1. Ed Reed, Ravens. Reed was the only unanimous selection for the 2008 All-Pro team and rightly so. He led the NFL with nine interceptions and returned two for touchdowns, and he tacked on another TD in the playoffs. The system won't change in Baltimore this year, and Reed is on his way to a Hall of Fame career if he can stay healthy.

17. Brandon Meriweather, Patriots. He came on strong late in 2008 as the injury replacement for Rodney Harrison. Meriweather is a tough, hard-working run defender who eventually will excel as a deep safety, where his explosive speed and ball skills will be highlighted.

See the rest of the rankings here.

(sportingnews.com)

Pick 14 Jim Kelly  |  QB, Bills, 1983
The Bills drafted him in the great QB class of '83 but had to wait until '86 to get him, since he took a detour to the USFL. But when Kelly arrived in Buffalo, he was the consummate leader, taking the Bills to four Super Bowls.

Pick 24 Ed Reed  |  S, Ravens, 2002
Reed is almost unanimously considered one of the best defensive backs of the decade. He has been selected to five Pro Bowls and twice led the league in interceptions. He was named the 2004 Defensive Player of the Year and holds the record for the longest interception return in NFL history (108 yards in 2008). Reed was the fourth defensive back chosen in '02.

Pick 26 Ray Lewis  |  LB, Ravens, 1996
He has been the centerpiece of one of the greatest defenses in NFL history and five times led the league in tackles. A 10-time Pro Bowler and two-time Defensive Player of the Year, Lewis is known for his vocal leadership and his outstanding speed to the ball. Steelers' offensive lineman Alan Faneca would have been a good pick in this spot as well, but Lewis' astonishing resume of awards and decorations gives him the edge.

Pick 30 Reggie Wayne  |  WR, Colts, 2001
Since 2004, Reggie Wayne has become one of the most prolific and consistent receivers in the NFL, which is why he gets the slight nod over Titans' linebacker Keith Bullock. In the past five seasons, Wayne has logged over 75 receptions, 1,000 yards and five touchdowns five times while not missing a single game and being named to three Pro Bowls. Wayne played a pivotal role in the Colts' 2006 Super Bowl run and usurped Marvin Harrison as Peyton's No. 1 receiver when Harrison went down with an injury in 2007.

(cnnsi.com)

Check out our new NFL U Wallpaper featuring Ed Reed. Click here to download our Ed Reed Wallpaper and many other ones or click above on proCanes Wallpapers. Enjoy and stay tuned to more wallpapers in the near future.

Edgerrin James: 4th Pick 1999: James' 12,121 career rushing yards is best among active running backs and 11th all-time, 122 yards behind Marcus Allen at No. 10.

Ed Reed: 24th Pick  2002: In one of the more loaded picks, Reed wins by virtue of being one of the best ever to play safety. A testament of how widely respected he is, Reed was the only unanimous selection to the 2008 All-Pro team.

Jon Beason : 25th Pick 2007: One of the game's best young linebackers, Beason led the Panthers in tackles each of his first two seasons and earned All-Pro honors in 2008.

Reggie Wayne: 30th Pick 2001: Making a name for himself as Peyton Manning's No. 2 receiver early in his career, Wayne has now solidified himself as the Colts' No. 1. He has started every game since 2003 and has five straight 1,000-yard seasons.

(cnnsi.com)

Sure, Ray Lewis is the undisputed team captain, but ask any QB in the NFL (see Chad Pennington) who they fear the most on the Ravens #1-rated defense, and they'll tell you it's Ed Reed. (From?  The U.)  Simply put, Ed Reed is a ball hawk.  He dominated opposing offenses last year, leading the league in interceptions with 9, including his NFL-record 107 yard TD return against Philly.  Not to mention his 2 picks in the Wildcard game at Miami, scoring yet again.  What do you think about Reed becoming only the 2nd defensive player to be on the cover?  Who was the first one again?  Oh yeah, Ray Lewis. Post your comments on the Madden NFL forum here.

2008 Stat Line:  41 tackles, 9 INTs
2008 Fight For Every Yard moment:  Reed picked off 2 passes in week 12 vs. the Eagles, returning one for an NFL-record 107 yards, breaking the previous record of 106 yards held by...Ed Reed.

(maddennfl.easports.com)

With his team set to play two more crucial, must-win games after playing in two crucial, must-win games, Frank Haith wanted to make sure he had something fresh and exciting to get his team pumped for its game at last-place Georgia Tech on Wednesday night.

With the help of UM defensive assistant coach Micheal Barrow, Haith brought the fiery leader of one of the greatest Hurricanes' championship football teams ever. When Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed was done giving the Canes a pep-talk right before they left for Atlanta on Tuesday, forward Jimmy Graham seemed to be ready to run through a wall.

''He talked to us about the importance of seizing the moment,'' Graham said. ``He said it's all about communication and brotherhood.''
Said Haith: ``He talked about opportunity. He talked about doing the little things that separate winning and losing. It was great.''

(miamiherald.com)

Last summer I had an opportunity to spend time with former Destrehan High and current Baltimore Ravens All-Pro free safety Ed Reed at his yearly football camp.

The perennial Pro-Bowler is someone I think is the best safety to play in the NFL over the past 20 years. Reed gave his thoughts on what makes a good safety prospect and the responsibilities given to that very important spot on the field.

“I love playing the position because you are given so many responsibilities from play to play,” Reed said. “One play you are man to man with a receiver, just like a cornerback, the next play you might be up on the line of scrimmage playing the run like a linebacker in run support and the following play you are blitzing from the edge like a defensive end. You add that up and also throw in that at other times you are playing centerfield, or half the field, and reading the quarterback. Now you can see why it is such a unique spot. It’s really become more of a “hybrid” position today than back years ago when your responsibilities were more like the last shield of pass defense or in run support.”

Reed says that extensive film work and a God-given knack for being around the football are the keys to excellent safety play.

“I spend a lot of time in the film room trying to find an advantage. After a while I see something I can use during a game. Sometimes it is recognition of a play by the way the wide receiver or tight end lines up or by the way he leans in, or it’s just a mannerism I see from the quarterback that tips me off. Some players hide it better than others, but the film sessions are very important. The one thing I know from being in this league since 2002 is that every great player — Ray Lewis spends as much time as any quarterback in film study — really works at being as prepared as they can be when they take the field.

“Secondly I would say that every good safety has a knack for being around the football. Call it instinct or mentally having an idea what is going on, but you have to have that trait for being around the football. If it’s in coverage or in run support, it is all about being around the football and making a play. Just like every other position, you have guys with the size, speed and athleticism to excel, but they sometimes are a little slow to react. The great safeties in this league like Brian Dawkins, Bob Sanders, Adrian Wilson, Troy Polamalu and the older veterans like Rodney Harrison and Corey Chavous have that knack of reacting a second quicker than most, and they understand the whole picture of playing defense. Call it instinct or better knowledge of the game, but it is vital.”

Reed didn’t include his name in that list, but he hit the nail on the head on what makes him so special, also. His talent is superb, but it is also his innate instincts and his extensive study habits that separate his skills from many of the rest.

What is also interesting is that when you watched the NFC and AFC championship games this past season, Ed Reed, Troy Polamalu, Adrian Wilson and Brian Dawkins — four of the very best players at their positions — had their teams in a position to get into the Super Bowl.

(houmatoday.com)

“Here’s where Ed Reed is better than I was or better than Kenny Easley or better than any safety who played the game. When he gets his hands on the ball after making an interception, he is no longer a defensive player running with the ball. He is an offensive player. It’s not just that he’s fast or quick, he knows how to run once he has the ball. He knows how to set up his blockers and he knows what moves to make. It’s like he’s Barry Sanders running with the ball.”

“He is a good hitter. He can really strike. Maybe I hit a little bit harder but it’s not like Reed is deficient in that area. He plays the run well. He tackles and he can cover. But what separates him from everybody who has played the position is his ability with the ball in his hands.

“I really take note of it because it was something I wanted to do when I was playing. I wanted to make the moves Reed does when he has the ball. I couldn’t do that. He can."

“I don’t think Ed Reed has to take a back seat to anybody who ever played the position. ANYBODY.”

(nbcsports.com)

When the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for their AFC Championship game against the Baltimore Ravens, they'll try to attack perceived weak spots in the Baltimore defense, but they'll always keep one thing in mind: Ed Reed is out there.

Reed, a seven-year pro, is the best safety who has ever played. He's a game-changing player with a knack for big plays. If he's not intercepting a pass and returning it for a touchdown, he's stripping opponents of the football, then returning the fumble for a score.

“I won’t go to his side of the field,” says one AFC offensive coordinator. “I know what he can do and I’ve seen it too many times. I’m not that stupid that I’m going to continue to challenge him. It just doesn’t make sense.”

No, it doesn't.

Reed's nine interceptions led the league, and matched his career high for a single season. His 16 pass deflections also were a career best. From a Week 12 win against the Eagles through a wild-card victory over Miami, Reed picked off two passes in a single game five times. If there was a play to be made, Reed made it.

Ravens defensive end Terrell Suggs calls Reed “the greatest safety of all-time,” while receiver Mark Clayton thinks Reed was the league's MVP.
"He deserves every bit of praise that comes his way,” Clayton says.

