Ed Reed – Baltimore Magazine https://www.baltimoremagazine.com The Best of Baltimore Since 1907 Thu, 13 Aug 2020 19:38:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/cropped-favicon-32x32.png Ed Reed – Baltimore Magazine https://www.baltimoremagazine.com 32 32 Ten Pearls of Wisdom from Ed Reed’s Hall of Fame Speech https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/section/sports/ten-pearls-of-wisdom-from-ed-reeds-hall-of-fame-speech/ Fri, 09 Aug 2019 12:10:00 +0000 https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/?p=17907

Ed Reed said he didn’t want to take up too much time, but given his emotions and the occasion being what it was, he spent 36 minutes talking Saturday night during his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction speech.

The beloved former Ravens safety—who is known for 11 years in Baltimore, 61 interceptions in purple and black, a Super Bowl win, and so many other fun memories like record-setting touchdowns of 107 and 106 yards—admittedly wrote parts of his speech on-the-fly (actually, on-the-scene) while he sat on stage in Canton, Ohio, and listened to the other 2019 inductees deliver their own thoughts. Reed went sixth, and when it was his turn, he took his phone from the jacket pocket of the trademark gold blazer that football Hall-of-Famers are gifted, and started reading.

“This little light of mine,” Reed said. “I had to let it shine.”

Here are 10 more wise and entertaining anecdotes from Reed’s coronation as one of football’s all-time greats:

  • One point that Reed clearly wanted to articulate was that the people you surround yourself with, and the decisions you make, matter. Reed, now 40, talked about how he grew up in a crime-infested (yeah, he said that word) part of New Orleans where he had the choice to get involved in the drug scene. “You quickly become the things you hang around. Your environment is key,” he said. “I made the choice not to hang around people who were selling drugs, or guys who weren’t going to school.”
  • He told a story about a police officer in Shrewsbury, Louisiana—who encouraged Reed to follow the “right” path: “I had to mature real fast because of my environment—crime, drugs, police, all kinds of things going on,” Reed said. “We were always taught to run from the police, and dodge the police officers. [But] it wasn’t always bad police, like people think. I remember one time, I’m yelling back to my cousins because most of them were selling drugs or something. I was yelling that the police were coming and the officer heard me. He called me to his car and he said, ‘Come here young man, get in the back.’ I lost it. … He said, ‘I’m taking you home.’ I said, ‘Oh my god, don’t do that. Take me to jail.’ … Because my momma’s home. I can remember him saying, ‘I see you around here, playing sports. You don’t need to be hanging with those other kids and other guys, because you have something.'”
  • Reed spoke much more about his parents, Ed Reed Sr. and Karen—as well as his siblings and other mentors—who allowed him to live during his junior and senior years at Destrehan High School at the home of the principal’s secretary. “I needed a different environment,” Reed said. Jeanne Hall took Reed “under her wing,” and helped him get the ACT standardized-test scores he needed to get into college. This is part of the reason why Reed has been so involved in charity work at Booker T. Washington Middle School in West Baltimore for the last two decades. Somewhat related, on parenting in general, Reed said: “Your job is to provide and nurture an environment for your child to grow up. Raise them to leave the house, not to stay. You don’t want kids at 30 and 40 years old putting their name on the milk.”
  • There were other light-hearted moments, too, like when Reed acknowledged that the 2001 national championship team that he played on at the University of Miami wouldn’t beat any NFL teams like some observers said they could. In the same breath, he couldn’t help but take a backhanded swipe at two of the Ravens’ division opponents. “I would not disrespect this league, not even those Cincinnati Bengals, hold on, or the Cleveland Browns,” Reed said to laughter and a few boos in the crowd (he was in Ohio, after all), before pausing and saying, “I have the utmost respect for both of those organizations. I have 30 picks between them, too. Not my fault y’all change quarterbacks.”
  • After saying, “There’s no place like BALTIMORE!” Reed accidentally thanked New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick (oops!) instead of his former head coach Brian Billick while acknowledging past and current members of the Ravens front office. It might’ve been a Freudian slip, as Reed has recently told Belichick he wants to be part of the Patriots coaching staff. In any case, current coach John Harbaugh’s reaction was completely appropriate…
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  • On showing up to Baltimore for his first public appearance as a rookie, wearing a throwback Cleveland Browns’ Jim Brown jersey, Reed said: “Baltimore booed me… I walk on stage and they’re like ‘Take it off! Take it off!’ I took it off and y’all loved me ever since. I loved it all. especially when I heard that “Reeeeeed!” in M&T Bank Stadium. What I wouldn’t give for one more interception.”
  • On what he might be doing if he weren’t giving this speech: “I’d rather be smoking a cigar, just chillin’, taking my time.”
  • On his bronze bust, which must be one of the best likenesses that will ever be displayed at the Pro Football Hall of Fame: “I look just like the guy.”
  • Reed also spoke about the recent mass shooting in El Paso, Texas, which happened just hours before the Hall of Fame ceremony: “In general, across this country, it’s something we really need to address. I ask America, what’s our standard?”
  • And, finally, a few big-picture parting thoughts that he wanted to leave everyone with: “I never compared myself to any other player, and you shouldn’t compare yourself to anybody else or worry about the people who don’t like you,” Reed said. “Everyone has their own greatness, and you reach your own greatness [depending] on your environment and structure, the company you keep, and your attitude. There will be good and bad, right and wrong. Your reaction and choice—good or bad—has consequences that affect you and those around you. Help somebody. That’s what we’re supposed to. That’s what being human is about, leaving this place better than we got it.”

