Fansided

Ed Reed talks Lamar Jackson, Bill Belichick and Tony the Tiger

By Matt Verderame

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Ed Reed #20 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with the VInce Lombardi trophy after the Ravens won 34-31 against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Ed Reed #20 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with the VInce Lombardi trophy after the Ravens won 34-31 against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Ed Reed is a Hall of Fame safety who spent his prime years dominating with the Baltimore Ravens. Now, he’s giving back to the city and its youth.

Ed Reed played 12 seasons in the NFL. He spent 11 with the Baltimore Ravens. Nine Pro Bowls. Five-time First-Team All-Pro. One Super Bowl ring. 2004 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Ed Reed made a huge impact on the field in Baltimore. Now he’s making a more meaningful one.

Reed has partnered with Kellogg in their Mission Tiger campaign, an initiative to give middle school kids access to sports, by supporting middle school sports programs across the country. The mission began with a $1 million commitment to DonorsChoose.org, already helping more than 150,000 kids nationwide.

“I just know for kids to have access to the things we’re doing here today, the (Kipp Ujima Village) Academy here in Baltimore, we’re renovating baseball fields, we’re renovating the gym, basketball court, and football stuff,” Reed said. “That right there gives kids so much access to do different things, plus them away from the negative things that are in the neighborhood that will take them away from being successful young men and women. Outside of that, this is something that Mission Tiger has been doing across the country, not just Baltimore. It’s impacting over 160,000 kids. This is something that was easy for me to join and be a part of because it’s what we do, as a foundation.

“To be working with a Hall of Famer as I see Tiger is — and I’m not talking Tiger Woods, I’m talking Tony the Tiger — I’ve been watching him since I was a kid. So to be sitting in this seat and working with Tony the Tiger, man, is awesome.”

Of course, Reed remains tuned into football. With the Ravens hosting the unbeaten New England Patriots on Sunday Night Football this weekend, all eyes are on the chess match between Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and Patriots coach Bill Belichick.

Reed, who spent years having similar games against Belichick, has an idea of what Baltimore’s young signal-caller will see from New England’s defense.

“I truly believe it’s don’t make any mistakes,” Reed said. “Don’t give (the Ravens) anything. Just try to contain him. That’s what I think they’ll try to do. Contain him and put a little pressure. They’ll probably try to make Lamar throw as well… they aren’t going to want him to run the ball.”

Making Jackson one-dimensional is a weekly chore for defensive coordinators, one that most have failed to succeed in. The Heisman Trophy winner has already rushed for 576 yards and three touchdowns, on a pace to become only the second quarterback in NFL history to eclipse 1,000 yards in a season. The only other being Michael Vick, who Reed believes is a similar player in style.

“Nobody can compare to that same speed like Lamar can,” Reed said, talking about Vick. “Nobody has that same quickness, and speed, and agility.”

On Sunday, the Patriots will attempt to limit Jackson. Jackson will attempt to put on a showcase for his fans, many of whom are being directly impacted by Reed and Kellogg’s Mission Tiger campaign.

You can support the effort by buying a box of Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes, then visit MissionTiger.com to upload your receipt to the Kellogg’s Family Rewards link and trigger an additional $1 donation.

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