Reed belong among a elite group of Hall of Fame safeties such as Larry Wilson, Willie Wood, Ken Houston, Mel Renfro, Emlen Tunnell and Dick Anderson and modern standouts like Ronnie Lott and Kenny Easley. And, like those greats, there is no preening, no pointing and no dancing that go with Reed’s game.

Instead, he combines outstanding physical ability with great preparation. He always knows an opponent's tendencies. He studies hours of film each week, which gives him a mental edge to go with his talent.

Former safety Dave Duerson won Super Bowls when he played with the Bears and Giants in the 1980s and in 1990. Coaches like Mike Ditka, Buddy Ryan and Bill Parcells demanded tough, physical play and expected meticulous preparation. Duerson says Reed's preparation is what sets him apart.

“Without any doubt, he's the best safety in today's game,” Duerson says. “Ed is always in position to make a play, because he has a knack for studying the opponent, and recognizing the adjustments they will make depending on down and distance.

“Where Ed is unique is in what he does, after he gets his hands on the ball. He always goes for the strip as soon as he makes contact. This may allow a runner to get a little bit of extra yardage, but he won’t get away. Ed is a very sure tackler.”

Many compare Reed to Lott because the 49ers legend was another game-changing safety, but the two have different styles. Lott was known as a ferocious hitter who used his 6-foot, 205-pound frame punish ball carriers with a cracking hits.

Reed doesn't shy away from contact, but his strength is playing the ball in the air. He has 43 career interceptions in just seven seasons and has had only one season with fewer than five picks. At that rate, he'll have a shot at Paul Krause's career interception record of 81.

He's a threat to snag any pass lofted his way, which is usually in the minds of opposing quarterbacks. As a result, Reed's one of those players whose stats sometimes don't reflect his impact because teams stay away from him.

Take it from one of the game's offensive icons, 49ers great Jerry Rice — no one wants to head in Reed's direction.

“First of all, he’s going to stop the receiver from catching the ball,” Rice says. “But if he has any opportunity to make a play on the ball and catch it, he will. He has great hands.”

In many ways, Reed’s play is similar to Wood's, who starred for Vince Lombardi’s Packers in the 1960’s, and Dick Anderson, who did the same for Don Shula’s Dolphins in the 1970's.

Both were outstanding athletes who excelled because they understood their opponents tendencies. Wood used his instincts and experience to bait opposing quarterbacks into mistakes. Anderson's speed also gave him an edge.

All of great safeties have an understanding of timing. They know how to set up a receiver or a quarterback by allowing a short catch or two early and then taking it away with a big pick later in the game.

Reed has that ability, and showcases it throughout the season. As the best safety in NFL history, his presence gives the Ravens a distinct advantage in every game.

(nbcsports.com)

John Clayton: This may sound surprising, but I think Ed Reed is more of a worry than Ray Lewis. Lewis is a leader and he's playing so well behind Haloti Ngata, but Reed is the player on the Ravens' defense who could frustrate the Steelers' offense with an interception or two. Roethlisberger has to be wary of turnovers. Scoring will be tough, so he can't give the Ravens the chance for easy scores. Reed might be able to confuse him with some coverages and steal an interception or two. Lewis no doubt will be the main guy in trying to stop the Steelers' running game. But turnovers could determine this game, and Reed has been a turnover machine in the past eight weeks. Roethlisberger has to keep the ball away from Reed.

James Walker: You never cease to amaze me, John, because I was thinking the same thing. Reed's private nature doesn't get him the superstar treatment and the media attention that he deserves. But opponents know he's the first player they must be aware of. Here is a stat to support that argument: Baltimore is 4-0 this year when Reed scores a defensive touchdown. He is the biggest defensive game-changer in the NFL. Lewis and the front seven are going to be tough to run on. So at some point, Roethlisberger will have to test Reed's prowess through the air.

(espn.com)

Ravens S Ed Reed was the only unanimous AP All-Pro Selection and was selected along with Ray Lewis, Jon Beason and Andre Johnson.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Here is something you didn't know about Ed Reed: He'd like to give baseball a try.

And he's serious about it.

"I'm a professional player right now," the Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl safety said. "I feel like -- not that I'll be better than [Michael Jordan] -- but with a little practice, I definitely could be effective in the outfield, stealing some bases and pinch-hitting."

Here is another little-known tidbit: Reed was an awful quarterback at Destrehan High School in Louisiana.

"I threw more interceptions than I caught … I had like four interceptions in one game," he said with a deadpan expression.

Want to know more? Reed's favorite NFL player is Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu.

"We play the same position," Reed said. "I know Troy personally, we've talked about it, and I know he's working hard to do what he does on Sunday."

This is a peek behind the curtain of one of the NFL's most low-key superstars, a game changer who will lead the Ravens into an AFC divisional playoff game Saturday against the Tennessee Titans. In just seven NFL seasons, Reed already has 43 career interceptions in regular-season play and an additonal five thefts in playoff games.

Reed is among several stars remaining in this postseason -- including Polamalu, the Arizona Cardinals' Kurt Warner and the Philadelphia Eagles' Donovan McNabb -- who seemingly have Hall of Fame credentials.

But enshrinement in Canton might be the last thing on Reed's mind, if he even thinks about it at all.

Away from the field, Reed is thoughtful and intelligent -- he graduated from the University of Miami with a liberal arts degree in three years -- but he also is a very private person. He's what those in the NFL community call a "football player." It describes one who enjoys winning and the competition of the game but not necessarily the publicity that comes with it.

Reed is a throwback to a time when game day was the only day that mattered in the NFL. He is not a fan of the incessant sideshow, hype and smack talk that goes on in between games today. Reed's approach would make many old-timers proud.

On Saturday in Nashville, Tenn., Reed will be an important player to watch when the sixth-seeded Ravens (12-5) play the top-seeded Titans (13-3) for the right to advance to the AFC Championship Game. Until then, ESPN.com will help you get a better understanding of the five-time Pro Bowler and this season's interception leader.

Who is Ed Reed?

No one covers the gridiron like Reed. Off the field, no one gets Reed to uncover himself.
He doesn't enjoy lengthy media interviews. His stall is in the back corner of the Ravens' locker room, closest to the shower, training room and the exit door so he can efficiently get in and out of meetings. Everything has a purpose when it comes to the extent and seriousness of Reed's preparation.

When first-year coach John Harbaugh was asked this week whether he had any funny Reed stories, his response was brief.

"No," he said bluntly.

Reed's teammates cannot relate funny Reed tales, either. But a tour through the Ravens' locker room drew various descriptions of Reed as "quiet," "humble," "soulful," "laid back" and "a great guy."

"He is real low key; that's definitely him," Baltimore safety Jim Leonhard said. "He's one of those guys that you don't necessarily see a lot [publicly] or know what's going on all the time about him."

Scott Martin coached Reed for two and a half years at Destrehan. Martin said Reed -- who spent his high school years splitting time between his family's home near a violent section of New Orleans and a family friend's home in a more peaceful neighborhood -- was always quiet in nature. Martin added that Reed also has a lot of character and depth to him and is passionate about things beyond football, such as helping underprivileged children.

"He is a very private person," Martin said. "He's unlike a lot of NFL stars. He's very gracious, and when I've talked to him and asked about the future of his career, he's got a good handle on it.

"Ed's not going to be a man that plays for 20 years just because he's got nothing else to do. He has a good grasp on life and where he wants his future to go."

The playmaker

The Reed everyone knows is the person we see on game day. He is arguably the league's most dominant defensive player with the potential to change games.

Former NFL quarterback (and current ESPN analyst) Trent Dilfer vividly recalls throwing an astonishing interception to Reed. In a 2007 game between the Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers, Dilfer spotted Reed playing the deep third of the field before the snap. He threw a hook route on the outside hash.

The throw was too high for both the receiver and the cornerback, but Reed gambled by leaving his area so early he was in the right place to pick off the errant pass. Dilfer said he couldn't believe Reed flashed in that area and never saw a safety make that type of play in his 13 years in the league.

"He is the only guy I've ever seen that has the ability to be completely out of position at all the right times and never be out of position in the wrong times," Dilfer said.

Some credit goes to Reed's film study. Every player watches game tape, but few can break it down like Reed. While others watch for execution, Reed is looking for tendencies as well.

Where are the quarterback's presnap reads? Who is his favorite target on third down? Does the signal-caller have any quirks to give away play-action fakes?

One teammate estimated Reed watches about 25 hours of game tape per week outside of his normal film study and practice with the team.

"It's to the point where he knows more than the coaches at times," Ravens defensive back Evan Oglesby said.

The combination of smarts, lengthy preparation and rare athletic ability produces results on the football field. Reed has reached the end zone four times this season -- three interception returns and one fumble recovery -- and Baltimore is 4-0 in those games. Including the postseason, Reed has 11 interceptions on the year.

Reed often makes his interceptions in full stride -- and that leads to big returns. He has an amazing 1,144 career return yards. Because the NFL considers regular-season records separate from postseason marks, his career return totals do not include his 64-yard touchdown on one of his two interceptions in the Ravens' 27-9 wild-card victory over the Miami Dolphins this past Sunday.

"You can flat out tell that he goes out every Sunday and knows exactly where the reads are going," former Dallas Cowboys safety and current ESPN analyst Darren Woodson said. "I know he played quarterback at some point in his life, because he knows how to read offenses from the middle of the field."

