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NFL: Creating the all-time roster with football’s legends

By Hans Themistode

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 23: Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker and Hall of Fame enshrinee Ray Lewis is introduced before the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 23: Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker and Hall of Fame enshrinee Ray Lewis is introduced before the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Ed Reed
Ed Reed (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

NFL: Creating the all-time roster with football’s legends: FS, Ed Reed

Career stats: 

  • 64 interceptions
  • 646 combined tackles

Accolades: 

  • 9 time Pro Bowler
  • 5 time All-Pro
  • 1 time Defensive Player of the Year
  • 1 time Super Bowl Champ

For as great as the corners on this team are, even some of the best in the world get beat in one on one situations. It may not happen often, but a defensive slip-up or two is to be expected. To clean up any issues or breakdowns on the backend of the defense, we’ll place Ed Reed back there.

Quarterbacks hated seeing the nine-time Pro Bowler and five-time First-Team All-Pro on the backend. Even some of the best quarterbacks to ever do it, including Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, had their issues with Reed. His ability to drop into coverage was seamless as his 139 defended passes rank 19th on the all-time list. Reed’s 64 career interceptions also place him near the top of the pack as he checks in at 7th.

The 2004 Defensive Player of the Year made the Baltimore Ravens one of the most feared defensive units in the history of the NFL. Simply put, there were essentially no weaknesses to his game.

Reed was excellent in all facets of the game and it came as absolutely no surprise when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame as soon as he was eligible. Now, we’ll ask him to shed that gold jacket and throw on a uniform one final time.

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