Who is the legendary Ed Reed? Ed Reed is a former American football safety who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons, primarily with the Baltimore Ravens. Widely regarded as one of the greatest safeties in NFL history, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.
Reed played college football at the University of Miami, where he was a consensus All-American and won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back in 2001. He was drafted by the Ravens in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft, and quickly established himself as one of the most feared hitters in the league. Reed was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, a five-time All-Pro selection, and the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2004.
Reed was known for his exceptional ball-hawking skills, and he intercepted 64 passes during his career, returning seven of them for touchdowns. He also forced 10 fumble recoveries and scored three defensive touchdowns. Reed was a key member of the Ravens' Super Bowl XXXV championship team in 2000, and he was named the game's Most Valuable Player (MVP).
After retiring from the NFL, Reed worked as a football analyst for ESPN and the Baltimore Ravens. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest safeties in NFL history, and he is a member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team and the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.
Ed Reed
Ed Reed is widely considered to be one of the greatest safeties in NFL history. Here are 9 key aspects that highlight his exceptional career and legacy:
- Ball Hawk: Reed intercepted 64 passes during his career, returning seven of them for touchdowns.
- Hard Hitter: Reed was known for his punishing hits, and he forced 10 fumble recoveries and scored three defensive touchdowns.
- Super Bowl MVP: Reed was named the MVP of Super Bowl XXXV, in which the Ravens defeated the New York Giants 34-7.
- Seven-time Pro Bowler: Reed was selected to the Pro Bowl seven times, more than any other safety in NFL history.
- Five-time All-Pro: Reed was named to the All-Pro team five times, including three times as a first-team selection.
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year: Reed was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2004.
- Hall of Famer: Reed was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team: Reed was named to the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team.
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team: Reed was named to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.
Ed Reed was a dominant force on the field, and he helped the Ravens win their first Super Bowl championship. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest safeties in NFL history, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players.
Personal Details and Bio Data of Ed Reed
Full Name: | Edward Earl Reed Jr. |
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Born: | September 11, 1978 (age 44) |
Birth Place: | St. Rose, Louisiana, U.S. |
Height: | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
Weight: | 200 lb (91 kg) |
College: | University of Miami |
NFL Draft: | 2002; Round 1, Pick 24; Baltimore Ravens |
Position: | Safety |
Teams: | Baltimore Ravens (2002-2012); Houston Texans (2013); New York Jets (2013) |
Super Bowl Wins: | Super Bowl XXXV (with the Ravens) |
NFL Defensive Player of the Year: | 2004 |
Pro Bowl Selections: | 7 |
All-Pro Selections: | 5 |
Hall of Fame Induction: | 2019 |
Ball Hawk
Ed Reed was one of the most prolific ball hawks in NFL history. He had an uncanny ability to read quarterbacks and anticipate their throws, which allowed him to intercept passes at an incredible rate.
- Exceptional Instincts: Reed had a natural instinct for the football. He could sense where the ball was going, even when it was well-disguised.
- Great Hands: Reed had great hands, which allowed him to catch the ball cleanly and securely.
- Aggressive Style: Reed was not afraid to take risks and go for the interception. He would often jump routes and gamble on the quarterback making a mistake.
- Big-Play Ability: Reed was not only a great interceptor, but he was also a big-play threat. He returned seven of his interceptions for touchdowns, which is tied for the most in NFL history.
Reed's ball-hawking skills were a major asset to the Ravens defense. He helped them win their first Super Bowl championship in 2000, and he was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2004. Reed is widely considered to be one of the greatest safeties in NFL history, and his ball-hawking ability was a big part of his success.
Hard Hitter
Ed Reed was not only a great ball hawk, but he was also a hard hitter. He was known for his punishing tackles, which often forced fumbles and turnovers. Reed's hard-hitting style was a major asset to the Ravens defense, and it helped them win their first Super Bowl championship in 2000.