Greatest safety ever?

Is Reed the greatest safety in NFL history? Let's open the discussion.

First, consider the big picture. Reed is a ball-hawking safety with unique coverage skills and responsibilities. He often plays the deep third or deep half of the field, while other all-time greats such as Ronnie Lott physically dominated closer to the line of scrimmage. It's difficult to compare, for instance, Lott's ferocious hitting with Reed's ability to intercept passes from that position.

"Every safety has something different that he brings to the table," said Reed, who refuses to partake in the debate.

Statistically, the all-time interception leader is longtime Washington Redskins and Minnesota Vikings safety Paul Krause with 81. He played 16 years. Reed's 43 career interceptions put him at an average of 6.14 per season, compared to Krause's 5.06 per season.

At Reed's current pace, he would need a little more than six seasons to surpass Krause's all-time mark. It's certainly possible if Reed, 30, desires to play well into his 30s.

Regardless of Reed's future plans, his journey likely will include a trip to the Hall of Fame. Who knows, with a little work, maybe he can make a few basket catches in the major leagues similar to one of his interceptions against the Dolphins this past weekend.

"I'd like to give baseball a try, coaching and doing some things in the neighborhoods, helping kids out across the world," Reed said. "It's really no limit. So hopefully in the future sometime I'll be doing that."

(espn.com)

The little-known back story to Baltimore Ravens ballhawk Ed Reed's remarkable season is that the five-time Pro Bowl safety has played so well despite a nerve impingement in his neck and shoulder.

Because of the condition, Reed wore a hands-off red quarterback's jersey much of training camp and was sidelined the entire preseason.
Reed has battled through the condition to become a relentless pain in the neck to opposing quarterbacks.

"I never doubted my ability," Reed says. "It was just a matter of playing with my injury. The pain is still there. I've just been doing a lot of treatment this year and staying focused and keeping my eyes out for any feeling that I had in training camp that would put me out.

"I haven't had that. So I just move forward with it, take it day by day."

Reed led the league in interceptions with nine this season and has 43 in the regular season for his career. He also has five career playoff interceptions and would seem a natural spokesman for the Maryland Lottery folks because of his uncanny knack for cashing in a pick six.
Fittingly, six of his career interceptions have gone for touchdowns, including a record 107-yard return this season in Week 12 against Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback Kevin Kolb.

Reed is an interception waiting to happen because he's a quarterback mind reader. He makes the dynamic, game-changing plays that alter the course of a postseason. He did it again by intercepting Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington twice Sunday. He returned his first interception 64 yards for a touchdown, sparking Baltimore's 27-9 wild-card elimination of the Dolphins.

When general manager Ozzie Newsome drafted Reed out of Miami (Fla.) 24th overall in 2002, he envisioned Reed as a generation-next Rod Woodson. Reed hasn't disappointed.

"He's the best ballhawking safety I've seen in the NFL in a long time," says Woodson, an NFL Network analyst.

"What makes him also scary is once he gets the ball in his hands, this guy is looking for the end zone every time. And he's a great pattern reader. He understands the back sides of routes and has great vision and field presence."

The Ravens are 27-8 when Reed makes an interception. When he has two in game, the Ravens are 8-0.

The 2004 NFL defensive player of the year is the only player in league history to boast a touchdown off a punt return, blocked punt, interception and fumble recovery. "He's maybe the best player in the game," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said.

Reed has picked off two passes in three consecutive games and has 10 interceptions in Baltimore's last seven outings.

With its five forced turnovers against the Dolphins, the second-ranked Ravens defense, led by coordinator Rex Ryan, was probably the most dominant force of wild-card weekend.

Against Miami, Reed changed the complexion of a 3-3 game in the second quarter. Dolphins second-year receiver Ted Ginn Jr. put a double move on cornerback Samari Rolle only to stumble while the ball was in the air. Reed ran down Pennington's deep pass, making an over-the-shoulder catch as if Pennington's pass were intended for him.

After the catch, Reed turned and burned in punt-return mode, picking up a convoy blockers as he cut first to his left, then back across the field and down the right sideline for the 64-yard score.

He intercepted Pennington again in the third quarter to stop a Dolphins drive that had reached the red zone.

What Reed hopes to get his hands on most, however, is the Lombardi Trophy.

Reed arrived two years after the Ravens won Super Bowl XXXV.

Baltimore was positioned well as the AFC's second seed two seasons ago but lost its divisional-round playoff against the Indianapolis Colts, the eventual Super Bowl champions.

Reed and his teammates are determined to make the most of this chance.

"We're on a mission," Reed says.

Reed and 10-time Pro Bowl linebacker Ray Lewis have a sandlot-type synergy born of their study habits, their tenacity for making plays and their habit for practicing the way they play.

Ryan conducts a dominant defense that thrives on creating chaos for quarterbacks often bewildered by which defensive linemen are dropping into coverage and who is blitzing. The Ravens racked up a league-best 34 takeaways during the regular season.

"I love watching them practice," NBC analyst Cris Collinsworth says. "They'll have six guys on one side, and they'll blitz on the other. You go, 'How did they do that?'

"Ray Lewis and Ed Reed make so many calls on the fly. I had a conversation with those guys on the field one time and asked them, 'How do you guys make so many changes? Are you just making this up?'

"And they said, 'Yeah, a little bit. At the last second, we redirect guys and change the blitz. And this guy will have to adjust and cover for me if I do this.'

"This team is a dangerous football team,"

They are led by that pain-in-the-neck safety no quarterback wants to face.

"Here we come," Reed said after the wild-card win. "Here come the Ravens, the team you don't want to see."

(usatoday.com)

Voters of the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award messed up.

That’s the bottom line.

The wrong person received the NFL’s MVP award this season. And that’s not a knock against this season’s recipient, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.

It’s a compliment to the person that should have the title of the NFL’s MVP.

Let’s look at Manning for a bit.

Many people believe Manning played the best football of his career during the 2008 season, and that is hard to argue against.

Manning did his usual, passing for more than 4,000 yards while adding an impressive 27 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions.

On top of that, he led a team that might not have been as good as it has been in recent years on a nine-game winning streak and a 12-4 record.
That’s pretty darn impressive, and admittedly is MVP worthy.

But, as deserving of the award as Manning was, there is another player who I believe was even more deserving.

To give this player an award, though, would mean the voters would have to think a little bit outside of the box.

Consider, no player at his position has ever been named the NFL’s MVP. The position I’m talking about is safety.

The player I’m talking about is Baltimore’s Ed Reed.

Before this season, Reed, a former Destrehan High standout, was easily the best safety in the NFL.

Throughout the course of this season, and especially since the beginning of December, Reed now has to be included in the conversation of the best safeties ever.

Not counting the playoffs, he has nine interceptions and 16 passes defended. He returned two of those interceptions for touchdowns. He also forced a fumble that he returned for a touchdown.

In the Ravens’ wild-card playoff game against the Miami Dolphins, Reed stayed hot, intercepting two more passes and returning one 64 yards for a touchdown that gave Baltimore a 10-3 lead in the second quarter.

Spectacular.

But for Reed, spectacular has become routine.

In five of the last seven games he’s played in, Reed has had two interceptions.

In a 36-7 shellacking of the Philadelphia Eagles, Reed returned an interception 107 yards for a score.

In a 24-10 win against the Washington Redskins, Reed followed an interception by stripping the ball from running back Clinton Portis, picking it up and scoring.

And, in consecutive games, with playoff positioning on the line, Reed had two interceptions against both the Dallas Cowboys and Jacksonville Jaguars.

In a career that’s been filled with big plays -- Reed has 43 regular season interceptions in seven seasons -- the Destrehan product just continues to get better.

Even more surprising is that Reed didn’t win the league’s Defensive Player of the Year award. That honor went to Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison.

Harrison had a great season, as did Dallas’ DeMarcus Ware, who finished second in voting. Both players have huge impacts on a game. Harrison finished with 16 sacks and seven forced fumbles, and Ware finished with 20 sacks.

But Reed can single-handedly take over a game, as he’s shown over and over again.

Even on defense, Reed is somehow his team’s most dangerous offensive weapon -- try to make sense of that.

His interceptions on Sunday against Miami caused a 14-point swing.

He scored on his first interception, and his second interception ended a Dolphins’ drive deep in Ravens territory.

Anytime he’s on the field, Reed is the best player. Period.

And, in my book, Reed should be the NFL’s MVP.

It’s not a knock against any other player -- it’s just a compliment to the NFL’s best player.

(houmatoday.com)

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison won the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year honor, getting 22 votes to pass Ravens safety Ed Reed, who only received eight.

Reed finished third in the running, also falling behind Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware’s 13 votes.

The case was strong for Reed, however. The seven-year veteran led the league with nine interceptions this year, tying the career mark he matched in 2004, when he originally won the award. Reed also scored three touchdowns during the regular season.

And in the playoffs, Reed stepped up even more, posting two interceptions and a touchdown last Sunday.

“I think Ed Reed deserves to be the Defensive Player of the Year, without question,” Harbaugh said emphatically. “We’ve said it many times about all of our guys: We think we have the best players in the National Football League. Football teams win when really good players play really well. As a coach, that’s what you try to get. We know each other, we recognize one another, and we’re excited to play this week.”

