reed was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame on January 7, 2018.[21]

College statistics

[edit]
Ed Reed Defense
Season Team GP Cmb TfL PD Int FF
1997 Miami 0 Redshirt Redshirt
1998 Miami 11 90 2.0 7 2 4
1999 Miami 12 74 4.0 4 2 0
2000 Miami 11 80 0.0 23 8 0
2001 Miami 11 44 1.0 18 9 0
Totals 45 288 7.0 52 21 4

Professional career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight 40-yard dash
5 ft 11 in
(1.80 m) 		201 lb
(91 kg) 		4.57 s
All values from NFL Combine[22]

Baltimore Ravens

[edit]

The Baltimore Ravens selected Reed in the first round (24th overall) of the 2002 NFL draft. Reed was the second safety drafted, after Oklahoma's Roy Williams was selected eighth overall by the Dallas Cowboys.[23]

2002

[edit]

On August 3, 2002, the Baltimore Ravens signed Reed to a five-year, $6.18 million contract.[24]

Reed (20), Ray Lewis, and Chris McAlister playing for the Ravens against Chris Henry of the Cincinnati Bengals in 2006

Reed entered training camp slated as the starting free safety after the role was left vacant due to the departures of Rod Woodson and Corey Harris.[25] Head coach Brian Billick named Reed the starting free safety to begin the regular season, alongside strong safety and fellow rookie Will Demps.[26]

He made his professional regular season debut and first career start in the Baltimore Ravens' season-opener at the Carolina Panthers and recorded three solo tackles in their 10–7 loss.[27] On September 30, 2002, Reed recorded four solo tackles, a pass deflection, blocked a kick, and made his first career interception during a 34–28 win against the Denver Broncos in Week 4.[28] Reed made his first career interception off a pass attempt by Broncos' quarterback Brian Griese and blocked a punt by Tom Rouen in the second quarter to set up a 13-yard drive for a touchdown.[29] The following week, he made three solo tackles, a season-high four pass deflections, and intercepted a pass off of Browns' quarterback Tim Couch during a 26–21 win at the Cleveland Browns in Week 5.[30] In Week 6, Reed recorded three solo tackles and made his first career sack on quarterback Peyton Manning during the Ravens' 22–20 loss at the Indianapolis Colts.[31] The following week, he collected a season-high seven solo tackles as the Ravens defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 17–10.[32] On November 10, 2002, Reed recorded five solo tackles, two pass deflections, and made a season-high two interceptions off passes by Bengals' quarterback Jon Kitna in the Ravens' 38–27 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 10.[33] Reed made his first interception of the game in the second quarter and was returning it for a touchdown when Bengals' wide receiver T. J. Houshmandzadeh forced him to fumble the ball by hitting his arm as Reed was extending the ball in celebration. His fumble bounced into the endzone and was eventually recovered by Bengals' wide receiver Peter Warrick for a touchback.[34] He started in all 16 games as a rookie in 2002 and made a career-high 85 combined tackles (71 solo), 12 pass deflections, five interceptions and one sack.[35] He was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team.[36]

2003

[edit]

Reed and Will Demps were retained as the starting safeties during the 2003 season. Reed started in the Baltimore Ravens' season-opener at the Pittsburgh Steelers and collected a season-high ten combined tackles (seven solo) and a pass deflection in their 34–15 loss.[37] The following week, he collected three solo tackles, a season-high three pass deflections, a season-high two interceptions, and scored his first career touchdown during a 33–13 victory against the Cleveland Browns in Week 2. He intercepted a pass by Kelly Holcomb in the second quarter and returned it for a 54-yard touchdown.[38] On October 12, 2003, he recorded six combined tackles, deflected a pass, made an interception, and blocked a punt before returning it for a touchdown during a 26–18 victory at the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6. Reed blocked a punt by Scott Player, recovered it, and then returned it for a 22-yard touchdown in the second quarter.[39] In Week 12, he made seven combined tackles and returned a blocked punt by Tom Rouen for a 16-yard touchdown during a 44–41 win against the Seattle Seahawks.[40] He was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 6.[41] Reed was selected to the 2004 Pro Bowl, marking the first Pro Bowl selection of his career.[42] He started in all 16 games in 2003 and recorded 71 combined tackles (59 solo), 16 pass deflections, seven interceptions, three touchdowns, and a sack.[43]

The Baltimore Ravens finished first in the AFC North with a 10–6 record and earned a playoff berth.[44] On January 3, 2004, Reed started in his first career playoff game and finished the Ravens' 20–17 loss to the Tennessee Titans in the Wild Card Round with one pass deflection and an interception.[45]

2004: Defensive Player of the Year

[edit]

Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan retained Reed and Will Demps as the starting safeties in 2004. On September 26, 2004, Reed recorded three combined tackles, a season-high three pass deflections, and intercepted two passes by Bengals' quarterback Carson Palmer during a 23–9 win at the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3.[46] In Week 9, Reed recorded three combined tackles, deflected a pass, and returned an interception by quarterback Jeff Garcia for a 106-yard touchdown as the Ravens defeated the Cleveland Browns 27–13.[47] In Week 12, he collected a season-high nine combined tackles and broke up a pass during a 24–3 loss at the New England Patriots.[48] Reed was named AFC Defensive Player of the Month for November.[49] On December 23, 2004, it was announced that Reed was selected to play in the 2005 Pro Bowl.[50] He started in all 16 games and recorded 76 combined tackles (62 solo), eight pass deflections, a career-high nine interceptions, three forced fumbles, and two sacks.[51]

Reed was named as a First-team All-Pro for the first time.[52] He was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press.[53] In addition, Reed set an NFL mark for most interception return yardage in a season, accumulating 358 return yards on nine interceptions; Reed held this record until 2009, when it was exceeded by Darren Sharper. He also returned an interception 106 yards for a touchdown, which was an NFL record until Reed reclaimed the record in 2008.[54][55]

2005

[edit]

The Baltimore Ravens promoted defensive line coach Rex Ryan to defensive coordinator after Mike Nolan accepted the head coaching position with the San Francisco 49ers. Ryan opted to retain Reed and Will Demps as the starting safeties for the fourth consecutive season. On October 16, 2005, Reed collected a season-high six combined tackles during a 16–3 win against the Cleveland Browns in Week 6.[56] Reed was inactive for the next six games (Weeks 7–12) due to an ankle injury.[57][58] He finished the 2005 season with 37 combined tackles (33 solo), nine passes defensed, and an interception in ten games and ten starts.[57]

2006

[edit]

On June 27, 2006, the Baltimore Ravens signed Reed to a six-year, $40 million contract extension that included a $15 million signing bonus.[59]