There are several reasons why Reed was such a hard hitter. First, he was incredibly strong. He could bench press over 400 pounds, and he had a powerful lower body. Second, Reed had great tackling technique. He knew how to wrap up ball carriers and bring them down with force. Third, Reed was not afraid to hit hard. He was a physical player who was willing to put his body on the line.
Reed's hard-hitting style was not without its risks. He suffered several injuries throughout his career, including a neck injury that forced him to retire in 2013. However, Reed's hard hitting was also a major part of his success. He was one of the most feared hitters in the NFL, and he helped the Ravens become one of the most dominant defenses in the league.
Here are some examples of Reed's hard hits:
- In a game against the Cleveland Browns in 2006, Reed knocked Browns running back Jamal Lewis out of the game with a vicious hit.
- In a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2008, Reed forced a fumble from Steelers running back Willie Parker with a hard hit.
- In a game against the New York Jets in 2010, Reed intercepted a pass from Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez and returned it for a touchdown. He lowered his shoulder and knocked Jets wide receiver Santonio Holmes out of the game with a hard hit.
Ed Reed was one of the hardest hitters in the NFL. His punishing tackles were a major asset to the Ravens defense, and they helped him become one of the greatest safeties in NFL history.
Super Bowl MVP
Ed Reed was named the MVP of Super Bowl XXXV, in which the Ravens defeated the New York Giants 34-7. This was a major accomplishment for Reed, as he became the first safety to win the Super Bowl MVP award. Reed's performance in the game was nothing short of spectacular. He intercepted two passes, returning one of them for a touchdown. He also had seven tackles and a forced fumble. Reed's performance helped the Ravens win their first Super Bowl championship, and it cemented his status as one of the greatest safeties in NFL history.
- Leadership: Reed was a leader on the Ravens defense, and he played a key role in their Super Bowl victory. He was always vocal and encouraging, and he helped to keep his teammates focused and motivated.
- Playmaking Ability: Reed was a playmaker on the field, and he made several big plays in Super Bowl XXXV. His two interceptions and touchdown return were crucial in the Ravens' victory.
- Toughness: Reed was a tough player, and he was not afraid to put his body on the line. He made several big hits in Super Bowl XXXV, and he helped to set the tone for the Ravens' defense.
- Legacy: Reed's performance in Super Bowl XXXV helped to cement his legacy as one of the greatest safeties in NFL history. He was a key member of the Ravens' championship team, and his playmaking ability and leadership were instrumental in their success.
Ed Reed's performance in Super Bowl XXXV was one of the greatest individual performances in Super Bowl history. He was a dominant force on the field, and he helped the Ravens win their first championship. Reed's legacy as one of the greatest safeties in NFL history is secure, and his performance in Super Bowl XXXV is a major reason why.
Seven-time Pro Bowler
Ed Reed's selection to the Pro Bowl seven times is a testament to his exceptional talent and consistent performance. The Pro Bowl is an annual all-star game that features the best players in the NFL, and Reed's repeated selection to the team shows that he was one of the most respected and feared safeties in the league.
- Ball-Hawking Skills: Reed was one of the most prolific ball hawks in NFL history, and his ability to intercept passes was a major reason why he was selected to the Pro Bowl seven times. He had a knack for reading quarterbacks and anticipating their throws, which allowed him to intercept passes at an incredible rate.
- Hard Hitting: Reed was also known for his punishing hits, and his ability to force fumbles and turnovers was another reason why he was selected to the Pro Bowl seven times. He was not afraid to put his body on the line, and his hard-hitting style helped to set the tone for the Ravens defense.
- Leadership: Reed was a leader on the Ravens defense, and his ability to motivate and inspire his teammates was another reason why he was selected to the Pro Bowl seven times. He was always vocal and encouraging, and he helped to keep his teammates focused and motivated.
- Versatility: Reed was a versatile player who could play multiple positions in the secondary. He was a valuable asset to the Ravens defense because he could play both safety and cornerback. His versatility allowed him to match up against a variety of receivers, and it made him one of the most difficult players to game plan against.