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]]> Ed Reed Returns to M&T Bank Stadium as Bills Coach https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/section/sports/friday-replay-ed-reed-returns-to-m-t-bank-stadium-as-a-buffalo-bills-coach/ Fri, 09 Sep 2016 11:35:00 +0000 https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/?p=30569

Yeahhhhhhhhhhhh, it's a party in the USAAAAA! #CarpoolKaraoke

A video posted by Maryland Women's Basketball (@umdwbb) on

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]]> Friday Replay: Manny Machado Wins Big at Westminster Dog Show https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/section/sports/friday-replay-manny-machado-wins-big-at-westminster-dog-show/ Fri, 19 Feb 2016 14:59:52 +0000 https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/?p=31740 Continued]]> 1. Manny Machado won Best of Breed at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Technically, this is true. A two-year-old Xoloitzcuintli (the national dog of Mexico) took Best of Breed on Monday in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. He also happens to be named after the young Orioles third baseman. Trainer Lynda Hilton, who has been working with the dog since he was four months old, lives in Salisbury, home of the Delmarva Shorebirds, where the human Machado played 38 games. “The name is just one of those that flows so easily,” Hylton told The Washington Post. “And Manny Machado, he’s such a great guy. Without asking Mr. Machado if it would bother him if he would mind having a dog named after him, we just did it.” Championships run in the young Xolo’s family, since he’s the son of a three-time Best of Breed winner at Westminster. Perhaps, this could be a sign that our Machado might garner a championship in the near future. “If we get a chance to meet him, I’m going to give him a great big hug and say he has been an inspiration,” Hylton said. “I think he would be impressed that there’s actually no hair on [the dog] and he shows every bit of muscle.”

2. Social media in a tizzy with the idea of no Natty Boh cans at Camden Yards.
Nothing like the mention of spring baseball and cold beers to get people riled up in the middle of February. On Thursday, local blogger Beer in Baltimore reported that National Bohemian cans will not be available at Camden Yards next season. But Edward Encina at The Sun reported, according to an Orioles club official, Natty Boh will be sold at the ballpark, but only at one location—the first-base lower concourse bar. We just got off the phone with the stadium’s concession company Delaware North, where an official said that no food and beverage contracts have been finalized at this time.