Reed with the Baltimore Ravens, 2008

In Week 4, Reed collected a season-high seven combined tackles, broke up a pass, and recorded his first career safety during a 16–13 win against the San Diego Chargers.[60] On November 5, 2006, Reed made three combined tackles and scored a touchdown in the Ravens' 26–20 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 9.[61] Reed scored a touchdown after teammate Samari Rolle intercepted a pass by Carson Palmer, that was intended for Chad Johnson, and returned it 24-yards before handing it off to Reed who returned it for the remaining 24-yards for a touchdown.[62] On December 10, 2006, he recorded three combined tackles, made a season-high three pass deflections, and intercepted two passes by Chiefs' quarterback Trent Green during a 20–10 win at the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 14.[63] On December 20, 2006, Reed was named to the 2007 Pro Bowl.[64] He started in all 16 games in 2006 and recorded 59 combined tackles (51 solo), nine pass deflections, five interceptions, a forced fumble, and a touchdown.[65] He was named as a First Team All-Pro for the second time.[66]

The Ravens went 13–3 that season, good enough for the #2 seed and the first round bye in the playoffs. In the Divisional Round against the #3 seeded Indianapolis Colts, Reed had two interceptions off of Peyton Manning along with three pass deflections and a solo tackle. Despite his performance, the Ravens lost 15–6.[67]

2007

[edit]

Head coach Brian Billick named Reed the starting free safety to begin the regular season in 2007, alongside strong safety Dawan Landry.[68]

He started in the Baltimore Ravens' season-opener at the Cincinnati Bengals and made one tackle, deflected a pass, and had his first career punt return for a touchdown in their 27–20 loss.[69] Reed returned a punt by Kyle Larson in the fourth quarter and returned it, untouched, for a 63-yard touchdown to put the Ravens' ahead 20–19.[70] On October 14, 2007, he recorded three combined tackles, deflected a pass, and made an interception during a 23–3 win against the St. Louis Rams in Week 6.[71] On December 18, 2007, it was announced that Reed was selected to play in the 2008 Pro Bowl.[72] On December 31, 2007, the Baltimore Ravens fired head coach Brian Billick after they finished with a 5–11 record in 2007.[73] He started in all 16 games in 2007 and recorded 39 combined tackles (29 solo), 13 pass deflections, and seven interceptions.[74][75] Reed served as a backup punt returner in 2007 and finished the season with ten punt returns for 94-yards and one touchdown.[76] He was named as a First Team All-Pro for the third time.[77]

The jersey and cleats worn by Reed during his record setting interception return on display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

2008

[edit]

Head coach John Harbaugh retained Reed and Dawan Landry as the starting safeties in 2008. On September 21, 2008, Reed recorded two combined tackles, broke up two passes, and returned an interception for a 32-yard touchdown during a 28–10 win against the Cleveland Browns in Week 3.[78] In Week 12, Reed made two combined tackles, a season-high four pass deflections, and intercepted two passes during a 36–7 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles to earn AFC Defensive Player of the Week.[79][55][80][81] Reed's first interception of the game came in the first quarter off a pass by Donovan McNabb which led to McNabb's eventually benching. He made a second interception off a pass by quarterback Kevin Kolb and returned it for an NFL record 107-yard touchdown. The previous record was also held by Reed and was a 106-yard interception return for a touchdown in 2004.[80][82] The ball he intercepted and the jersey he wore during the play are now displayed in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.[80][83] In Week 14, he earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his game against Washington.[84] In Week 15, he collected a season-high eight combined tackles and had a sack on quarterback Ben Roethlisberger during a 13–9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.[85] On December 16, 2008, Reed was announced as a part of the 2009 Pro Bowl roster.[86] The following week, he made one tackle, two pass deflections, and intercepted two passes by quarterback Tony Romo in the Ravens' 33–24 win at the Dallas Cowboys in Week 16.[87] In Week 17, Reed recorded three solo tackles, broke up two passes, and intercepted two pass attempts by David Garrard in Baltimore's 27–7 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars.[88] His performance marked his fourth game of the season with two interceptions. Reed earned AFC Defensive Player of the Month for December.[89] Reed started all 16 games in 2008 and recorded 41 combined tackles (34 solo), 16 pass deflections, tied his career-high of nine interceptions, two touchdowns, a sack, and a forced fumble.[87] He was named as a First Team All-Pro for the second time.[90]

The Baltimore Ravens finished the 2008 season second in the AFC North with an 11–5 record and earned a playoff berth.[91] On January 4, 2009, Reed had one tackle, broke up two passes, made two interceptions, and returned one for a touchdown during the Ravens' 27–9 win at the Miami Dolphins in the AFC Wild Card Round.[92] Both interceptions came off pass attempts by quarterback Chad Pennington.[93] The Baltimore Ravens reached the AFC Championship, but were defeated by the Pittsburgh Steelers who went on to win Super Bowl XLIII.[94] Reed recorded two solo tackles and deflected a pass as the Ravens lost 23–14.[87]

2009

[edit]

On January 26, 2009, Baltimore Ravens' head coach John Harbaugh promoted linebackers coach Greg Mattison to defensive coordinator after Rex Ryan accepted the head coaching position with the New York Jets.[95] Mattison opted to retain Reed and Dawan Landry as the starting safety duo in 2009.[96]

In Week 5, Reed recorded a season-high six solo tackles, deflected a pass, and returned an interception for a touchdown during the Ravens' 17–14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Reed intercepted a pass attempt by quarterback Carson Palmer, that was intended for wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, and returned it for a 42-yard touchdown in the second quarter.[97] Reed sustained a groin injury and was inactive for four games (Weeks 13–16).[98] On December 29, 2009, it was announced that Reed was selected to play in the 2010 Pro Bowl.[99] He finished the 2009 season with 50 combined tackles (42 solo), five pass deflections, three interceptions, three forced fumbles, and a touchdown.[100] Reed was the only player unanimously voted onto the AP 2008 NFL All-Pro team.[101] In 2009, Reed was selected to the Sporting News's Team of the Decade (2000s).[102]

The Baltimore Ravens finished second in their division with a 9–7 record, but were eliminated after losing 20–3 at the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Divisional Round.[103][104][105] Reed recorded an interception in each of the Ravens' playoff games.[106] Reed was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Decade Team for the 2000s.[107]

2010

[edit]

Reed underwent hip surgery during the offseason and was unable to physically participate in OTA's, training camp, and also missed the entire preseason. On September 4, 2010, the Baltimore Ravens placed Reed on their physically unable to perform list after it was determined that his recovery from hip surgery would take longer than originally expected.[108] Head coach John Harbaugh named Tom Zbikowski during Reed's absence.[109]

On October 24, 2010, Reed made four solo tackles, two pass deflections, forced a fumble, and intercepted two passes by Bills' quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick during a 37–34 win against the Buffalo Bills in Week 7.[110] In Week 14, he collected a season-high seven combined tackles and broke up a pass in the Ravens' 34–28 win at the Houston Texans.[111] On December 26, 2010, Reed recorded three combined tackles, made two pass deflections, and intercepted two passes by quarterback Colt McCoy during a 20–10 win at the Cleveland Browns in Week 16.[112] The following week, he recorded two combined tackles, made a season-high three pass deflections, and intercepted two passes by Bengals'quarterback Carson Palmer during a 13–7 win against the Cincinnati Bengals.[113] It became his third game of the season with multiple interceptions. He was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week.[114] In addition, he was named AFC Defensive Player of the Month for December.[115] On December 28, 2010, Reed was announced as a 2011 Pro Bowl selection.[116] Reed completed the 2010 season with 37 combined tackles (30 solo), tied his career-high of 16 pass deflections, and led the league with eight interceptions in ten games and ten starts.[117][118] He was named as a First Team All-Pro.[119] He was ranked fifth by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2011.[120]

