Ed Reed relied on his family and teammates when tragedy struck

Spend five minutes with Baltimore Ravens safety and former Destrehan standout Ed Reed, and you quickly understand what his family means to him.

Whether it's his family at home in Louisiana or his "other family," his teammates in Baltimore, Reed relies on both to carry him through his most trying times.

Last year, Reed needed his families the most.

Reed struggled to recover from lingering injuries that sidelined him for nearly half the season, but nothing compared to the news he received 48 hours before the Ravens' playoff game at Kansas City.

On Jan. 7, Reed's younger brother, Brian, had been reported missing after jumping into the Mississippi River to elude police. His body was discovered Jan. 26.

Reed stayed with his team despite the tragedy and helped the Ravens cruise to a 30-7 victory against the Chiefs. Reed said his teammates helped ease the pain of his loss, and they showed support by awarding Reed the game ball after the victory.

"Being around my teammates, being a part of a team and playing a sport always helps you in life when you go through tough times," Reed said. "They're always there for you."

Reed's mettle was tested early in the season, which he began on the Ravens' physically unable to perform list after undergoing hip surgery during the offseason. A nerve impingement in his neck also hindered the NFL's 2004 Defensive Player of the Year, and he missed 10 games in the past two seasons.

As some critics speculated that injuries might have finally gotten the best of the five-time All-Pro, Reed said he never contemplated retirement.

"I had pure focus in my coach and my trainer and my rehab," said Reed, who'll be 33 in September. "Everything I did in the offseason, I knew I could do on the football field. That's why I got on the PUP list, and I wouldn't come back until I was 100 percent."

Reed returned Oct. 24 against the Buffalo Bills, a 37-34 overtime victory, and quickly returned to form. He had two interceptions and forced a fumble in his first game back, a sign that injuries hadn't slowed him down.

"Once I got back, it was easy," Reed said. "It was football. Football doesn't change. I had 10 games to contribute to helping the team get better, and all I had to do was do my part."

Reed continued his dominant play for the remainder of the season, intercepting four passes and making 19 tackles in the final four games to help seal a postseason spot for the Ravens.

Reed now has his attention on the upcoming season, but admitted he still hasn't returned to full strength. He has spent the offseason at home, with his family, working out and hosted his annual football camp for kids at his former high school.

"I'm still not 100 percent (physically), but I'm 100 percent mentally at this point as far as everything I can do," Reed said. "I know my limitations; I still have a lot of work to do before the season starts."

Reed continues to prepare despite the ongoing NFL lockout, which prevents him from meeting with coaches and participating in team-sanctioned practices. Reed shrugged off the notion that the lockout will have an effect on his and his teammates' preparation.

"It's business as usual," Reed said. "I wouldn't be doing anything different than working out if it was a lockout or not. I don't think any guys are doing anything different. The only thing is that it's not organized. That proves to people that we're willing to do what's right and work despite of what's going on through the lockout and the organization."

Reed has put all his trials behind him, relying on his faith to move him forward in his life and his career.

"It's faith," Reed said. "It's having faith, keeping my faith strong and knowing God has everything under control. It's knowing that I'll see my brother again, knowing he's still with me in spirit and knowing that he's looking down on us.

"My family stands strong."

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(nola.com)