Reed has certainly won the endorsement of his teammates.

“He’s the greatest safety in the game, and he’s proven that week in and week out,” said linebacker Terrell Suggs. “We as a team are disappointed that he didn’t get the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, but then again we probably didn’t want him to win it.

“Everyone who has won an individual award is either out of the playoffs or they didn’t make it at all. We commend them on winning their individual award but we are trying to win a bigger award as a team.”

Added Flacco about Reed’s performance at Dolphin Stadium: “At this point we kind of expect it. We are spoiled. You see him catch the ball, and you are like, ‘Not again.’ He takes it to the end zone almost every time.”

(baltimoreravens.com)

As he made the astonishing play that turned Sunday's playoff game, Ed Reed's mind flickered back to his Louisiana youth and a neighbor's mailbox.

Reed, the former University of Miami star now dominating at safety for the Ravens, was racing back to corral a Chad Pennington overthrow late in the second quarter of a tie game.

Reaching out to make the over-the-shoulder interception, Reed suddenly was 8 years old again, blazing down a side street in his boyhood neighborhood outside New Orleans.

"Street football," Reed said after his two interceptions pointed the Ravens toward a 27-9 win at Dolphin Stadium. "We'd play mailbox to mailbox, probably about 60 yards."

Reed, now 30, paused and fingered a scar that still runs along the left side of his forehead. During one of those many pickup games, he was playing receiver and caught a long pass for a touchdown.

Then thwack!

Right into a mailbox.

Stitches were required, but Reed can't recall how many. He just remembers his father had to come get him and drive him to the hospital.

Whose mailbox was it?

"I have no clue," Reed said, smiling. "They'd probably want me to sign it after this."

You think?

All Reed did Sunday was take that first pick back 64 yards for the game's first touchdown and a 10-3 Baltimore lead. It was his fourth defensive score of the year.

"Felt like I ran 200 yards," Reed said of his zig-zagging jaunt from one sideline to the other and back. "Sort of like track."

His second pick came down near the goal line with the Dolphins driving in the third quarter. Pennington was throwing over the middle, but he was certain Reed would be nowhere in the vicinity.

Oops.

"Ed Reed being Ed Reed," Pennington said. "He leaves his position and shows up in a place you'd never expect him to be."

Reed nearly had a third interception but another Pennington overthrow somehow squirted through his fingers in the final quarter.

No biggie. Reed still bumped his career interception total to 48, including five in his three career playoff games. Six of those have gone for scores.

Reed, who led the NFL with nine interceptions this year and is a candidate for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, traces his thirst for turnovers to his days in Coral Gables.

Butch Davis and Larry Coker would get irritated when Reed would snatch Ken Dorsey's passes during late-week scrimmages designed to build confidence.

"They used to have to stop me on Thursdays from catching the interceptions because they wanted to get 'the look,'." Reed said. "Well, I'm not going to get better that way."

It's hard to imagine Reed getting much better at this stage of a career that includes a national championship but, incredibly, had lacked a playoff victory until Sunday.

"Ed is pretty special," Ravens defensive tackle Trevor Pryce said. "It becomes a drill after a while. We expect that. I just kind of stood there [on the touchdown] and watched him: 'Go, Ed. Go.'.''

Like a shot-blocker in basketball, Reed enables his fellow defenders to take more chances up front.

"It's like having 44 guys on the field," Pryce said.

Pennington must have felt that way for much of Sunday afternoon as he faced a scary-good Ravens defense with a center fielder patrolling the deep middle.

In fact, Reed played outfield through his senior year of high school and even attended a professional baseball tryout camp at Nicholls State (La.) University.

Reed, who still plays softball in the offseason and takes fungoes in the outfield, was a big Ken Griffey Jr. fan growing up. Rooted hard for the Braves and their 10-time Gold Glove winner, too.

"I got a little Andruw Jones in me," Reed said. "I could climb a wall for you."

Mailboxes are another story.

(sun-sentinel.com)

Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan said team officials spoke with safety Ed Reed Monday about his lateraling after interceptions, and he said he didn't expect that to happen again this season. Reed lateraled twice after picking off two passes against Jacksonville Sunday.

Unfortunately, we've heard this kind of talk before, and Ravens coach John Harbaugh talked to Reed about the dangers of lateraling the ball earlier this season. I don't think Reed will change. Reed is Reed, and he basically does whatever he wants to do. Earlier this season, Reed said Harbaugh needed to make an adjustment to his style, and talk to the players like men.

I think both Harbaugh and Ryan have approached Reed like a man about this subject. I'd like to remind Reed of an old saying a football coach once told me: "Boys do what they want to to do. Men do what they have to."

(baltimoresun.com)

At some point, after seeing him make big play after big play, you run out of things to say about Ed Reed.

There aren't enough adjectives to describe the safety's talent and his ability to change a game at any time. Simply put -- the guy just makes plays.
He made a couple big ones Sunday against the Jaguars. Reed brought in two interceptions, his eighth and ninth of the season, tops in the NFL. The first pick set up a Le'Ron McClain touchdown that vaulted Baltimore to a 24-7 halftime lead.

It was Reed's fourth multiple-INT game of the season and the eighth of his career. Back when he won the league's Defensive Player of the Year award in 2004, Reed had nine picks and two touchdowns. This season, the five-time Pro Bowler has nine picks and two touchdowns.

Could some more hardware be on the way? Maybe.

But please, someone teach the man to hang onto the ball after he comes down with an INT.

(masnsports.com)

Owings Mills, MD (Sports Network) - Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed missed practice Wednesday because of a thigh injury.

Reed has been bothered by his thigh problem recently, but has not missed a game and will likely play Saturday night when the Ravens visit Dallas.

Selected for the Pro Bowl on Tuesday, Reed leads the Ravens with five interceptions and has scored three touchdowns this season.

(sportsnetwork.com)

7 proCanes will be heading to Hawaii in February for the 2009 NFL Pro Bowl. They are: Clinton Portis, Jon Beason, Jeff Feagles, Reggie Wayne, Andre Johnson, Ray Lewis, and Ed Reed.

Safety Ed Reed is the Ravens’ recipient of the annual Ed Block Courage Award.

The four-time Pro Bowler is having one of his finest seasons after contemplating retirement during training camp because he was suffering from a nerve impingement. Reed has five interceptions and three touchdowns, including an NFL-record 107-yard interception return against the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 23.

The courage award is given to one member of each NFL team for overcoming great adversity. The award is named after the longtime Baltimore Colts trainer, who died in 1983.

“I'll take Ed Reed any day of the week,” Coach John Harbaugh said. “He’s had a tremendous year and he’s surrounded by a really good supporting cast on defense and all of those guys have made him better. He’s made those other guys better and I’m really proud of him.”

(baltimoreexaminer.com)

NEW YORK, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Ball-hawking Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed was among the AFC players earning weekly NFL honors on Wednesday.

The seven-year veteran from Miami-Florida was the AFC's top defensive player after his two tackles, two interceptions, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and a 22-yard first quarter touchdown on a fumble return, helped the Ravens to a 24-10 win over the Washington Redskins.

It was Reed's fourth career weekly player honor and second this season.

To date this season, he has five of the Ravens' league-high 22 interceptions.

(upi.com)

Earlier this season I had my doubts about Ed Reed.  I watched him closely during training camp.  I locked in on not only what he was saying but how he was saying it.  The clear and present message the Ravens’ All Pro safety delivered suggested to me that he was hurt and he was frustrated over the neck and shoulder nerve impingement that forced him to the sidelines during the Westminster summer days.

And he seemed very concerned so much so, that I wondered if this could be Reed’s last season as a professional football player.  I even wondered if he would make it through the season.

Today those thoughts seem like such a distant memory as the Ed Reed we’ve grown accustomed to, the one who has spoiled us for years, has nearly returned.

Clearly his ball hawking prowess remains intact and he has shown signs of returning to the physical style of play we’ve come to expect from Reed. Yet he’s not quite there.  For good and obvious reasons, his tackling is suspect at times.  That said, as Reed continues to make game changing plays, it’s easy to overlook a missed tackle here and there.

(ravens24x7.com)

BALTIMORE — Ed Reed is listed as a safety for the Baltimore Ravens. He also is a safety net.

Baltimore's offense struggled much of the game Sunday night against the Washington Redskins, but Reed helped the Ravens to an early 14-0 lead with an interception and a fumble return touchdown. He added a late interception in a 24-10 victory that kept Baltimore in the thick of the AFC playoff race.

Praise for Reed flowed as if his teammates were dousing him with Gatorade:
•"It seems like the ball seems to find him. He doesn't find the ball. … He's one of the spectacular players in the NFL," said defensive lineman Trevor Pryce.
•"He's been amazing for so long that you expect him to make those plays," said tight end Todd Heap.
•"That guy is Superman. … Nothing gets past him," said wide receiver Derrick Mason.

Reed has 11 touchdowns in his seven-year NFL career: five on interceptions, two on fumble recoveries, three on blocked punts and one on a punt return. His three touchdowns this season include a record 108-yard interception return against the Philadelphia Eagles.

He has five interceptions this season despite playing with a nerve impingement that causes pain in his neck and shoulders.

"It's hats off to the trainers, hats off to my doctor, who I see every Friday. …It's not easy, but at the same time if you can be out there for your team them, then I'm going to be out there," said Reed.