So we really don’t know what to think at this point, but we’re shocked that people are so upset about Natty Boh at all. The fact is, the iconic “Baltimore” beer has been brewed in North Carolina for nearly 20 years. Plus, Delaware North has been very open to supporting local craft beer in recent years, making Maryland-based Flying Dog, Union, and Heavy Seas available in the park. (For what it’s worth, Flying Dog is maintaining its “Firkin Fridays” at the ballpark in 2016.) My personal opinion: If I’m going to pay stadium prices for a can of beer, I’d rather get more ABV for my buck. Bring on the Snake Dog and Loose Cannon IPAs.

3. Terps, Melo Trimble struggle this week.
This hasn’t been a fun week to be a Terps fan. After a 70-57 home loss to Wisconsin on Saturday, the No. 6 men’s basketball team really needed to pull it out last night against Minnesota. But the team struggled and ended up losing 68-63 to the Golden Gophers, who hadn’t yet won in Big Ten conference play. As the Terps try to remain in contention for a national title this year, the performance of its star point guard Melo Trimble is crucial. He came into last night’s match-up shooting just 5-for-27 over the past three games and missed five consecutive shots in the first half, ending with an airball and two turnovers late in the game. Hopefully Trimble and the Terps can shake off this bad juju, as March Madness looms ever closer.

4. Justin Forsett + Steph Curry = BFFs.
Ravens running back Justin Forsett is always up to something: whether it’s traveling to Flint, MI, to give out donations; meeting President Obama; or even riding horses. And his latest friendship is no different. On Sunday, Forsett posted a photo with NBA superstar Steph Curry after a Golden Warriors game. Turns out, according to the Ravens, the two have been friends for a few years, first meeting when Forsett was with the Texans. They also bonded last season in Oakland, CA, at one of Curry’s Under Armour Select basketball camps and again, a couple of weeks ago, at Super Bowl 50. “He’s just an all-around good dude,” Forsett said. “He’s definitely my favorite player in the NBA with the way he carries himself and his faith background.” We see an epic Under Armour billboard in their future.

5. Sports stars (and Babs!) honored by Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation.
Joe Torre, Ed Reed, and Sen. Barbara Mikulski walk into a bar. Instead of a punchline, there was an awards ceremony. This past weekend, the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation awarded the three honorees at the foundation’s Aspire Gala. The event raised $2 million for its mission of using sports-themed programs to teach life skills to at-risk youth. The three were honored for their longevity in their respective fields, as well as the work they’ve done with kids. “Young people desire to have things fast, and that means that sometimes they’ll look for the shortcut,” Cal Ripken Jr. said at the event. “We try to show them that they have the power within themselves to learn things, and that if they have the long-term view, they can have long-term success.”

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]]> Friday Replay: Buck Showalter and John Harbaugh Bond Over Disappointing Seasons https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/section/sports/friday-replay-buck-showalter-john-harbaugh-bond-over-disappointing-seasons/ Fri, 15 Jan 2016 11:47:25 +0000 https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/?p=31850 Continued]]> 1. Buck Showalter and John Harbaugh bond over disappointing seasons.
Orioles manager Buck Showalter isn’t afraid to get candid on the mic, and such was the case on Wednesday at a Pathfinders for Autism event at SECU Arena at Towson University. Showalter and Ravens coach John Harbaugh took part in a discussion moderated by CBS sportscaster Mark Viviano. “Let’s not throw pats on the back at a .500 season. John and I are up here, and we ain’t happy, OK? I ain’t happy. It ain’t happening. It’s not good enough,” Showalter said. “There’s people that depend on that—for us to deliver—and I know John, and I know what’s going to go on between now and April. So get your stuff ready.” The Ravens coach smiled and agreed. “What Buck said is so true because in terms of creating an atmosphere where we’re building on the principles, what we believe in how we play, but you did it differently,” said Harbaugh. The two continued to shares their stories and lessons on leadership. You can listen to the entire discussion via WBAL 1090.