2011

[edit]

On January 18, 2011, the Baltimore Ravens promoted secondary coach Chuck Pagano to defensive coordinator after Greg Mattison accepted the defensive coordinator position at Michigan.[121] Head coach John Harbaugh named Reed the starting free safety to begin the regular season, alongside strong safety Bernard Pollard and cornerbacks Chris Carr and Jimmy Smith. Pollard replaced Dawan Landry who started alongside Reed for the previous five seasons (2006–2010).[122]

Reed started in the Baltimore Ravens' season-opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers and recorded six solo tackles, a season-high four pass deflections, and intercepted two passes by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in their 35–7 victory.[123] Reed earned his 12th career game with multiple interceptions and surpassed former San Francisco 49ers' safety Ronnie Lott for most multi-interception games in a career. Lott had previously held the record with 11 games with multiple interceptions since 1993.[124] The following week, he collected a season-high eight combined tackles during a 26–13 loss at the Tennessee Titans in Week 2.[125] On December 27, 2011, it was announced that Reed was selected to the 2012 Pro Bowl.[126] Reed started in all 16 games in 2011 and recorded 52 combined tackles (44 solo), eight pass deflections, three interceptions, and a sack.[127]

The Baltimore Ravens finished atop the AFC North with a 12–4 record and clinched a playoff berth.[128] On January 15, 2012, Reed recorded six solo tackles, deflected four passes, and intercepted a pass by quarterback T. J. Yates in the fourth quarter of the Ravens' 20–13 victory against the Houston Texans in the AFC Divisional Round[129] Reed deflected another pass to seal the Ravens' victory, but was injured slightly. The following week, he made four combined tackles and two pass deflections as the Ravens lost 23–20 to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.[130][131] He was ranked 16th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2012.[132]

2012: Super Bowl XLVII champion

[edit]

On January 27, 2012, Baltimore Ravens' head coach John Harbaugh promoted linebackers coach Dean Pees to defensive coordinator after Chuck Pagano accepted the head coaching position with the Indianapolis Colts.[133] Pees retained Reed and Bernard Pollard as the starting safeties in 2012.[134]

Reed signing a football helmet, 2012
Reed after winning Super Bowl XLVII

Reed skipped out on a mandatory minicamp, but returned for training camp.[135][136] He started in the Baltimore Ravens' season-opener against the Cincinnati Bengals and made two solo tackles, deflected two passes, and returned an interception by Andy Dalton for a 34-yard touchdown on their 44–13 victory.[137] His 34-yard interception return made him the NFL's all-time leader in career interception return yards.[138] In Week 3, Reed collected a season-high nine combined tackles and broke up two passes during a 31–30 victory against the New England Patriots.[139] On November 19, 2012, Reed was given a one-game suspension by the league "for repeated violations of the rule prohibiting hits to the head and neck area of defenseless players" following an unnecessary roughness call for a hit on wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders. Reed was considered a repeat offender based on his prior hits to wide receiver Deion Branch earlier in the season and to quarterback Drew Brees in 2010. The suspension was later overturned, and Reed was fined $50,000 for the hit.[140] On December 26, 2012, it was announced that Reed was selected to the 2013 Pro Bowl.[141] He started in all 16 games in 2012 and recorded 58 combined tackles (45 solo), 16 pass deflections, four interceptions, and a touchdown.[142]

Reed and his son at M&T Bank Stadium following the Ravens Super Bowl XLVII victory

The Baltimore Ravens finished atop the AFC North with a 10–6 record and earned a playoff berth.[143] They reached Super Bowl XLVII after defeating the Indianapolis Colts 24–9 in the AFC Wild Card Round, the Denver Broncos 38–35 in the AFC Divisional Round, and also defeated the New England Patriots 28–13 in the AFC Championship.[144][145][146] On February 3, 2013, Reed started in Super Bowl XLVII and recorded five solo tackles, deflected a pass, and intercepted a pass by 49ers' quarterback Colin Kaepernick in the Ravens' 34–31 victory against the San Francisco 49ers.[147] He was ranked 18th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2013.[148]

Departure

[edit]

On January 24, 2013, Reed stated that despite repeated reports he might retire, he intended to play the next year.[149]

Reed became a free agent after his contract expired at the end of the 2012 season.[150] While he had considered retiring after the 2012 season, Reed stated after the Super Bowl that he intended to continue playing football in 2013.[9][150]

Reed scored a total of 14 touchdowns in his career with the Baltimore Ravens.[151]

Houston Texans

[edit]

On March 22, 2013, Reed signed a three-year contract worth $15 million with $5 million guaranteed with the Houston Texans.[152] Later in the 2013 offseason, Reed underwent arthroscopic surgery in his hip to repair a small labral tear.[153] Reed made his Houston Texans debut on September 22, 2013, against the Ravens in Baltimore.[154] As the season progressed, Reed saw his playing time reduced. He eventually lost his starting job to Shiloh Keo during Week 9 against the Indianapolis Colts.[155]

On November 10, 2013, Reed only played 12 snaps in a loss against the Arizona Cardinals. After the game, Reed told the media that the team was "outplayed and outcoached". A few days later, Reed was released by the Texans after displaying limited production with just 16 tackles, no interceptions, no forced fumbles, and no passes defended through seven games.[156]

New York Jets

[edit]

Reed was signed by the New York Jets on November 14, 2013, after clearing waivers.[157] The move reunited Reed with head coach Rex Ryan, whom he played for when Ryan was the defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens.[157] Reed played his first game as a Jet on November 17, 2013, against the Buffalo Bills.[158]

In Week 14, he recorded his first interception of the 2013 season against Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt McGloin.[159] In Weeks 16 and 17, against the Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins respectively, Reed had an interception late in each game's fourth quarter, to preserve the Jets' win. The interceptions helped the Jets close the season with two straight wins to finish with an 8–8 record, which played a major part in Rex Ryan keeping his job as head coach.[160][161][162] With the Jets, Reed played in seven games, of which he started five, with 22 tackles, four passes defended, and three interceptions. Overall, in 2013, combined with both teams he played for, Reed played 14 games, of which he started 10, with 42 total tackles, four passes defended, and three interceptions.[163]

Retirement

[edit]

Reed announced his retirement on May 6, 2015, signing a one-day contract on May 7 to retire as a Baltimore Raven.[164]

Reed was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on February 2, 2019, his first year of eligibility. He was the third homegrown Raven who achieved the sport's highest career recognition.[165] He was named to the NFL 100 All Time Team.[166]

NFL career statistics

[edit]
Legend
NFL Defensive Player of the Year
Won the Super Bowl
NFL record
Led the league
Bold Career high