His diving interception of a Jason Campbell's pass on the Red-skins first series started the Ravens on a touchdown drive. Campbell's arm was hit as he made the thrown by linebacker Terrell Suggs, and the ball fluttered high into the air.

"That's just somebody else making a play, and me doing my job," said Reed.

He had his 22-yard fumble return touchdown 5:30 into he game after forcing the turnover by Redskins running back Clinton Portis. The Redskins were unsuccessful in a challenge that Portis was down before the ball was out. "I didn't know if they were going to blow a whistle or not," said Reed. "But once they don't blow a whistle, we're taught to finish the play and let them make the decision afterwards,"

Reed sparked the Ravens (9-4) to the seventh victory in their last eight games. They are a game behind the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North, and they host Pittsburgh Sunday.

The Steelers will have to account for Reed.

"He does such a great job of reading quarterbacks' eyes and knowing where they're going to go with the ball," said rookie quarterback Joe Flacco of the Ravens. "That's why he's always around it, and that's why you guys see him making so many big plays."

(usatoday.com)

Shortly after John Harbaugh became head coach, he called some of the Ravens, and one of them was Ed Reed.

Harbaugh talked to him about discipline and staying in the right position, and it apparently has paid off for Reed this season, maybe more than other years. If he isn't the NFL defensive player of the year, it's still a tribute to him because only seven defensive backs have won the award in the 37 years it has been given out including Reed in 2004.

"He's not just making plays back there, he's playing with tremendous discipline and he understands the offense he is playing against," said Harbaugh. "He's been in position every single play for a lot of plays in a row. He's just a great football player."

(baltimoresun.com)

Reed earned defensive honors by helping Baltimore flatten the visiting Philadelphia Eagles 36-7, as the former Miami Hurricane registered two tackles, two passes defensed and equaled a career-best with a pair of interceptions. In the fourth quarter, Reed picked off Eagle QB Kevin Kolb in the end zone and raced 108 yards for the longest interception return in league history. He set the previous mark with a 106-yard return against the Cleveland Browns four years ago. A seven-year pro, Reed has now won this award three times.

Reed's record-breaking interception return in Week 12 has been adjusted from 108 yards to 107.

It still qualifies as the longest pick six of all time (Reed broke his own record, originally set in 2004). Reed's jersey was sent to the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. His two picks against Philly gave Reed three on the season.

(kansascity.com)

10. Andre Johnson, WR, Texans. It’s hard for a receiver to crack the MVP list, but Johnson is setting a blistering pace and has lifted Houston out of a potential quarterback controversy. Would you believe the Texans are fourth in the NFL in total offense? Believe it. It’s largely because of Johnson, who has 56 catches for 772 yards in seven games. Now, try this on for size: He had nine catches for 131 yards against the Colts on October 5. How does he top it? In the each of the three games since, he has had at least 10 catches and at least 140 yards.

8. Ed Reed, S, Ravens. Always a playmaker of the highest order and someone opponents must locate on every snap, it’s Reed’s outstanding range that allows the creativity defensive coordinator Rex Ryan flashes. He also gets a checkmark in the “guts” category for playing through hamstring and thigh injuries. Every coach who faces the Ravens mentions Reed early and often. Baltimore is second in total defense, third in pass defense and first in run defense. Reed is the primary reason.

6. Clinton Portis, RB, Redskins. Sshhh … Portis is on a pace to rush for nearly 2,000 yards. Somehow, in all the hoopla over Jason Campbell—he’s been outstanding, so he does deserve it—Portis’ career year is getting overshadowed. Portis has 944 yards at 5.0-per clip and 11 catches to boot. The reason he gets the call here over Campbell is because the Redskins’ offensive identity is one of a physical, grinding group that wears out opponents. As a side note: How loaded was that University of Miami title team in 2001? Johnson, Reed and Portis are on this list, and that’s without mentioning Vince Wilfork, Jonathan Vilma, D.J. Williams, Willis McGahee, Frank Gore, Bryant McKinnie.

(sports.yahoo.com)

Ed Reed stands at the epicenter of a storm of more than 500 children turned loose in a field beside Booker T. Washington Middle School on a sunny, humid October morning.

Boys and girls occasionally break ranks to reach the Ravens' Pro Bowl safety, shake his hand, exchange a high-five or just say hello. They embrace him at every opportunity. From all appearances, Reed enjoys the repartee as much as the kids. He smiles often and responds to each request as he roams the field on Fitness Day, a day set up by the NFL to emphasize the merits of exercise and healthy diet.

When he spots one student whose khaki pants are slung low over his hips, Reed intercepts the young boy as if that student were scrambling out of the pocket for a big run. "Pull your pants up, man. What are you doing?" Reed says in a voice more reassuring than scolding.

The young boy dutifully hikes up his pants.

In truth, there are few details that escape Reed when it comes to Booker T. Washington, an inner-city school he adopted after arriving in Baltimore in 2002 as a first-round draft pick. One of his early stops was Booker T., nestled in the historic Marble Hill community of West Baltimore and surrounded by drugs, poverty and prostitution.

Reed, 30, is familiar with the dark corners and don't-cross lines of such neighborhoods. He grew up in one in Shrewsbury, La., in the shadow of New Orleans. He is living proof you can come out with a better life than you imagined, that you don't have to be a victim of circumstance and misfortune just because you have a tough start.

These are among the messages Reed delivers to the student body on any given Tuesday during football season. He will pop up unannounced in a pottery class to talk shop. He'll meet with a group of young boys who need to grasp the importance of respecting elders and peers. He'll introduce businessmen to serve as role models for the next generation. He relates to the kids on their level.

This is what Reed does to repay a favor he received some 15years ago, and even more because he loves kids.

"In many respects, he is the same child with regard to his background," said Latanya Robinson, executive assistant at Booker T. Washington. "He's done some of the same things they've done. The kids who've really listened to his story understand you don't have to start off as a model student. It's up to you to determine which way you want to go. And he constantly reminds them of that, that success is determined by you."

Booker T.'s students have gotten the message.

"He's really nice to be doing what he's doing for Booker T.," eighth-grader Tyra Hooper said. "Because most people, they really don't care. But it shows that he cares."

Said Deasya Holley, another eighth-grader: "He knows what some of us have to go through in life, and he wants to be a big difference in everybody's life at Booker T. Washington."

A kid who needed focus
Reed was not a model student in Shrewsbury. Sports, not school, dominated his early years. Ben Parquet is a student advocate for the St. Charles Parish, La., school system who met Reed at the behest of his wife, Dee, a teacher at Cameron Middle School. Dee told Ben of a charismatic young boy who could use his help.

"He wasn't a bad kid; he was mischievous," Parquet said. "He wasn't real focused on school work. I saw him as a youngster with great potential."

Reed was drifting toward an uncertain future when Parquet made a tactical decision. He asked the assistant superintendent of the school district to include Reed in a group of middle school students being promoted to high school. Reed was too old to continue playing sports in middle school, but was too young - by a week - to make the cutoff for high school. Parquet reasoned that Reed would have strayed if he stayed at Cameron, but going to Destrehan High would give him incentive to get on track.

In a move that continues to have positive repercussions, the school district granted Parquet's request. Reed went to high school, where he starred in football, basketball and track, and earned a scholarship to the University of Miami.

"If I hadn't gone to high school when Ben helped me get to high school, I wouldn't be here right now," he said before a recent Ravens practice

Where would he be?

"No telling. Probably be back home coaching or something like that."

Reed stills views Parquet, 69 and semi-retired, as a mentor. Parquet thinks of Reed as family.

"I feel as close to him as if he was my own son," Parquet said. "He has a special place in my heart, not because he's successful, but because of what he does for the kids in the [Booker T. Washington] community. He makes me feel it was worth it."

Parquet wasn't the only one who saw something special in Reed. Jeanne Hall, a secretary at Destrehan High, and her husband, Walter, took Reed into their St. Rose home during his sophomore and junior years. The second-oldest of five brothers in Shrewsbury, Reed got his bearings in suburban St. Rose, and his parents recognized the benefit of getting away from home.

In Baltimore, at the invitation of then-Ravens cornerback James Trapp, Reed visited Booker T. in 2002 as a rookie. He quickly grew to love working with inner-city kids.

Trapp, who played on the Ravens' Super Bowl team in the 2000 season, knew his time in Baltimore was up. He saw in Reed a successor to the program he started in 1999 with Jim Hamlin, a retired community relations manager at UPS and a Booker T. graduate.

"Ed wasn't a wild guy," said Trapp, now a chaplain for the Atlanta Falcons. "He was kind of reserved, and you could see he had a heart for helping people."

His own money
Since then, The Ed Reed Eye of the Hurricane Foundation has poured time, money and energy into Booker T. Washington and other causes. Reed sponsors a high school football camp and golf tournament in Louisiana each summer. According to Bita Khorrami, executive director of Reed's foundation, Reed sent $70,000 to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Over the past five years, Khorrami said, the foundation has donated about $350,000 to various causes.

"Ed is more than a philanthropist," she said. "He is willing to put his own money out there when others aren't."

At the beginning of each school year, Reed provides supplies for needy students. Each Thanksgiving and Christmas, his foundation provides turkeys for families that can't afford them. Last year, he gave 120 students $150 each to spend on Christmas gifts. The students are selected by their teachers based on need. And he has a party at the end of the year to reward students who make the honor roll.