2. Orioles offer Yoenis Cespedes $90 million, continuing Chris Davis poker game.
On Thursday, the Baltimore Orioles made an offer to free-agent outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, which according to ESPN, is between $75-90 million for five years. Sources close to the team said that the Orioles have grown “increasingly frustrated” with the back-and-forth saga with Chris Davis, who was offered a seven-year deal worth $150 million that was turned down in the off-season. Like something out of the World Series of Poker, the $90 million might be a giant bluff—not convincing enough for the Gold Glove, All-Star Cespedes to sign, but motivation for Davis (and his agent Scott Boras) to finally make a decision. On the flipside, if Cespedes accepts the offer from Baltimore, then Davis will have lost his most interested party (though reporters have identified the Tigers and Angels as possible contenders). Either way, it’s about time for everyone to show their cards and end this poker game once and for all. In the meantime, the Orioles have also been linked to trade talks with the Colorado Rockies for their plethora of outfielders, like Carlos González or Corey Dickerson.

3. Ed Reed hired as an assistant coach for the Bills.
On Wednesday night, the Buffalo Bills announced that they hired Ed Reed as their assistant defensive backs coach. The former safety has made it very clear that he saw coaching in his future and working under his longtime coach Rex Ryan seems like a good fit. “Ed Reed is going to be such a great asset to our team,” Ryan said in a statement. “Obviously, he’s played in this system and has been an MVP-caliber guy in this system. He’s a real student of the game as well and he’s going to be a phenomenal coach.” Of course, Ryan and Reed have already established a good working relationship, after sharing six years on the Ravens and one year on the New York Jets. “Having spent time with Ed in Baltimore and then New York—I can attest to the incredibly high level of professionalism he is going to bring with him to Buffalo,” Ryan said. “He’s going to teach guys how he studies film, bring the guys along, and add so much in that way.” We just only wish he was helping the Ravens’ secondary along. Judging by Reed’s Twitter, he is excited to take the leap.

4. Melo Trimble on short list for Wooden Award.
Okay, so the Terps aren’t totally invincible. After Saturday’s nearly buzzer-beater win against Wisconsin, Maryland basketball fans were riding high, but Tuesday’s 70-67 loss against Michigan brought us back down to earth. Though that wasn’t Melo Trimble’s best performance, the sophomore point guard has helped lead the Terps to their best start in school history, averaging 14.1 points, 5.5 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. Not to mention his 87-percent free-throw percentage. This all helps build the case for Trimble’s placement on the Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 list on Wednesday. The 40th annual award will be give out during ESPN College Basketball Awards Show on the weekend of April 7-9. Past winners have included Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Tim Duncan, and Kevin Durant.

5. Justin Forsett and Sonja Sohn to be MLK Parade grand marshals.
Every year, Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts (BOPA) selects a grand marshal to lead the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade through the streets of Baltimore. And this Monday, we’ll be lucky enough to have two. BOPA has appointed Ravens running back (and our “Best Raven”) Justin Forsett and actress Sonja Sohn, aka Det. Kima Gregg’s on HBO’s The Wire. Sohn is also known for her work as CEO and founder of nonprofit ReWired for Change, as well as being a consistent activist for underserved communities in Baltimore. The parade begins at noon on Monday at the fitting intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Eutaw Street. Check out our full list of MLK Day events.