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Punt Returns Fumbles Other
TD[a]
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck Sfty Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD Ret Yds Avg Lng TD FF FR TD
2002 BAL 16 16 85 71 14 1.0 0 5 167 33.4 59 0 7 — — — — — 0 0 0 1
2003 BAL 16 15 71 59 12 1.0 0 7 132 18.9 54T 1 9 5 33 6.6 19 0 0 1 0 2
2004 BAL 16 16 76 62 14 2.0 0 9 358 39.8 106T 1 8 — — — — — 2 3 1 0
2005 BAL 10 10 37 33 4 0.0 0 1 23 23.0 23 0 8 — — — — — 0 0 0 0
2006 BAL 16 16 59 51 8 0.0 1 5 70 14.0 37 1 4 — — — — — 1 1 0 0
2007 BAL 16 16 39 29 10 0.0 0 7 130 18.6 32 0 13 10 94 9.4 63T 1 1 0 0 0
2008 BAL 16 16 41 34 7 1.0 0 9 264 29.3 107T 2 16 1 8 8.0 8 0 2 1 1 0
2009 BAL 12 12 50 42 8 0.0 0 3 111 37.0 52T 1 5 7 29 4.1 9 0 3 3 0 0
2010 BAL 10 10 37 30 7 0.0 0 8 183 22.9 44 0 16 3 11 3.7 9 0 1 1 0 0
2011 BAL 16 16 52 44 8 1.0 0 3 25 8.3 16 0 8 3 29 9.7 16 0 0 1 0 0
2012 BAL 16 16 58 49 9 0.0 0 4 78 19.5 34T 1 15 1 1 1.0 1 0 3 0 0 0
2013 HOU 7 5 16 14 2 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 — — — — — 0 0 0 0
NYJ 7 5 22 13 9 0.0 0 3 49 16.3 25 0 4 — — — — — 0 0 0 0
Career 174 169 643 531 112 6.0 1 64 1,590 24.8 107T 7 113 30 205 6.8 63 1 13 11 2 3

Playoffs

[edit]
Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Punt Returns Fumbles
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck Sfty Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD Ret Yds Avg Lng TD FF FR TD
2003 BAL 1 1 0 0 0 0.0 0 1 23 23.0 23 0 2 — — — — — 0 0 0
2006 BAL 1 1 1 1 0 0.0 0 2 0 0.0 0 0 3 — — — — — 0 0 0
2008 BAL 3 3 7 6 1 0.0 0 2 76 38.0 64 1 3 — — — — — 0 0 0
2009 BAL 2 2 9 7 2 0.0 0 2 38 19.0 38 0 2 — — — — — 0 0 0
2010 BAL 2 2 7 6 1 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 — — — — — 1 0 0
2011 BAL 2 2 10 9 1 0.0 0 1 0 0.0 0 0 6 — — — — — 0 0 0
2012 BAL 4 4 15 14 1 0.0 0 1 6 6.0 6 0 3 1 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
Career 15 15 49 43 6 0.0 0 9 168 18.6 64 1 19 1 0 0.0 0 0 1 0 0

Records

[edit]

NFL records

[edit]
  • Tied-most playoff career interceptions (9)[167]
  • Longest interception return (107 yards) *Touchdown[55]
  • Most interception return yards, career (1,590 yards)[165]
  • Tied-most career blocked punts returned for touchdowns (3)[168]
  • Only player in NFL history to score touchdowns via interception, fumble recovery, blocked punt & punt return.[169]
  • Most multi-interception games, career (12)[170]

Ravens franchise records

[edit]
  • Most career interceptions (61)[171]
  • Most career interception return yards (1,541)[171]
  • Most career interception return touchdowns (7)[171]
  • Most passes defended (137)[171]
  • Most interception-return yards in a single game (150)[80]

Awards and honors

[edit]
Reed with the Vince Lombardi Trophy at the Ravens Super Bowl parade.

Halls of fame

[edit]

NFL

[edit]

College

[edit]

Track and field

[edit]

Big East Outdoor Championships

[edit]

Coaching career

[edit]

On January 13, 2016, Reed was hired as an assistant defensive backs coach for the Buffalo Bills.[196] This reunited him with coach Rex Ryan for the third time, after stints together with the Ravens and Jets during Reed's playing career. After serving the 2016 season in Buffalo, Reed was not retained by new coach Sean McDermott after Ryan's dismissal.[197]

On December 27, 2022, Reed was hired as the new head coach of the Bethune–Cookman Wildcats football team.[198] Before he officially became the coach of the team, Bethune–Cookman declined to ratify the contract on January 21, 2023, which vacated the football team's head coaching position.[199] Prior to his dismissal, Reed recorded a live stream on which he vociferously criticized the condition of the school's athletic facilities.[200][201][202] In the wake of this decision, Reed continued his criticism of the university, saying "I'm not withdrawing my name as they say. They don't want me here. They do not want me because I tell the truth."[203]

On January 13, 2025, Reed was announced as the offensive coordinator of Chamblee High School in Chamblee, Georgia, near Atlanta.[204]

Administrative career

[edit]

On January 30, 2020, Reed was hired by the University of Miami as the football team's chief of staff, an advisory role to head coach Manny Diaz.[205] Following the departure of Diaz, Reed stayed in his role under new head coach Mario Cristobal.[206]

Personal life

[edit]

Reed is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. He was initiated on November 16, 2024 through the Grambling Alumni Chapter.[207]

Notes

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ed Reed

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Edward John Reed Jr. (born September 11, 1978) is a former free safety who played twelve seasons in the (NFL), primarily with the . Born in , and raised in nearby , Reed attended before starring at the , where he helped the Hurricanes win the in 2001 as a consensus All-American . Selected by in the first round (24th overall) of the , Reed quickly established himself as one of the league's premier ball hawks, known for his exceptional instincts, range, and return ability on interceptions. Over his career, he appeared in 174 games with (2002–2012), Houston Texans (2013), and (2013), recording 646 tackles (534 solo), 64 interceptions for 1,590 return yards—a league record—and seven touchdowns, along with six sacks and 13 fumble recoveries. With , he set the franchise record with 61 interceptions and played a pivotal role in their victory in 2013. Reed's accolades include the 2004 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, nine selections, six first-team honors, and spots on the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team and NFL 100 All-Time Team. He was inducted into the in 2019 as a first-ballot member, recognizing his transformative impact on the safety position through his aggressive play and film study habits.

Early life

Family background and childhood

Edward Earl Reed Jr. was born on September 11, 1978, in St. Rose, Louisiana, a suburb northwest of New Orleans in St. Charles Parish. Reed was raised in nearby Shrewsbury before his family relocated to St. Rose, where he grew up as one of five brothers in a close-knit family led by his parents, Edward Reed Sr. and Karen Reed. His father worked as a welder, embodying a strong work ethic that influenced the household, while his mother served as a homemaker, later taking jobs at a hospital and Walmart to support the family. The Reeds placed a high value on discipline, education, and athletics, raising their sons with a blend of love and firm guidance in a modest home amid a gentrifying neighborhood. From a young age, Reed was exposed to a variety of sports, including football, , and track, which helped channel his energy and build his competitive spirit. However, he faced early challenges with academics, often missing classes and struggling with focus during his formative years in a distracting environment. His family provided crucial support to overcome these hurdles, emphasizing perseverance and structure; during his high school years, Reed relocated to the nearby Destrehan area, living with family friends Jeanne and Walter Hall, who offered additional discipline and stability to guide his development.