When Reed found out Booker T. students didn't use their lockers because items would disappear, he bought 600 locks. He also paid for a $5,000 kiln to bake clay in the pottery classes. Khorrami said Reed has contributed between $85,000 and $100,000 - out of his own pocket - to Booker T. over the past five years.

Then there is Reed's LORDS program (leadership, order, respect, discipline, success), which rewards 20-25 students with tickets to a Ravens home game. Tickets are based on attendance, discipline and academics.

Hamlin, who continues to help at Booker T., said the changes at the school will be life-lasting.

"It's a combination of behavior, attitude and a sense of pride in the school and pride in themselves," Hamlin said of the impact. "All that we're doing here and all that Ed's doing here will be in the minds of the kids forever and a day."

Robinson said the most tangible results are in improved attendance, but that benefits run deeper.

"Ed shows our kids they deserve to be recognized for the good things they do," she said. "His presence alone and his involvement shows them they have something to be proud of. ... He's truly a humanitarian."

From a distance, Parquet sees the cycle begin anew.

"Ed's a tremendous guy, and I'm so proud of him," Reed's mentor said.

"Think of how many Ed Reeds are out there that didn't get the help to go forward. He realizes that, too. And deep down, that's why he gives so much. He sees himself in a lot of those kids, and he wants them to be successful."

(baltimoresun.com)

The Ed Reed Eye of the Hurricane Foundation will hold its benefit, "A Night in New Orleans," tonight at 6 at the Valley Mansion in Cockeysville, as originally scheduled. The benefit had been moved to tomorrow night when the Ravens were scheduled to play in Houston. It will feature the group Maze, with Frankie Beverly, and Cajun cuisine. All proceeds from sales and donations go the Reed's nonprofit foundation. The Ravens safety, a Louisiana native and former Miami Hurricane, organized NFL player donations for victims of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. His foundation is working to help Booker T. Washington Middle School in Baltimore transition into a school for the arts and music.

(baltimoresun.com)

BALTIMORE — In the wake of missing the entire preseason with a nerve impingement, Pro Bowl free safety Ed Reed made a last-minute decision to test out his neck and left shoulder Sunday and started for the Baltimore Ravens without incident.

Reed didn’t aggravate the injury during the Ravens’ 17-10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium. He recorded three tackles, deflecting one pass to cornerback Chris McAlister for an interception.

Reed said he’s not in danger by continuing to play. He took precautions against the Bengals by only doling out a few hits and generally led with his right shoulder after not having any contact during the preseason.

"They told me that there’s not any catastrophic risk, but you’re always at risk playing football," Reed said. "It’s just about being smart and not getting too caught up in the game and banging too much. You try not to feel it.

"I got contact on both sides. I hit the ground on both shoulders. I was smart not diving on tackles and joining in on gang tackles. I felt good, and we’ll see how it goes going forward."

Reed’s injury will likely continue to be a concern and will be monitored throughout the season.

The Ravens didn’t use Reed in their blitz package. He stayed back deep, remaining away from the line of scrimmage for the majority of the game.

"Health is still very important," Reed said. "It’s still day to day. We were more concerned about conditioning than anything else. Everything worked out fine.

“It’s a blessing to be out there. No hesitation, none at all. I had a couple things where I was a little timid, but I think it kind of helped me."

Reed said doctors initially informed him that he was supposed to be out for the first four or five games.

"I’m still talking about it with the doctors about if there’s any soreness or pain," he said. "We’re just being smart about what we’re doing."

McAlister and cornerback Samari Rolle also missed most of the preseason with injuries, but both played well against the Bengals as they shut down wide receivers Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

McAlister recovered a fumble to go with his interception.

"When they started to call the starting lineup and I saw Ed was behind me, I said, ‘Oh, we good,’" linebacker Terrell Suggs said. "I told him early in the week, ‘You don’t have to hit nobody. You just get us lined up and tell us where we got to go and we’ll be all right.’"

Ravens FS Ed Reed (shoulder) is ignoring doctor's orders to rest for two weeks and will instead try to play against the Bengals.
Reed practiced Wednesday without a red non-contact jersey for the first time since suffering a nerve impingement in his neck and shoulder. "If it keeps lingering throughout the season, it definitely could come to some point to where we shut it down for the year," he said. It's hard to believe that Reed can play every down or be his usual self; Carson Palmer shouldn't be worried.

(rotoworld.com)

When Ravens safety Ed Reed revealed that he's suffering from a "nerve impingement' in his neck that has affected his shoulder and could threaten his career, I had a nasty Orioles flashback.

The Ravens are loathe to give real specifics on injuries, but it's fair to wonder if the problem that has sidelined one of the NFL's best defensive players is similar to the one that forced a premature end to the baseball career of former Oriole Glenn Davis.

Davis, every Orioles fan unhappily recalls, was acquired by the Orioles in a trade for Curt Schilling, Steve Finley and Pete Harnisch, three players who all went on to better things after the supposed blockbuster deal. Davis never lived up to his reputation as one of the most dangerous power hitters in baseball, because of a nerve injury suffered during his first spring with the Orioles.

He damaged the spinal accessory nerve in his neck during an exhibition at-bat in March of 1991, the severity of the problem only becoming apparent when the trapezius muscle in his right shoulder began to wither. He spent a couple of years trying to regain his powerful swing, but was never the same.

Hopefully, there's no such parallel with Reed, but he's all but certain to miss the season opener next week and could be out for the season. He even speculated Friday that if surgery is necessary to correct the problem, his career might be over.

(baltimoresun.com)

It would reportedly take a "miraculous recovery" for FS Ed Reed (shoulder) to be ready for Baltimore's season opener.
Reed is a bit overrated, but the voice of Baltimore's secondary and a three time All Pro, so this helps Carson Palmer's matchup. Special teamer Jim Leonhard will start. Cincy's passing game should kick off with a bang.

(rotoworld.com)

Free safety Ed Reed's status remains in question for the opener due to a left shoulder injury that involves nerves. Harbaugh is no longer confident the former defensive player of the year will be ready for the start of the season.

Reed hasn't been cleared for contact and has expressed reservations about his availability at the start of the season.

"I think it's a little more slow progress than we all thought it was going to be," Harbaugh said. "Maybe Ed has a sense of that at one time because he's the guy that feels it. We're still optimistic that he'll be there the first week, but I don't think you can say 'definitely' right now."

With Reed sidelined, veteran Jim Leonhard has started the first two preseason games. Rookie draft picks Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura are the Ravens' other options.

Reed has been grimacing in pain whenever someone bangs into his upper body, and doesn't seem to have full range of motion or strength.

"We continue to have doctors look at him, because we want to be absolutely sure," Harbaugh said. "It's not just about his ability to play in a game. Right now, nobody thinks he's at risk in any way, but we want to make darn sure that's the case"

(iht.com)

It appears there are increased doubts whether Ed Reed will be ready to play in the regular-season opener.

A week after downplaying Reed's concerns, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said it's not a lock that the Pro Bowl safety will be in the starting lineup when the Ravens kick off the season Sept. 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Reed has missed the first two preseason games because of a shoulder injury.

"I think it's a little more slow progress than we all thought it was going to be," Harbaugh said today. "Maybe Ed had a sense of that at one time because he's the guy that feels it. We're still optimistic that he'll be there the first week but I don't think you can say 'definitely' right now."

Reed recently expressed uncertainty about his availability to start the season, but the Ravens seemed more confident at that time.

If Reed can't play, four-year veteran Jim Leonhard could replace him. Leonhard, a free-agent pickup, has started the first two preseason games.

Rookies Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura have also seen time with the first-team defense during training camp.

(baltimoresun.com)

The only place Ed Reed appears outspoken is on the field, where instinct, preparation and ability merge to create one of the most feared defensive players in the NFL.

Reed is one of the few Ravens stars without a radio or television show. He lockers next to the door at the team facility in Owings Mills, assuring a quick escape from the media invasion. And he performs his many charitable works out of the limelight.

But put him in the field of play and you've got an athlete whose passion for the game is unquenchable.

"I guarantee you," defensive coordinator Rex Ryan said today, "he's always been the quarterback, always been the safety, probably was a point guard in basketball.

"He runs the show -- and knows the game. Any game. He'd be a playmaker in anything he did."

Reed, in his seventh season at free safety for the Ravens, is one of the league's top playmakers. He's gone to four Pro Bowls in six years. He has 34 interceptions in 90 games.

In 2004, he registered a sack, forced fumble, fumble recovery and touchdown on the same play. He has scored eight career touchdowns, coming four different ways (punt return, fumble return, interception and blocked punt).

Reed, 29, is not only a playmaker, but a game changer.

Coach John Harbaugh gave his illustration of that the other day.

"Having coached a secondary, you have a good idea of the picture you look for back there," Harbaugh said. "Ed is good enough to change the picture just a little bit.

"In other words, he doesn't have to be [positioned] quite as deep or quite as wide or quite as tight as another guy would, and still be in position to make the play. You see why he's made so many plays over the years, kind of by baiting quarterbacks a little bit. He's got a real knack for that."

Reed has made his living by baiting quarterbacks. He studies opponents' tapes voraciously for hints that help diagnose plays. He has an uncanny ability to be right most of the time.

