Ed Reed, a mainstay of the Raven’s vaunted defensive unit, is making a homecoming of sorts for Super Bowl XLVII. Reed described the experience as “very emotional.” It was very emotional when we won in New England. I just was all tears, tears of joy. I cried like a baby. I really did. We’ve just worked so hard as a team to get to this point, and I know 30 other teams work to get to this point, too, and us and San Fran made it. There’s just so much I can say about it, I’m just speechless. It really hits you in the heart because this is the highest point that you can get to in football, for what we’ve come from.
When asked about what he is thinking about in preparations for the game, Reed said that I think back to ’97 when I came to Media Day. It was Green Bay and New England in the Super Bowl. I was just a teenager, so to experience this for myself now alive and in color, it’s a blessing. I’m just thankful and grateful to be here.”
Reed also mentioned that his time at the University of Miami has helped him prepare. “Just how we worked, our work ethic, being around great people. Curtis Johnson, who recruited me. Chuck Pagano, Butch Davis, Coach (Don) Solinger. Andreu Swasey, who has been my strength coach, like a brother to me for many years, who has helped me to just have the right mentality to be a great leader and have a great work ethic.”
To beat the 49ers, Reed and company must contain QB Colin Kaepernick. Reed said “Kaepernick poses a problem for the Ravens because he is a good quarterback, athlete, and player.”
The Ravens did face RGIII earlier this year and had success shutting him down. Though Reed spoke more about the field conditions from that game, alluding that “ it was if RGIII was running on water.” Though ultimately he said that the contest “helped them out.”
One of the major storylines heading into the game is the retirement of Ray Lewis. However, there are rumors that Ed Reed may play his final game to. Reed told the media that he hasn’t fully committed yet but that he is planning on it. “I’m just soaking all this in right now. I’m not thinking about next year. Usually, I’m thinking about next year right now because I’m not in this game. I’m so far away from tomorrow, honestly. I’m just thinking about right now, today, just soaking all this up.”
Ultimately if Reed and Lewis have played their last game, they would like to go off in a shower of confetti. Reed stated “Ray told that story so many times, and that’s what we’re here to fight for. That’s what we’re here to battle for, and I know it’s going to be a great game.”
