Top 10 Ed Reed Moments

In the history of the National Football League, perhaps nobody has ever played the position of safety better than Ed Reed. This weekend, Reed will become the 8th Miami Hurricane to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. And because he’s a Hurricane, I decided to countdown the top 10 moments of Reed’s historic career.

Honorable Mention:

It wasn’t a play on the field, but one of the most emotional moments you’ll ever see in the game of football. Days after the death of their Miami Hurricane brother Sean Taylor, Reed and his teammates Ray Lewis and Willis McGahee, former UM greats, remembered their fallen brother prior to a game against the Patriots in 2007.

10. Pick si......nevermind

In his rookie season, the Ravens were hosting the Bengals and skilled receiver Chad Johnson. In the first quarter, Reed picked off Jon Kitna, and weaved his way to what looked like a touchdown. Instead, Reed may have celebrated a tad bit too early, and was stripped, and the ball was recovered by T.J. Houshmandzadeh in the end zone.

9. Boston College pt. 2

Another play vs the Bengals, this time in 2006, and this time it was Carson Palmer at quarterback. Samari Rolle picked off a Palmer pass, and then Reed took it out of his hands, running it in for a touchdown. Much like his play with Matt Walters against Boston College in 2001.

8. Hit against the Colts

No description needed.

7. Playing for his brother

When the Ravens met the Chiefs in the 2010 Wild Card, Reed had learned prior to the game that his brother, Brian, had passed away. With a heavy heart, Baltimore’s leader helped his team secure a postseason victory, while delivering a bone crushing hit to Dexter McCluster along the way.

6. Blocked punt starts a comeback

It was 2003, and the Seahawks were in town for a game, and led most of the way. Up 41-24 with under six minutes to go, Reed came through and blocked a punt, scooped it up and ran it in for a touchdown. His team followed his play with an amazing comeback, ultimately winning 44-41.

5. Vs Redskins 2004

The Ravens drove down the road to D.C. in 2004, taking on the Redskins on Monday Night Football. Down 10-0, and struggling on offense with Kyle Boller at quarterback, Reed sparked Baltimore, with this strip sack of Mark Brunell, and taking the fumble in for a touchdown.

4. Playoff pick six

2008 Wild Card, and the Ravens were taking on the Dolphins and their wildcat offense. Returning to his college stomping grounds, Reed came up big, picking off Chad Pennington and returning it 64-yards to the house. Ravens won 27-9.

3. Super Bowl win

In his first and only Super Bowl appearance in his historic career, Reed shined in the bright lights of the Superdome. In the 34-31 victory, Reed had five tackles, and also intercepted Colin Kaepernick.

2. 106-yard pick six

2004 was a special season for Reed. He was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and was selected as a First Team All-Pro for the first time in his career. He also set an NFL record (for the first time) against the Browns. Clinging to a 20-13 lead with under a minute to go, Reed picked off Browns quarterback Jeff Garcia and ran it back 106 yards for a touchdown.

1. 107-yard pick six

Knowing #20, he was bound to make history again, and four years later in 2008, he did, again. Against the Eagles, Reed broke his own interception return record, taking back a Kevin Kolb pass 108 yards for a touchdown.

Did I miss one? What was your favorite Ed Reed moment?