The few times he's been burned, he's worn the label of free-lancer and gambler.

Ryan, a man who ought to know, says that's a false perception.

"No," Ryan said when asked if Reed plays outside the structure of the defense.

"We don't want robots [on defense], and we don't want the offense to know exactly what we're in. Ed will move around. Ed's always in the structure of the defense. If he's not, we've missed a call or something like that. Nothing ever has been intentional where he's been out of position. I think what happens is, people see him moving around and think he's [free-lancing]."

Reed is afforded the leeway to move around because he knows the defense like a coach and understands the scheme.

"He knows the defense so well, he knows the strengths, the weaknesses of it," Ryan said. "He knows what the offense is trying to do. He's a great student of the game. When that opportunity to make a play happens, he makes it. He doesn't drop it."

Strong safety Dawan Landry was indoctrinated into the NFL by Reed. He came to appreciate the game through Reed's eyes.

"He's a real cerebral guy," Landry said. "He helped me get up to speed, watching film and learning the game."

Reed began studying game film in high school back in St. Rose, La. He became more proficient at it at the University of Miami. As a first-round pick by the Ravens in 2002, he took it to a science under teammate Ray Lewis.

"This is a full-time job, so if you want to be great ... the film study is what separates you from the guys who don't do that stuff," Reed said. "Coming here and working with a veteran team -- Ray Lewis, sitting down with him -- that's just something that keeps getting better over time."

Ravens secondary coach Mark Carrier knew about Reed's athletic prowess before he joined the staff in 2006. He didn't anticipate his intelligence.

"He has an understanding of the game," Carrier said. "A lot of guys are smart or have street smarts. This kid has both. He sees the game at a slower pace."

Reed has participated minimally in team drills through training camp because of a nerve condition in his shoulder. Harbaugh said he expects Reed to be ready for the season opener on Sept. 7.

Reed isn't so sure, acknowledging he may need surgery to resolve the problem after his career. For the past week, he has been wearing a red jersey in practice to signify he shouldn't be hit.

Even so, Reed's zeal for the game shows through.

"Look at him out on the practice field today," Ryan said. "We're short [defensive backs], so he's running at scout team corner. He's a great team guy, whether on the game field or practice field. He loves to play and compete."

(baltimoresun.com)

WESTMINSTER -- Although he returned to practice on Saturday, the status of Ravens safety Ed Reed remains up in the air.

Reed has a problem with his shoulder that kept him out of action the first two weeks of training camp. It has been described as a strength and nerve issue.

He was allowed to return to practice on Saturday, but is wearing a red jersey, the ones the quarterbacks wear so they will not engage in any contact.

"It's a little bit more in-depth than you've been hearing about," Reed told reporters on Monday when asked about the injury. "I can't explain it at this point because I am still researching it myself. I figure it might be all right. If it's not, we will deal with it."

He wasn't sure if he would be ready to play in the season opener against Cincinnati.

"We'll see man, we'll see," he said.

Reed said it wasn't something that just happened, but something that has been building up over his 27 years of playing football.

"I'm out here moving around and loosening it up," he said. "Just seeing how it feels playing in a game situation. It's just being smart with it."

Asked about wearing the red jersey, he said, "It's just something to help the guys understand not to have any contact. That hasn't worked at all. I've still been getting bumped, still been hitting the ground, running through guys, which is a good thing because you really get to feel if you can get hit or not."

He said after his career is over he will have to get surgery on the shoulder.

Baltimore coach John Harbaugh seemed more optimistic about Reed's status and felt he would be ready for the opener.

""I'm not doubtful of that at all, based on what we've been told by the doctors," Harbaugh said. "We've got plenty of experts working on it. They're making a lot of progress. I think they are confident that they are making a lot of progress. Ed wants to be right. Any great player wants to feel physically right. I think it's our job to get to that point."

He said it was important for Reed to get back in action this week.

"That's why we had the red jersey," he said. "He doesn't need to contact stuff to get ready to play. As a football player, changing direction, especially for a defensive back, backpedaling, bursting, spacing, Those things are going to be very important for him. He doesn't need the contact stuff to get ready, but the movement stuff is important.

Losing the 29-year-old Reed would be a big blow to the Ravens, even though through the draft and free agency they have added a lot of depth to their secondary this year.

Reed is a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year who is considered one of the top safeties in the league.

"I hate that guy so much because he's so good," wide receiver Derrick Mason said. "I'm glad he's on our team. He is the best free safety in the game hands down. There's nobody better than him."

"I've always heard stories about how Ed Reed makes plays, and now I'm out here witnessing it," said cornerback Frank Walker, who signed with the Ravens as a free agent during the offseason. "You'd better watch your back or Ed will take your candy, the football."

Harbaugh confirmed on Monday that running back Willis McGahee had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. He said it was a precautionary thing and he should be ready for the opener although there is a possibility he could miss it.

"We going to go in there and scope it and clean it up just to make sure he's going to be ready by opening day," Harbaugh said. "We want to make sure we know what's going on in there."

(fredericknewspost.com)

Trying to clear up doubts about two of his star players, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said he expects safety Ed Reed and running back Willis McGahee to be ready for the Sept. 7 regular-season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Reed, a four-time Pro Bowl player, recently came off the physically unable to perform list but has not engaged in any contact because of a shoulder injury.

While Reed seemed uncertain whether he would be able to play at the start of the regular season, Harbaugh downplayed such a scenario, saying there has been "a lot of progress" made with Reed's injury.

"No, I'm not doubtful of [Reed's availability for the season opener] at all based on what we've been told by the doctors," Harbaugh said after today's practice. "I understand as an athlete, you want it to be right."

(baltimoresun.com)

Ravens safety Ed Reed practiced for the first time this preseason, though he wore the symbolic red jersey that prevented him from contact, reports BaltimoreRavens.com.



(nooffseason.com)

The veil of secrecy has been lifted around Ed Reed. The Pro Bowl safety has a shoulder injury, coach John Harbaugh said after Wednesday’s practice.

Reed is on the physically unable to perform list and has yet to practice in training camp. Team officials had declined to comment specifically on Reed’s injury, causing speculation about his status.

During camp, Reed has worked off to the side, running and catching passes.

“It’s a strengthening issue and that takes a little bit of time,” Harbaugh said.

(weblogs.baltimoresun.com)

Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed has been reduced to bystander at the Ravens' training camp. He works out on his own at McDaniel College, running and catching balls daily. But he has yet to be cleared for practice for an unspecified injury or condition.

Today is the fifth day of practice Reed has missed. Asked about Reed's return, defensive coordinator gave no timetable.

"You'd have to ask [John Harbaugh] that and Bill [Tessendorf, team trainer]," Ryan said. "I really don't know. I know one thing is that Ed is working his tail off out here. He took [cornerback] David Pittman under his wing and he's working him out and getting him right, and he's working just as hard as he can possibly work.

"But whenever we get him, Ed will be ready. Mentally, in the meeting rooms he's really taking that leadership over. He's making all the calls and he's sharp. It's just about when he can return due to physical play."

(weblogs.baltimoresun.com)

The Associated Press reports Baltimore Ravens FS Ed Reed (undisclosed) was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list and did not practice with the team Sunday, July 27.



(ap.com)

22. Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis Colts: When Marvin Harrison was out last season, Wayne emerged as the team's go-to receiver. The guess here is that is that it stays that way. He's a true star now.

23. Ed Reed, S, Baltimore Ravens: He is the prototype modern safety: rangy and can still tackle. He is what safeties like Roy Williams wish they could be.

26. Andre Johnson, WR, Houston Texans: Injuries limited him last season, but Johnson is one of the best when he's on the field. The Texans were a different team without him last season.

41. Vince Wilfork, DT, New England Patriots: He was the best front-seven player on the Pats defense last season. He's a load in the middle. Moving him off the ball is tough for any center.

44. Kellen Winslow, TE, Cleveland Browns: He has emerged as one of the rising stars for a rising team. His ability to stretch the defense is vital to the Cleveland offense.

50. Devin Hester, KR, Chicago Bears: I don't normally put return men on these lists, but this guy has earned it. It will be interesting to see how long he can maintain it.

(cbs.sportsline.com)

5. Ken Dorsey: No player better typified the Miami dynasty of the early part of the decade than Dorsey, the heady quarterback who led them to the national championship in 2001 and posted a record of 38-2 as the Hurricanes' starting quarterback.

Dorsey was a two-time Heisman finalist who rewrote Miami's record book, setting marks for passing touchdowns, completions, attempts, total offense and passing yards. His leadership also marked Miami's dominance, keeping his team in the national title hunt during most of his college career as the Hurricanes ran off a 34-game winning streak.

His big efforts enabled him to be a three-time All-Big East selection and two-time conference offensive player of the year. He was the co-MVP of the 2001 Rose Bowl, leading the Hurricanes to the national championship with a victory over Nebraska. He also directed Miami to a victory over Florida in the 2000 Sugar Bowl, earning MVP honors after passing for three touchdowns.

9. Ed Reed: A two-time consensus All-American, Reed was the unquestioned defensive leader of the Miami dynasty that claimed a national championship in his final college game. He was a catalyst for a talented Miami secondary that featured three pro-draft picks, helping to turn around the Hurricanes' program.

