DHS alum Reed joins NFL ranks as coach

Ed Reed
Ed Reed acknowledges the crowd at Destrehan.

Ed Reed hung up his cleats after a Hall of Fame worthy NFL career last May, but as it turns out, the former Destrehan High School superstar won’t be straying far from the game.

Reed, 37, recently accepted a position on the coaching staff of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills under head coach Rex Ryan. Reed joins the organization as Ryan’s assistant defensive backs coach.

The former All-Pro safety built a resume on the NFL level that very few can match over his 12-year career. He was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2004. He was a five-time First Team All-Pro and a nine-time Pro Bowl selection. Reed ranks sixth in the NFL in career interceptions with 64.

Reed also helped lead the Baltimore Ravens to a Super Bowl XLVII victory over the San Francisco 49ers, a game in which he intercepted 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in the second quarter. It was Reed’s ninth career postseason interception.

He played under Ryan from 2005-2008 during the latter’s tenure as Ravens defensive coordinator. Reed played the final seven games of his career with the New York Jets, for whom Ryan was then head coach.

Destrehan head football coach Stephen Robicheaux, who coached Reed during his tenure at DHS, said he believes Reed will find success.

“One thing people always said about Ed and noticed was the way he prepared,” Robicheaux said. “He was always the first one in the building, watching lots of film … he can show those players what it takes to be a Hall of Fame defensive back.”

Robicheaux said that Reed’s on-field resume gives him instant credibility with those he’ll be guiding.

“He’s been there, done that,” Robicheaux said. “They’ll know his body of work and understand he knows what he’s talking about.”

Robicheaux said Reed always talked about staying around the game.

“He had his role with TV for a little while, and now he’s into coaching,” Robicheaux said. “I know he’s excited about this chance. He’ll bring a whole lot to the table.”

 

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