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]]> Ravens Top 20: Ed Reed’s 106-Yard Interception Return Against the Browns https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/section/sports/ravens-top-20-ed-reeds-106-yard-interception-return-against-the-browns/ Wed, 04 Nov 2015 15:41:00 +0000 https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/?p=68199 Continued]]> #10: Ed Reed’s 106-yard interception return against the Browns
November 7, 2004

The other day, just out of the blue, I blurted out, “I miss Ed Reed.” It’s not just because our secondary has been, shall we say, less than impressive this season. I miss the excitement of knowing that every single time safety Reed was on the field, something electric could happen—a dazzling interception, a tip-toeing-down-the-sidelines kick-off return, a lateral pass that shouldn’t have worked but somehow did. The man was the most exciting defensive player I—or any of us really—have ever seen. But perhaps his greatest moment came on November 7, 2004 in a game against the Cleveland Browns.

How It Happened: With the Ravens ahead 20-13 and a minute to go in the fourth quarter, the game hardly felt secure as Browns QB Jeff Garcia was methodically driving his team down the field. Ravens coach Brian Billick was already wondering if the Browns would be nervy enough to go for the two-point conversation and the win if they scored a touchdown. Garcia threw his ball to wide receiver Aaron Shea deep in the end zone. None other than linebacker Ray Lewis hit Shea just as the ball arrived and it popped up and landed in Reed’s extended hands. A lesser player would taken a knee, happy to regain possession, but Reed had other ideas: He sprinted out of the end zone and skipped down the sidelines . . . and just kept going and going and going. Final score, Ravens 27, Browns 13. At the time, Reed’s 106-yard, game-clinching interception return set an NFL record.

“He seems to always be around when you need it,” Coach Billick told ESPN after the play.

Of course, the nine-time pro bowler wasn’t done. Four years later, he broke his own record with a 107-yard interception return against the Eagles.

All season long, we’ll be counting down the Ravens top moments in franchise history to celebrate the team’s 20th season in Baltimore. Take a look back at what moments we’ve chronicled so far.

#20: Naming the Team

#19: Testaverde Throws for 429 Yards

#18: Ring of Honor

#17: Terrell Suggs Becomes Thigh Master

#16: The Insane Final Minutes of the Vikings Snow Game

#15: Torrey Smith’s Emotional Win Over Patriots

#14: Peter Boulware Gets Four Sacks in a Single Game

#13: Justin Tucker Nails a 61-Yard Field Goal to Beat Detroit

#12: Flacco Connects With Ray Rice on Fourth and 29

#11: Ray Lewis Strips Eddie George in 2000 Playoffs

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]]> ​Ravens Top 20: Ring of Honor https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/section/sports/ravens-top-20-ring-of-honor/ Fri, 11 Sep 2015 00:01:00 +0000 https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/?p=68517 Continued]]> #18: Ring of Honor

Nov. 26, 2000

How it happened: On the above date, the Ravens announced the name of the first player to be inducted into the team’s new Ring of Honor and there is no doubt that running back Earnest Byner was a great football player. Three times in his career he rushed for more than 1,000 yards in a season. Whether he deserved to be the first player inducted into the Ravens’ Ring of Honor—the ceremony actually took place in 2001—is another question. Byner played two unremarkable seasons in Baltimore and seems to have been selected for his body of work as a Cleveland Brown, which, frankly, we don’t give a damn about.

That said, we love the Ring of Honor.

The Ravens made things right the next season when the team inducted quarterback Johnny Unitas (who also got an awesome statue) and seven of his Hall of Fame Baltimore teammates— receiver Raymond Berry, running back Lenny Moore, defensive tackle Art Donovan, defensive end Gino Marchetti, tight end John Mackey, offensive tackle Jim Parker and linebacker Ted Hendricks—into the Ring of Honor in front of a sellout crowd.

Since then, we’ve seen the likes of Art Modell, Michael McCrary, Peter Boulware, Jonathan Ogden, Matt Stover, Jamal Lewis, Ray Lewis (another awesome statue) and Todd Heap—all deserving—go into the Ring of Honor. Now, we’re looking forward to one of the best and most exciting football players ever, in any uniform, joining that gang of all-time greats during halftime of the Nov. 22 game versus St. Louis. Yes, Ed Reed. Do we miss that guy or what?

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