High school athletics

Ed Reed attended in , where he lettered in football, , and , showcasing his versatility as a multi-sport . In football, Reed played as a , , and for the Destrehan Fighting Wildcats, earning All-State and All-County honors along with the New Orleans Times-Picayune District Most Valuable Defensive Player award. During his senior year, he recorded 83 tackles, seven interceptions, three forced fumbles, and 12 passes defended while also returning three punts for touchdowns, contributing significantly to the team's defensive efforts. Reed also excelled in basketball as a point guard, averaging 20 points per game during his senior season and drawing interest from smaller colleges for his scoring ability. On the track and field team, Reed qualified for the state championships in the javelin throw and 4x100-meter relay, while competing in the long jump—where he exceeded 24 feet—and the triple jump, surpassing 46 feet, highlighting his speed and explosiveness. Reed's high school performances attracted recruitment from several colleges, and he ultimately committed to the over offers from LSU and Tulane.

College career

University of Miami recruitment and development

Ed Reed committed to the in 1997, drawn by head coach ' vision for rebuilding the program amid ongoing NCAA sanctions that restricted scholarships to just 15 for that recruiting class. Despite his high school stardom as an All-State performer at Destrehan High in —where he excelled in football, , track, and —Reed entered as a modestly rated two-star recruit, with offers from about 15 schools including LSU and Ole Miss. Davis' staff, particularly wide receivers coach Curtis Johnson (a native) and defensive backs coach , identified Reed's versatility and athleticism through film evaluation during a scouting trip, ultimately signing him alongside future NFL talents like and to bolster a defense in transition. Arriving on campus, Reed redshirted the 1997 season, using the time to acclimate to the rigors of and refine his skills under Davis' disciplined system, which emphasized speed, physicality, and opportunistic play. By 1998, he earned a starting role at free safety, marking his shift to a full-time defensive contributor after limited special teams appearances the prior year; this positional focus allowed him to hone his renowned instincts for reading quarterbacks and intercepting passes, transforming him into a cornerstone of Miami's secondary. Over the next seasons, Reed adapted further by moving to strong safety in 1999 and 2000—where he focused on run support and coverage versatility—before reverting to free safety in 2001 for greater roaming freedom, solidifying his reputation as a ball skills specialist who anticipated plays with uncanny precision. Reed encountered academic hurdles early in his Miami tenure, stemming from transitional challenges after high school, but he persevered to graduate with a liberal arts degree in May 2001. In the late 1990s, the Hurricanes operated under a cloud of from a 1995 booster scandal, prompting Davis to prioritize character-driven, under-the-radar recruits like Reed while instilling a gritty team ethos centered on accountability and preparation. This dynamic—marked by intense practices, talent infusion from classes like 1997's, and a focus on defensive takeaways—gradually elevated Miami from mediocrity (5-6 in 1997) toward elite status, setting the stage for the explosive 2001 championship campaign under interim coach after Davis' departure.

Key achievements and national championship

During his sophomore year in 1999, Ed Reed solidified his growing role in the ' secondary, recording two interceptions while contributing 74 total tackles and earning All-Big East Second Team honors. His defensive presence helped the team achieve an 11-1 record, including a key performance with 11 tackles and an interception against . In 2000, Reed emerged as a dominant force, leading with eight interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns, and earning Consensus First-Team All-American and All-Big East recognition. He recorded interceptions in four consecutive games and contributed to three defensive touchdowns in a single contest against , helping Miami secure a 11-1 season and a 37-20 victory over in the 2001 . His play was instrumental in the team's defensive dominance, as the Hurricanes ranked among 's top units in takeaways. Reed's senior season in culminated in a , where he led the Big East with nine for 206 yards and two touchdowns, earning Consensus First-Team All-American honors, Big East Co-Defensive Player of the Year, and National Defensive Player of the Year accolades from Football News. He broke the career record with 21 picks during a game against and played a pivotal role in the Hurricanes' undefeated 12-0 campaign, including a 37-14 Rose Bowl triumph over to claim the BCS . Reed's instincts and ball skills were central to 's dynasty era, establishing him as one of the premier college safeties of his time and a finalist for the .

College statistics

Ed Reed's college career at the spanned four seasons from 1998 to 2001, following a redshirt year in 1997 where he did not see game action. Over 45 games, he amassed 288 total tackles (203 solo, 85 assisted), 21 interceptions for 389 return yards and 4 touchdowns, 52 passes defended, and 4 forced fumbles. The following table provides a year-by-year breakdown of his key defensive statistics:
YearGamesTackles (Total/Solo/Assisted)InterceptionsINT YardsINT TDsPasses DefendedForced Fumbles
19981190 (61/29)253074
19991274 (48/26)238040
20001180 (59/21)8922230
20011144 (35/9)92062180
Career45288 (203/85)213894524
In 2001, Reed led the nation with nine interceptions, setting a single-season school record for return yards at 206 while contributing two pick-sixes.

Professional career

Baltimore Ravens tenure (2002–2012)

Ed Reed was selected by the in the first round (24th overall) of the out of the . As a free safety, he immediately earned a starting role and recorded five interceptions, helping anchor a Ravens defense that finished first in points allowed. His instinctive playmaking and range quickly established him as a cornerstone of the secondary, contributing to Baltimore's reputation for stout defenses in the early . Reed's performance peaked in 2004 when he earned Defensive Player of the Year honors, leading with nine interceptions for 358 return yards—a single-season record at the time—and three touchdowns off those returns, including a 106-yard pick-six against the . This standout season highlighted his ball-hawking ability and versatility, as he also forced two fumbles and recovered another for a score, solidifying his status as one of 's premier defensive backs. Under from 2005 to 2008, Reed thrived in aggressive schemes that emphasized disguises and pressure, often roaming as a to exploit mistakes while supporting run defense. Reed earned Pro Bowl selections in seven of his first nine seasons with the Ravens (2003–2004, 2006–2010), showcasing consistent excellence with multiple seasons of at least five interceptions. His tenure contributed to the team's sustained success, including deep playoff runs, though injuries began to mount in his later years; a torn hip labrum required surgery before the 2010 season, causing him to miss the first six games, and lingering neck issues limited his practice time in 2011. Despite these setbacks, Reed returned to form in 2012, recording four interceptions during the regular season and adding a crucial interception off San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in Super Bowl XLVII, helping secure a 34–31 victory and his first championship ring. Over 11 seasons with , Reed amassed 61 interceptions, a franchise record that underscored his enduring impact on ' defense, even as physical wear took a toll toward the end of his time there.