Ed Reed's seven Pro Bowl selections are a testament to his exceptional talent and consistent performance. He was one of the most feared and respected safeties in the NFL, and he played a major role in the Ravens' success. Reed is widely considered to be one of the greatest safeties in NFL history, and his seven Pro Bowl selections are a major reason why.
Five-time All-Pro
Ed Reed's selection to the All-Pro team five times, including three times as a first-team selection, is a testament to his exceptional talent and consistent performance. The All-Pro team is an annual selection of the best players in the NFL, and Reed's repeated selection to the team shows that he was one of the most respected and feared safeties in the league.
- Ball-Hawking Skills: Reed was one of the most prolific ball hawks in NFL history, and his ability to intercept passes was a major reason why he was selected to the All-Pro team five times. He had a knack for reading quarterbacks and anticipating their throws, which allowed him to intercept passes at an incredible rate.
- Hard Hitting: Reed was also known for his punishing hits, and his ability to force fumbles and turnovers was another reason why he was selected to the All-Pro team five times. He was not afraid to put his body on the line, and his hard-hitting style helped to set the tone for the Ravens defense.
- Leadership: Reed was a leader on the Ravens defense, and his ability to motivate and inspire his teammates was another reason why he was selected to the All-Pro team five times. He was always vocal and encouraging, and he helped to keep his teammates focused and motivated.
- Versatility: Reed was a versatile player who could play multiple positions in the secondary. He was a valuable asset to the Ravens defense because he could play both safety and cornerback. His versatility allowed him to match up against a variety of receivers, and it made him one of the most difficult players to game plan against.
Ed Reed's five All-Pro selections are a testament to his exceptional talent and consistent performance. He was one of the most feared and respected safeties in the NFL, and he played a major role in the Ravens' success. Reed is widely considered to be one of the greatest safeties in NFL history, and his five All-Pro selections are a major reason why.
NFL Defensive Player of the Year
Ed Reed's selection as the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2004 was a major accomplishment, and it solidified his status as one of the greatest safeties in NFL history. Reed had a phenomenal season in 2004, leading the NFL with nine interceptions and returning two of them for touchdowns. He also had 61 tackles, four forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. Reed's play was instrumental in the Ravens' success in 2004, as they finished the season with a 13-3 record and won the AFC North division.
Reed's selection as the NFL Defensive Player of the Year was a culmination of his hard work and dedication. He was a gifted athlete with exceptional ball-hawking skills and a knack for making big plays. Reed was also a hard hitter who was not afraid to put his body on the line. He was a leader on the Ravens defense, and his teammates respected and admired him.
Reed's selection as the NFL Defensive Player of the Year is a reminder of the importance of hard work and dedication. It is also a reminder of the importance of teamwork. Reed was part of a great Ravens defense that helped the team win the Super Bowl in 2000. Reed's individual success was a reflection of the success of the Ravens as a whole.
Hall of Famer
Ed Reed's induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019 was a fitting tribute to one of the greatest safeties in NFL history. Reed had a remarkable career, and his Hall of Fame induction is a testament to his exceptional talent and consistent performance.
- Ball-Hawking Skills: Reed was one of the most prolific ball hawks in NFL history. He had a knack for reading quarterbacks and anticipating their throws, which allowed him to intercept passes at an incredible rate. Reed intercepted 64 passes during his career, returning seven of them for touchdowns.
- Hard Hitting: Reed was also known for his punishing hits. He was not afraid to put his body on the line, and his hard-hitting style helped to set the tone for the Ravens defense. Reed forced 10 fumble recoveries and scored three defensive touchdowns during his career.
- Leadership: Reed was a leader on the Ravens defense. He was always vocal and encouraging, and he helped to keep his teammates focused and motivated. Reed's leadership was instrumental in the Ravens' success, and it helped them win the Super Bowl in 2000.
- Versatility: Reed was a versatile player who could play multiple positions in the secondary. He was a valuable asset to the Ravens defense because he could play both safety and cornerback. Reed's versatility allowed him to match up against a variety of receivers, and it made him one of the most difficult players to game plan against.
