Ed Reed focused on finishing season before free agency

EdReed
Ed Reed has a decision to make when the 2012 season ends.

Once the season comes to a close, Reed will become a free agent. He's unlikely to be franchised by the Ravens unless the organization reaches a long term deal with Joe Flacco before the free agency period rolls around.

He insists he isn't worrying about it right now, however.

But even though it's not on his mind at the present time, Reed feels he has enough left in his tank to keep going. It will be a situation where the future Hall of Famer, at age 34, will have to weigh the pros and cons before reaching a conclusion.

"I know, physically, I feel like I can play," Reed said. "But also, physically, I have concerns about my life after football."

Though he's still dealing with the ever-constant pain from a nerve impingement in his neck, as well as a shoulder injury sustained from a torn labrum earlier in the season, Reed has yet to miss a game in 2012.

He's fifth on the team in tackles with 58 and has four interceptions. Reed also has 15 pass deflections and three fumble recoveries.

The injuries clearly haven't slowed Reed down that much as he's constantly receiving treatment at the Ravens' training facility and at home.

"The ailments I have to deal with as a player, for me to play all 16 games, I'm doing what I'm supposed to do," Reed said. "My doctor in the offseason and the midseason maintained myself. I'm doing the right things physically. It's something I take pride in."

Even so, Reed joked that age has crept up on him after he was asked if his range from sideline to sideline remains the same as it once was.

"It's definitely not what it used to be when I was 24 vs. 34," Reed said. "But that's where the mental part comes into it. You slow down physically but mentally you get stronger and understand the game a lot more, which allows me to play the game a certain way and understand how to play the game, put myself in different situations."

Reed doesn't appear ready for retirement any time soon. His numbers are indicative that he still has more football to be played if his body can hold up.

But when Reed does feel the need to leave the game behind, he wants to be involved in the health aspect of the NFL. With the different treatments Reed undergoes to maintain his body, he wants to share his methods with younger players as they come up through the league.

"It's such a grueling time in your life for football players," Reed said. "That's why health is an issue across the league in the past and present, because of the physicalness and violence of the sport. It's something I want to be a part of, and I'm glad my body is bouncing back from the ailments I have right now."


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(cbssports.com)
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