After an All-American season as a junior in 2000, Reed was a devastating force for the Hurricanes during his senior season. He led the nation with nine interceptions for a school-record 209 yards and three TDs. His biggest was a play that sealed a season-saving victory over Boston College, when he snatched a ball out of teammate Matt Walters' hands and raced 80 yards for a game-saving touchdown.

He capped his career with a dominating performance against Nebraska in the Rose Bowl, finishing as Miami's career leader in career interceptions, career interception return yards and interceptions return for touchdowns. His athletic versatility was highlighted with four career blocked punts as a special-teams standout and a javelin championship in the Big East conference track meet.

(espn.com)

PALM BEACH, Fla. // In a move that should help stop another Spygate incident, NFL owners approved a communication device for defenses yesterday. Only one defensive player on the field will wear a helmet similar to what the quarterback is allowed on offense, letting him communicate with coaches without hand signals.

"It didn't pass last year and it did pass this year," Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy said. "So, you can draw your own conclusions."

During this past season, coach Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots were disciplined for taping opposing coaches' defensive signals.
"I've been for that ever since the thing with the quarterbacks came out," Belichick said

The Ravens were among the 25 teams that voted in favor of the change (24 are needed for approval). All seven teams that voted against it have head coaches with offensive backgrounds (Green Bay, Oakland, Philadelphia, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa Bay and Washington).

Instead of linebacker Ray Lewis, the Ravens likely would give the communication device to safety Ed Reed. One reason is the device could get damaged by constant hits. Another is the Ravens could be limiting Lewis' playing time.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh suggested that the team could pull Lewis off the field on passing downs. Teams will want to give the communication device to every-down players.

"His roles might change as far as what downs he's on the field, but that's natural," Harbaugh said of Lewis. "[But] he can still play."

(baltimoresun.com)

Get Ravens safety Ed Reed's autograph at the Hilton Garden Inn from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. in Owings Mills. Visit www.fullaccess20.com.

The Ravens were missing half of their secondary as cornerback Samari Rolle and safety Ed Reed were held out of practice. Reed tweaked his ankle.

(ravens24x7.com)

In five seasons in the NFL, Ravens free safety Ed Reed has been named to three Pro Bowls, won AP's Defensive Player of the Year award in 2004, and earned a contract that makes him the highest-paid player at his position.

And yet Reed, who will turn 29 on Sept. 11, said he still feels like a first-year player.

"It still seems like it was yesterday for me," he said recently. "When we come back to training camp, I always feel like a rookie. Because it's not new things going in, but just taking that whole mentality for everything to be fresh for me, [so] I can continue to get better the way I want to."

Five days into training camp, and Ravens secondary coach Dennis Thurman likes everything he sees. But beginning tomorrow with a scrimmage against the Washington Redskins at M&T Bank Stadium, it could all change.

The Ravens had the NFL's No. 1-ranked defense a year ago, but they also had their share of problems. When the Ravens played any team with a good passing game, there were a lot of nervous moments, and far too many breakdowns. Some were mental and others physical, but the Ravens gave up too many big passing plays.

Stopping those plays has drawn a lot of attention in training camp.

Former Destrehan High School football standout Ed Reed, now an all-pro safety with the NFL Baltimore Ravens, returned home Friday to announce the first fund-raiser for his charity

Reed has partnered with Valero Energy Corporation to organize the first Ed Reed/Valero St. Charles Golf Classic, which will be held July 2 at Belle Terre Country Club in LaPlace.
Proceeds will go to the Ed Reed Eye of the Hurricane Foundation, which helps needy families in the St. Charles Parish area, as well as in Baltimore.

BALTIMORE - Ed Reed typically makes noise with his play on the football field. This time, the former NFL defensive player of the year’s mouth might have gotten him in trouble.

The Baltimore Ravens’ safety created a stir with his comments after last weekend’s NFL Pro Bowl when asked about the potential departure of teammate Adalius Thomas, a linebacker, to free agency.

“You hate to see the Ravens even put him in this kind of predicament,” Reed, who had two interceptions in the Pro Bowl, told Yahoo.com. “That goes to show you how shady and how bad the business is and how bad certain organizations are. I really think he should have been signed a long time ago. It should have never gotten to this point. He has been nothing but loyal to them. Not only the city, but the organization. If he gets away, it’s a terrible decision on their part. It was a terrible decision to even let it get this far.”

Ravens safety Ed Reed tied the Pro Bowl record for interceptions by picking off two terrible throws, and Ravens teammate Adalius Thomas returned Marc Bulger's fumble 70 yards for a confusing score.

(baltimoresun.com)

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- In the beginning, it was a "U" thing. Ray Lewis welcomed fellow University of Miami star Ed Reed into the NFL fraternity in 2002 and took the safety under his wing.

The Baltimore Ravens' duo worked out together and had lockers next to each other. Reed wore the same clothes as the linebacker, from T-shirts and shorts to a dress suit at the ESPY Awards.

"Everything, film watching to dressing," Reed said Thursday. "It was a great thing, still is."
Like Lewis, Reed had an immediate impact. He was named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 2004, just as Lewis was in 2000 and 2003.

Ed Reed's performance in the divisional playoff game against the Colts was impressive, but it was his post-game speech that really provided the Ravens with the boost they needed.

Reed stood up in front of a devastated locker room and praised the team for their efforts, reinforcing the fact that they were all a part of a very special season. He also urged them to keep their heads up, because he's confident that they will be right back in the hunt next year.

Todd Heap recalled Reed's comments during the post-game press conference: "One thing that Ed Reed did get up and say after coach spoke to the team is, 'You know what? We have a lot of good guys that did a lot of good things this year [and] we did a lot of good things this year as a team.' Our main focus is to build off of that."

The verse, from the Book of Philippians, is written on a scrap of paper and taped to the dressing stall of Ed Reed's locker. It has been a gentle reminder for the Ravens free safety every day that he has gone to work at the team's practice facility in Owings Mills the past five seasons.

To Reed, who recently was named a starter for his third Pro Bowl and yesterday selected All-Pro for the second time, it teaches about the value of patience, a necessary quality to possess in the position he plays for the Ravens. It also is certainly not anything new in the way Reed goes about his life.

Patience was necessary when Reed was a slightly oversized 13-year-old living outside New Orleans and unable to play on a local youth football team because he was a few pounds over the weight limit. He simply waited until the rest of the kids caught up the next year.

Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed defended his helmet-to-helmet hit on Joe Jurevicius that knocked the Browns receiver out of the game with a concussion in the fourth quarter.

No flag was thrown on the play, but it probably will be reviewed by the NFL office this week.

"This is our house and we don't take lightly to it," said Reed. "When you come into our house, if there isn't anything else, there's going to be some hitting out there. It's going to be a physical football game. Cleveland is a physical team, and you have to do that.

Like many other professional athletes from Louisiana, Baltimore Ravens free safety Ed Reed was moved by the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina last summer.

Reed, a former Destrehan High School star, and his Ravens played the last game in the Superdome on Aug. 26, 2005 — just three days before the killer storm left her indelible mark on New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.

So Reed, a native of St. Rose, wanted to do something special for his homecoming game today against the New Orleans Saints in the refurbished Superdome. He arranged for teammates to make donations through payroll deduction, with the proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity programs.

On Aug. 26, 2005, safety Ed Reed and the Baltimore Ravens played to a 21-6 preseason victory over the New Orleans Saints in Louisiana. Days later, Hurricane Katrina wreaked its havoc over the entire Gulf Coast.

Sunday's Week 8 matchup between the Ravens and the Saints marks the St. Rose, La. native's return to the Louisiana Superdome.

When describing the stadium, the phrase "shelter of last resort" is often used, stemming from the tremendous damage the storm inflicted on the Superdome. Estimates say that nearly 30,000 residents of New Orleans and surrounding areas took refuge in the building when they were unable to leave the city.

I'm assuming the Ravens will start to buckle down on safety Ed Reed and some of his freelancing in the secondary. It was one of the plays that cost the Ravens Sunday against Carolina when Reed tried to anticipate a short pass to Keyshawn Johnson, and Jake Delhomme went over the top on the long pass to Steve Smith. Reed has gotten burned trying to make plays before, only Will Demps was the one who always looked like he was out of position. This time, it was cornerback Samari Rolle. A number of Ravens defensive players seemed agitated after the game and that might be the key to Reed staying in position. In the Ravens' scheme, especially since they blitz so often, you have to be extremely disciplined, and be where you're supposed to be.

(blogs.baltimoresun.com)

Ravens safety Ed Reed used to consider it a chess match when going head-to-head with a quarterback.

Now, when he faces the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Chris Simms in the regular-season opener Sunday, it'll be more like hide-and-seek.

Deception has become the most improved part of Reed's game this season, and for good reason. Because quarterbacks threw away from him last season, Reed has concentrated on acting like he's going one way before taking off where the ball is really headed.

Maybe up north, things are different.

Maybe in the greater Baltimore area, where he is the Ravens' superstar safety and a genuine celebrity, Ed Reed is a different kind of guy.

Maybe up there his time is over-scheduled and his public appearances have to be approved in advance by somebody with a front-office title. Maybe up there he is told where to go and who he can talk to. Maybe up there he has to pass up a little kid with a purple football and a black pen or a grandmother waiting patiently for him to sign five footballs, one for each one of her grandsons.