Ed Reed's Hall of Fame induction is a reminder of the importance of hard work and dedication. It is also a reminder of the importance of teamwork. Reed was part of a great Ravens defense that helped the team win the Super Bowl in 2000. Reed's individual success was a reflection of the success of the Ravens as a whole.
NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
The NFL 2000s All-Decade Team is a list of the best players in the NFL during the 2000s decade. Ed Reed was named to the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team as a safety, which is a testament to his exceptional talent and consistent performance during that decade.
Reed was one of the most feared and respected safeties in the NFL during the 2000s. He was known for his ball-hawking skills, hard hitting, and leadership. Reed was a key member of the Baltimore Ravens defense that won the Super Bowl in 2000. He was also named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2004.
Reed's selection to the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team is a recognition of his status as one of the greatest safeties in NFL history. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and is widely considered to be one of the best players of his generation.
The NFL 2000s All-Decade Team is a prestigious honor, and Reed's selection to the team is a testament to his exceptional talent and consistent performance. He is one of the most decorated safeties in NFL history, and his selection to the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team is a fitting tribute to his career.
NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
The NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team is a list of the greatest players in NFL history, as selected by a panel of experts. Ed Reed was named to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team as a safety, which is a testament to his exceptional talent and consistent performance throughout his career.
Reed is one of the most decorated safeties in NFL history. He was named to the Pro Bowl seven times, the All-Pro team five times, and was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2004. Reed was also a key member of the Baltimore Ravens defense that won the Super Bowl in 2000.
Reed's selection to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team is a recognition of his status as one of the greatest safeties in NFL history. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and is widely considered to be one of the best players of his generation.
The NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team is a prestigious honor, and Reed's selection to the team is a testament to his exceptional talent and consistent performance. He is one of the most decorated safeties in NFL history, and his selection to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team is a fitting tribute to his career.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ed Reed
Ed Reed is widely considered to be one of the greatest safeties in NFL history. He was a seven-time Pro Bowler, a five-time All-Pro, and the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2004. Reed was also a key member of the Baltimore Ravens defense that won the Super Bowl in 2000.
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Ed Reed:
Question 1: What is Ed Reed's jersey number?
Reed wore jersey number 20 for the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets.
Question 2: How many interceptions did Ed Reed have in his career?
Reed intercepted 64 passes during his NFL career, returning seven of them for touchdowns.
Question 3: What is Ed Reed's nickname?
Reed's nickname is "Ed Reed."
Question 4: How old is Ed Reed?
Reed was born on September 11, 1978. He is 44 years old.
Question 5: Is Ed Reed in the Hall of Fame?
Yes, Reed was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.
Question 6: What teams did Ed Reed play for?
Reed played for the Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, and New York Jets during his NFL career.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about Ed Reed. For more information, please visit his Wikipedia page or the Pro Football Hall of Fame website.
Summary: Ed Reed is one of the most successful safeties in NFL history. His impressive career includes numerous accolades, including a Super Bowl championship and the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. Reed is widely respected for his ball-hawking skills, hard hitting, and leadership.
Transition to the next article section: Ed Reed's legacy as one of the greatest safeties in NFL history is secure. His exceptional talent and consistent performance have earned him a place among the all-time greats.
Ed Reed
Ed Reed's exceptional talent and consistent performance have solidified his status as one of the greatest safeties in NFL history. Throughout his illustrious career, Reed earned numerous accolades, including a Super Bowl championship and the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. His ball-hawking skills, hard hitting, and leadership were instrumental in the success of the Baltimore Ravens defense.
Reed's legacy extends beyond his individual accomplishments. He has inspired countless young athletes and has helped to raise the standard of play at the safety position. His impact on the game of football will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Ed Reed is a true legend of the game. His exceptional talent, fierce competitiveness, and unwavering dedication have earned him a place among the all-time greats. He is a role model for young athletes and an inspiration to all who appreciate the sport of football.