Ed Reed Ballhawking Ravens and 'Canes...

Born on September 11, 1978, in St. Rose, Louisiana, Ed Reed established himself as one of the most impactful safeties in NFL history, marked by his exceptional ball-hawking skills and playmaking ability.  

✦ College Career

Reed was a standout defensive back for the Miami Hurricanes from 1997 to 2001. After redshirting his freshman year, he became a key factor in the Hurricanes' defense. By his junior and senior seasons, he earned consensus and unanimous First-Team All-American honors, respectively. In 2001, he led the nation with a school-record nine interceptions for 209 yards and three touchdowns, contributing significantly to Miami's undefeated season and National Championship victory in the 2002 Rose Bowl. Reed holds Miami records for career interceptions (21), career interception return yards (389), and interceptions returned for touchdowns (4). He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2018.  

✦ Road to the Pro Game

Reed's stellar college performance led the Baltimore Ravens to select him in the first round (24th overall) of the 2002 NFL Draft. He quickly became a vital part of the Ravens' defense, starting all 16 games in his rookie season. His instinctive play and ball skills translated seamlessly to the professional level, setting the stage for a remarkable career.  

✦ Football Legacy

Ed Reed spent the majority of his 12 NFL seasons (2002-2012) with the Baltimore Ravens, becoming the franchise's all-time leader in interceptions (61) and interception return yards (1541). His ability to read quarterbacks and make game-changing plays earned him a reputation as a defensive force. Reed also played briefly for the Houston Texans and New York Jets in 2013 before retiring. He holds the NFL record for career interception return yards (1590) and is tied for the most career postseason interceptions (9). Reed's remarkable career culminated in a Super Bowl XLVII victory with the Ravens in 2013. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019 and is recognized as one of the greatest safeties to ever play the game.  

✦ Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

Reed's numerous accolades include being the 2004 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, a nine-time Pro Bowl selection (2003-2004, 2006-2012), and a five-time First-team All-Pro (2004, 2006-2008, 2010). He led the NFL in interceptions three times (2004, 2008, 2010) and was named to the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team and the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. In his NFL career, Reed recorded 64 interceptions (seventh all-time), 643 total tackles, 6 sacks, 139 passes defended, 11 forced fumbles, and 13 fumble recoveries, scoring 7 touchdowns off interceptions, 3 off fumble recoveries, and 3 off blocked punts returned. He also holds the record for the two longest interception returns in NFL history (107 and 106 yards). He was inducted into the Baltimore Ravens Ring of Honor.  

Reed was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.