Houston Texans stint (2013)

Following his departure from the , Ed Reed signed a three-year contract worth up to $15 million with the Texans on March 22, 2013, including approximately $5 million in guaranteed money. The deal aimed to bolster the Texans' secondary with Reed's veteran leadership and playmaking ability, as Rick Smith sought to add championship experience to the defense. Reed missed the first two games of the 2013 season after undergoing arthroscopic surgery in May to repair a torn labrum in his , an injury that had lingered from his Ravens tenure. He debuted in Week 3 against his former team on September 22, but his role diminished as the season progressed due to ongoing hip issues and declining performance. In 7 games (5 starts) with Houston, Reed recorded 16 total tackles (14 solo) and no interceptions, reflecting a sharp drop from his career norms amid limited snaps and visible struggles with mobility. Despite his on-field challenges, Reed provided mentorship to younger safeties, particularly rookie second-round pick , helping guide the development of the Texans' defensive backfield through film study and positional insights. However, after Houston's 0-10 start, the team released Reed on November 12, 2013, citing his underwhelming production, persistent health concerns, and recent criticism of the following a loss to the .

New York Jets appearance (2013)

Following his release from the Houston Texans on November 12, 2013, due to a lingering hip injury that had sidelined him for much of the season, Ed Reed signed a contract with the on November 14, reuniting him with head coach , who had coached him during his highly successful tenure with the . At age 35, Reed joined a Jets secondary struggling with pass defense, providing veteran leadership and scheme familiarity to aid a late-season playoff push. The signing came after Reed cleared waivers and reportedly turned down interest from rivals like the , opting for Ryan's defensive system where he could contribute immediately. Reed appeared in the Jets' final seven regular-season games, starting five and participating in 368 defensive snaps as the team finished 8-8. His snap counts started high—73 against the in Week 13—but decreased in later weeks to 30 against the in Week 16, reflecting a rotational role amid his recovery and the team's youth movement in the secondary. Over this stretch, Reed tallied 22 tackles (13 solo) and three interceptions for 49 yards, with picks against the (7 yards in Week 14), (25 yards in Week 16), and (17 yards in Week 17). These interceptions highlighted his continued ball-hawking instincts, even as critics noted a decline in his coverage speed due to age and injury history. The Jets' late-season addition of Reed aimed to inject experience into a defense allowing over 230 passing yards per game prior to his arrival, though the unit ranked 25th in pass defense overall. In his Week 17 finale against the Dolphins—a 20-7 Jets victory—Reed played 46 snaps, recorded four solo tackles, and secured his third of the stint, helping seal Miami's playoff elimination. Postseason, Reed voiced optimism about extending his career, stating in late December that he envisioned playing at least one more year to maintain his professional standard. Despite this, no further contracts materialized for the veteran after the 2013 campaign.

Retirement

Announcement and immediate aftermath

Ed Reed officially announced his retirement from the on May 7, 2015, after signing a one-day contract with the to retire as a member of the franchise that drafted him 24th overall in 2002. Following his final game with the in December 2013, Reed explored opportunities to return for the 2014 season, training and expressing interest in signing with a team, but ultimately sat out the year before confirming his decision to end his 12-year career. At a 45-minute held at the Ravens' training facility in , Reed conveyed deep gratitude to the organization for shaping his career and personal life, emphasizing his unbreakable bond with by stating, "Home has always been in ." He reflected on his off-field efforts, including bringing underprivileged youth to games and funding local football programs, while crediting for supporting his growth as a player and community leader. The event, attended by former teammates such as Jimmy Smith and Lardarius Webb, opened with a 90-second video montage of Reed's signature plays, including his NFL-record 108-yard interception return touchdown against the in 2004. The retirement elicited immediate tributes across media outlets and from the community, celebrating Reed's status as one of the most instinctive safeties in league history. Former head coach , who guided Reed through six seasons including a victory, praised him as "the smartest player I've ever coached" and a future Hall of Famer whose instincts made him "absolutely brilliant" on the field. Reed himself highlighted the influence of teammates like , with whom he anchored Baltimore's defense for a decade, noting in the conference that their partnership defined much of his success; Lewis had previously lauded Reed as an irreplaceable talent in joint interviews reflecting on their shared achievements. general manager added, "Whenever there was a play to be made, it’s Ed Reed’s time," underscoring the organization's reverence for his 64 career interceptions, an record for return yards at 1,590. Coverage in outlets like and NFL.com focused on Reed's legacy as a nine-time Pro Bowler and 2004 Defensive Player of the Year, with fans and analysts expressing bittersweet sentiments over the end of an era. Reed's transition from the game was complicated by the cumulative physical toll of his career, including chronic and issues from impingements that limited his play in later years, as well as a history of at least three or four concussions he publicly recalled sustaining. In post-retirement reflections shortly after the announcement, he acknowledged feeling the lingering effects of those impacts and the demands of a position that required relentless physicality, though he emphasized that players enter the sport aware of such risks. honored him further by announcing his induction into their for November 22, 2015, providing an immediate platform to celebrate his franchise-record 61 interceptions during his tenure.

Hall of Fame induction

Ed Reed was selected for induction into the as part of the Class of 2019, earning enshrinement on his first ballot of eligibility. This made him the first pure safety to achieve first-ballot status since Ken in 1986, highlighting his immediate recognition among the selectors for his exceptional career. The induction ceremony took place on August 3, 2019, in , during Enshrinement Week. Reed's bronzed bust was unveiled by his father, Rod, an emotional moment that underscored the family support central to his journey. In his acceptance speech, Reed expressed deep gratitude to his family, particularly his parents, for instilling values that guided his career, while emphasizing the profound bond he shared with the city of and its fans, declaring, "There's no place like Baltimore!" He also acknowledged organization and fellow Hall of Famers, delivering a heartfelt, unpredictable address that reflected his personality. Voters cited Reed's nine Pro Bowl selections, six First-Team honors, 2004 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, championship with the , and status as the all-time leader in interceptions among safeties with 64 career picks as key factors in his unanimous acclaim. Following the enshrinement, Reed received his Ring of Excellence on November 3, 2019, at halftime of the ' home game against the at in . The ring, crafted by Kay Jewelers with 14K gold and 1¾ carats of diamonds, featured custom engravings including Reed's enshrinee number 325 and was presented by Hall of Fame President David Baker.

Post-retirement activities

Coaching roles

Following his retirement from the in 2015, Ed Reed entered coaching with the in 2016, serving as the team's assistant defensive backs coach under . In this role, Reed focused on developing secondary players, drawing on his expertise as a nine-time known for his ball-hawking instincts. His tenure lasted one season, ending after Ryan's dismissal; Reed did not return for amid staff changes. Reed's next formal coaching position came in 2025 at Chamblee High School in Georgia, where he was named for the Bulldogs football team. This role allowed him to coach his son, Ed Reed III, a senior , and marked a return to hands-on involvement after assisting the program informally in prior years, including guiding his son's 7-on-7 team. Reed emphasized studying offensive schemes throughout his to anticipate defenses, applying this knowledge to player development at the high school level. Throughout his coaching efforts, Reed has prioritized fundamentals, instinctive play, and holistic player growth, principles rooted in his Hall of Fame career where and preparation defined his success. He has expressed a desire to elevate teammates' understanding of the game, fostering discipline and unity on the field.

