By Darin Before “yards after catch” was a statistical category, there was Andre Reed. A fourth-round sleeper out of Kutztown University who became a cornerstone of the Buffalo Bills’ four-year Super Bowl run, Reed wasn’t just a receiver—he was a game-breaker. With a legendary ability to turn short slants into massive gains, he became the most trusted target in Jim Kelly’s “K-Gun” offense. From the small-school fields of Pennsylvania to the steps of Canton, here is the story of the man they called “the burner.”
Football Bio
January 29, 1964 – Allentown, Pennsylvania – Andre Reed, the burner receiver from Kutztown University, was born. Andre spent 16 seasons in the NFL after Buffalo picked him in the fourth round in 1985. Red caught 951 balls for 13,198 yards and was a member of the Bills teams that made it to 4 straight Super Bowls. He was a favorite target of Jim Kelly and caught 88 TDs during his career. Reed played in 7 Pro Bowls and had a tremendous knack for getting massive amounts of yardage after his catches. Andre Reed was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.
Conclusion
Andre Reed’s journey from a small-school prospect to the Pro Football Hall of Fame is the ultimate story of excellence and longevity. His chemistry with Jim Kelly and his ability to transform short gains into highlight-reel touchdowns defined the most successful era in Buffalo Bills history. With 16 seasons of elite production and a legacy built on toughness and yards-after-catch dominance, Reed remains one of the most iconic figures to ever wear the Bills’ blue and red.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Pro Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2014.
- Pro Bowl Selections: 7-time Pro Bowler (1988–1994).
- Super Bowl History: Appeared in four consecutive Super Bowls (XXV, XXVI, XXVII, XXVIII).
- Career Receptions: 951 (Ranked top 10 all-time at the time of retirement).
- Career Receiving Yards: 13,198 yards.
- Touchdown Production: 88 career receiving touchdowns.
- Small School Legend: Selected in the 4th round (86th overall) of the 1985 NFL Draft from Kutztown University.
