Ed Reed admits to thinking about the R-word
With offensive tackles Jonathan Ogden and Willie Anderson, wide receivers Derrick Mason and Drew Bennett and quarterback Steve McNair retiring in the last 15 months, perhaps it’s no surprise that Ed Reed has considered doing the same.
"Just to hit on Mason, I feel him," the five-time Pro Bowl free safety said after today's morning practice. "He had two surgeries and just with going through other things emotion-wise, it’s hard. I’ve been contemplating sitting out for the last two years and hanging up the cleats and stuff. When you start to think about those things, you start to put things in perspective. You start looking for other things to do outside of football."
So, Reed was asked, what has kept him coming back?
"I love this game," he said. "And at the end of the day, I say, 'You know what, let’s see how this one goes and look up next year and we’ll debate from there.'"
Comments
I was thinking the 'r' word was receiver. Anybody thought of that?
Posted by: ItIsMe | July 31, 2009 3:56 PM
I love Ed Reed, he's a Raven; but I suppose every player begins to think about retiring at some point and as far as the 'love of the game' bringing him back, well I'm sure Ogden, Anderson and Mason had the same type of feel for the game? As a former athlete myself, I understand the talk about love for a particular thing, but as far as sports is concerned, if an athlete were to hang it up say 4 or 5 years into his career, while being healthy, I would have much more respect for his theory. But once you creep into year 8, 9 10 and beyond it suddenly becomes a matter of health. I played college football at a prominent Division 1 school and thought I loved the game, but at the age of 21 I "retired" cold turkey my senior year, had enough. I was young, healthy and talented. But the game stopped being "fun" for me and I walked away and was content with being a "fan."
Posted by: Me, myself and YOU! | July 31, 2009 4:23 PM
I think he would like a Super Bowl before he retires.
Posted by: Anonymous | July 31, 2009 6:17 PM
Other posters - please. Are you completely not aware that Reed has a problem with his neck. Of course he is weighing his love for playing football against his future, and it has nothing to do with receivers or mere health.
The injury has potential to disable him significantly.
Posted by: Rages | August 1, 2009 6:21 AM
Ed Reed is my favorite Raven of all time. He plays hard and does his job. I hope he plays a few more years. If not he will be missed.
Posted by: Kevin | August 1, 2009 11:31 AM