Administrative positions

Following his retirement from the NFL, Ed Reed took on administrative roles within programs, leveraging his expertise in defensive strategies and player development. From 2020 to 2021, he served as for the Hurricanes football team, his , where he advised Manny Diaz on , , operations, player evaluations, and overall program development. In this capacity, Reed focused on team building, student-athlete mentorship, and contributing to recruiting efforts without direct on-field coaching responsibilities. Reed continued in an administrative function with the Hurricanes in 2022 as senior football advisor, providing high-level guidance on program operations and defensive philosophies during a period of staff transitions. This role emphasized oversight and advisory support rather than day-to-day coaching, aligning with his post-playing career interest in behind-the-scenes leadership. In late 2022, Reed was poised to assume a prominent leadership position at Bethune-Cookman University amid an interim coaching transition, but the arrangement concluded shortly after announcement without him taking on formal duties. Since then, Reed has pursued selective, informal advisory opportunities in professional football while prioritizing family commitments over full-time administrative positions.

Career statistics and records

Regular season and postseason stats

Ed Reed played 12 seasons in the , appearing in 174 games and recording 646 total tackles (534 solo, 112 assisted), 64 interceptions for 1,590 yards and 7 , 6 sacks, 11 forced , and 13 recoveries for 153 yards and 2 . In the postseason, he participated in 15 games with the , accumulating 49 total tackles (43 solo, 6 assisted), 9 interceptions for 168 yards and 1 , and 1 recovery. These figures highlight his defensive impact, particularly in pass defense, where his 64 regular season interceptions ranked seventh in NFL history at the time of his retirement. The following table summarizes Reed's regular season defensive statistics year by year, including games played (G), total tackles, interceptions (INT), and sacks. He spent his first 11 seasons with the before splitting 2013 between the Houston Texans (9 games, 25 tackles, 2 INT, 0 sacks) and (5 games, 13 tackles, 1 INT, 0 sacks).
YearTeam(s)GTacklesINTSacks
2002BAL168551.0
2003BAL167171.0
2004BAL167892.0
2005BAL103710.0
2006BAL166050.0
2007BAL163970.0
2008BAL164191.0
2009BAL125030.0
2010BAL103780.0
2011BAL165231.0
2012BAL165840.0
2013HST/NYJ143830.0
Career174646646.0
Reed's postseason contributions were concentrated with the Ravens across seven playoff appearances from 2003 to 2012, as shown in the table below. His 9 playoff interceptions included notable returns, such as one in .
YearTeamGTacklesINTSacks
2003BAL1010.0
2006BAL1120.0
2008BAL3720.0
2009BAL2920.0
2010BAL2700.0
2011BAL21010.0
2012BAL41510.0
Career154990.0
In advanced metrics, Reed's interception efficiency stood out, with an approximately every 2.7 regular season games (64 INTs in 174 games), contributing to his status among the league's all-time leaders in total interceptions. Additionally, his 1,590 career interception return yards set the NFL record, surpassing Rod Woodson's 1,483, while his average of 24.8 yards per return ranked eighth all-time among players with at least 20 interceptions.

Notable NFL and franchise records

Ed Reed holds the record for career return yards with 1,590, a mark that remains unbroken as of 2025. He also owns the two longest returns in league history: 107 yards against the in 2008 and 106 yards against the in 2004, both returned for touchdowns. Additionally, Reed's nine career postseason s tie him for the most in history among defensive players. With the , Reed established franchise benchmarks that underscore his defensive dominance over 11 seasons, including a team-record 61 and 1,541 interception return yards. His nine playoff also stand as the ' all-time high, all achieved during his tenure with the team. These accomplishments place Reed among elite safeties like , the NFL's all-time interception leader with 81, though Reed's return yardage and big-play ability set him apart in those categories. As of 2025, Reed's key records continue to hold, reflecting his enduring impact on the game.

Awards and honors

Professional accolades

Ed Reed's professional career in the was marked by numerous accolades that underscored his dominance as a , particularly with the from 2002 to 2012. He earned nine selections, appearing in the all-star game in 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012, which highlighted his consistent excellence in pass defense and playmaking ability. Additionally, Reed was named to five first-team honors by the in 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2010, recognizing him as one of the league's top defensive backs during those seasons. In 2004, Reed was awarded the NFL Defensive Player of the Year by the , an honor he earned after leading the league with nine interceptions, including a franchise-record 106-yard interception return for a touchdown, and contributing significantly to ' defensive resurgence. He also received the NFL Alumni Defensive Back of the Year award in 2008, further affirming his impact on the secondary. Reed's contributions culminated in a championship with in 2013 (following the 2012 season), where he recorded six tackles and helped anchor a defense that limited the in a 34-31 victory. Post-retirement, he was inducted into the in 2015, joining the franchise's elite for his 11-year tenure that included 61 interceptions and seven defensive touchdowns. Reed's legacy extended to retrospective honors, as he was selected to the NFL All-Decade Team for the 2000s by the , alongside other luminaries for his era-defining interceptions and field vision. He was also named to the Hall of Fame All-2000s Team, solidifying his place among the decade's premier safeties.

College recognitions

During his time at the from 1997 to 2001, Ed Reed established himself as one of the premier in , earning multiple prestigious awards that underscored his playmaking ability and impact on the Hurricanes' defense. In 2001, his senior year, Reed was named a finalist for the , which recognizes the nation's top . He was also selected as a semifinalist for the , honoring the outstanding defensive player in . Reed's conference and national recognition further highlighted his dominance. He was awarded Big East Defensive Player of the Year in 2001 and earned first-team All-Big East honors that season, following second-team recognition in 1999 and first-team honors in 2000, making him a three-time All-Big East selection overall. Nationally, he garnered consensus first-team All-American honors in both 2000 and 2001, reflecting his consistent excellence in intercepting passes and disrupting opposing offenses. As a key contributor to the 2001 Miami Hurricanes squad, Reed helped lead the team to a BCS National Championship victory over Nebraska in the Rose Bowl, capping a perfect 12-0 season. His collegiate achievements were later honored with induction into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 2012 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2018, cementing his legacy as one of the Hurricanes' all-time great defenders.

Personal life

Family and residences

Ed Reed was born on September 11, 1978, in , the youngest of five sons born to parents Edward Reed Sr., a ship welder, and Karen Reed, a homemaker and seamstress. The family emphasized discipline alongside love, shaping Reed's values and from an early age. Reed maintained strong bonds with his siblings and parents throughout his life, particularly evident during the 2011 tragedy when his brother Brian Reed went missing and was later found deceased; the family's unity provided crucial support as Reed continued playing amid the grief. A devout Christian, Reed has often credited his faith as the cornerstone of his personal and family life, stating that belief in Jesus Christ is the most important aspect of his existence and influences his daily decisions. He has shared his testimony publicly, including at events, highlighting how faith guided him through challenges and strengthened family ties. Reed has kept details of his largely private, avoiding public disclosure about his or relationships. He is a dedicated to his , Ed Reed III (born circa 2008), who plays and for Chamblee High School in Georgia and shares his father's passion for football. Reed's residences have shifted with key life stages. Raised in , he relocated to , to attend the from 1997 to 2001. His NFL career anchored him in , , for over a decade with (2002–2012), though he briefly moved to , , in 2013 to play for the Texans and to New York for a short stint with the Jets. Following retirement in 2013, Reed settled in the metropolitan area of Georgia, purchasing a home in McDonough in 2018 to be closer to his son and support his activities.

