Rob Long: Reed Loss Is Toughest Blow
Can I show my fan side now? For weeks I've been watching members of the Superbowl champion Baltimore Ravens leave via trade, free agency or just being cut and I've understood it from the business end of things. In most instances, not all, I've understood why the decisions were made.
However, there's one departure that I'm taking pretty hard and that's Ed Reed.
Yes, I know Reed has seen his better days and I'm not even saying I blame either side. I've come to grips that this happens in sports, especially football, but Ed Reed was just one of my favorites.
Reed was quirky, moody and often said things that made you scratch your head but that's what I liked about him. He wasn't one of these pro athletes that gave you "fluff." He was an original on and off the field.
Now, it appears he's taking his act to Houston to entertain Texans fans and although I saw it coming, I'm still not happy about it. I was still holding onto the thought of him retiring as a Raven. No, not the fake, go play for another team and have a ceremonious signing as you retire, but a real never play for anyone else retire a Raven situation. You know, like Ray Lewis and Jonathan Ogden.
I had a conversation with someone from the radio station the week before the team went to New Orleans and we both thought Reed would end his career as a champion, winning in his home city. That did not happen.
Well, I have no bad feelings the man. He gave me too many great memories as a fan and as a sports talk radio host in this town. Thank you Mr. Reed. I'll see you in Canton.