Philanthropy and interests

Ed Reed established the Ed Reed Foundation in 2002 during his rookie season with the to support underserved youth through education, athletics, and character development. The foundation operates in , ; New Orleans, ; and , , providing mentorship and wellness programs aimed at empowering at-risk children to pursue their potential. Annual football and character-building camps, such as the Ed Reed Academy, have been held since 2004, offering free coaching, meals, and exposure to professional athletes for hundreds of participants each year, particularly in and communities. The foundation has partnered with organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore for community events, including Thanksgiving meal distributions to families in need. Reed has also supported initiatives through Ravens-hosted events for children with critical illnesses. Following in 2005, Reed actively advocated for athlete donations to relief efforts in his home state of and contributed personally via his early foundation work, including the Eye of the Hurricane Foundation focused on recovery in affected areas. Beyond , Reed is an avid golfer, frequently hosting charity tournaments to raise funds for youth programs. Drawing from his experiences with , he has advocated for greater awareness, sharing how he personally feels lingering effects from on-field impacts and emphasizing the need for player safety reforms. As of 2025, Reed continues his involvement in high school mentorship through the foundation's R.E.E.D. for SEED Scholarship program, awarding funds to college-bound student-athletes at SEED Schools in and who maintain academic standards and participate in sports. His family occasionally joins in foundation events, reinforcing community ties. The annual camps and outreach persist, with recent gatherings in New Orleans engaging over 300 youth in mentorship activities.

References

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  38. https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ed-reed-retires-as-one-of-a-kind-15261153
  39. https://www.espn.com/blog/baltimore-ravens/post/_/id/19885/ed-reeds-greatness-was-how-he-always-kept-everyone-guessing
  40. https://www.nfl.com/news/ex-ravens-safety-ed-reed-announces-retirement-0ap3000000491519
  41. https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2015/11/16/ed-reed-says-risk-of-brain-injury-wont-kill-football/
  42. https://russellstreetreport.com/2012/01/13/street-talk/ravens-notebook-ed-reed-playing-through-pain/
  43. https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ed-reed-going-into-ravens-ring-of-honor-on-nov-22-15260785
  44. https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/legendary-ravens-safety-ed-reed-enters-hall-of-fame-on-first-ballot
  45. https://sports.yahoo.com/champ-bailey-among-pro-football-hall-fames-2019-class-221420730.html
  46. https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/02/02/pro-football-hall-fame-class-2019-tony-gonzalez-ed-reed-results
  47. https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/top-10-moments-from-ed-reed-s-hall-of-fame-speech
  48. https://www.baltimoreravens.com/video/ed-reed-emotional-as-hall-of-fame-bust-is-revealed-by-his-dad
  49. https://www.profootballhof.com/news/2019/08/class-of-2019-ed-reed/
  50. https://www.profootballhof.com/news/2019/10/ed-reed-to-receive-pro-football-hall-of-fame-ring-of-excellence-during-week-9/
  51. https://www.buffalobills.com/news/ed-reed-agrees-to-join-the-bills-coaching-staff-16695491
  52. https://www.baltimoresun.com/2017/01/31/ed-reed-wont-return-for-second-season-on-bills-coaching-staff/
  53. https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ed-reed-offensive-coordinator-chamblee-high-school
  54. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ravens-legend-ed-reed-named-offensive-coordinator-at-sons-georgia-high-school/
  55. https://sports.yahoo.com/ed-reed-talks-accepting-chamblee-195848968.html
  56. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1083288/2019/08/01/teds-film-room-what-made-ed-reed-one-of-the-all-time-greats/
  57. https://www.espn.com/blog/buffalo-bills/post/_/id/24120/rex-ryan-thinks-ed-reed-can-be-a-head-coach-within-five-years
  58. https://miamihurricanes.com/news/2020/01/30/miami-football-hires-reed-as-chief-of-staff/
  59. https://www.nfl.com/news/hofer-ed-reed-returns-to-miami-as-chief-of-staff-0ap3000001099925
  60. https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/35330809/hall-famer-ed-reed-head-coach-bethune-cookman
  61. https://www.si.com/college/2020/01/30/ed-reed-miami-football-chief-of-staff-manny-diaz-advisor
  62. https://www.si.com/nfl/ravens/news/baltimore-ravens-ed-reed-accepts-unusual-coaching-job
  63. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/def_int_career.htm
  64. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/ReedEd00/gamelog/post/
  65. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/def_int_yds_career.htm
  66. https://www.footballdb.com/leaders/career-defense-intavg
  67. https://nesn.com/2025/08/nfl-all-time-defense-rank-no-10-ed-reed/
  68. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/def_int_long_single_season.htm
  69. https://www.nfl.com/100/originals/100-greatest/plays-63
  70. https://www.baltimoreravens.com/team/history/ring-of-honor
  71. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/pfhof_all_decade_2000.htm
  72. https://miamihurricanes.com/news/2018/01/08/ed-reed-tabbed-to-college-football-hall-of-fame/
  73. https://footballfoundation.org/honors/hall-of-fame/ed-reed/2426
  74. https://news.miami.edu/alumni/stories/2017/08/five-legends-selected-to-football-ring-of-honor.html
  75. https://miamihurricanes.com/ed-reed-pro-football-hall-of-fame/
  76. https://www.nfl.com/news/ravens-give-reed-game-ball-for-playing-through-family-tragedy-09000d5d81d91211
  77. https://www.facebook.com/SportsSpectrumMag/posts/ed-reed-talks-about-the-importance-the-athletes-prayer-played-in-his-career-and-/10157394041209730/
  78. https://www.brightfm.com/shine/shine-daily/ed-reed-shares-testimony-at-fellowship-of-christian-athletes-banquet/
  79. https://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/ed-reeds-house-1/view/google/
  80. https://donate.onecause.com/erf25
  81. https://www.edreedfoundation.org/about
  82. https://nflpa.com/press/nfl-players-give-back-for-thanksgiving-1
  83. https://www.baltimoresun.com/2005/09/03/taking-lead-he-calls-on-athletes-to-donate/
  84. https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2010/7/25/1586487/covering-ed-reeds-golf-classic
  85. https://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs/2012/story/_/id/8894201/2013-super-bowl-baltimore-ravens-ed-reed-says-junior-seau-signed-nfl-dangers
  86. https://www.seedschoolmd.org/news/reed-for-seed-scholarships-help-students-kick-off-the-school-year
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