Ed Reed needs no introduction. He's one of the greatest safeties in NFL history. A first-ballot Hall of Famer. This guy redefined his position when most people felt that was no longer possible. Since retiring he's remained close to the game both as a fan and a coach. In that time he's seen a lot of great young football players start their own careers.
Longtime teammate Ray Lewis sat down with him on the Trust The Process podcast to discuss it. After some catching up conversation, the Hall of Fame linebacker delivered a simple request. Name one player offensively and defensively that excites Reed about the future. The safety named Lamar Jackson as his offensive choice. Hardly a surprise given he plays for the Baltimore Ravens and was league MVP last year.
His defensive choice was much more intriguing.
"Man, Eddie Jackson from Chicago. My little nephew, Eddie Jack. I actually had the opportunity to break some stuff down to him."
Ed Reed is one of Eddie Jackson's biggest fans
This isn't the first time Reed has sung the praises of Jackson. His admiration of the Chicago Bears Pro Bowler started almost immediately in 2017. It's not hard to see why. They share the same first name and exhibit strikingly similar playing styles. Like Reed was years ago, Jackson has established himself as one of the best ball-hawking safeties in the NFL.
People keep talking about Jamal Adams and Derwin James and Minkah Fitzpatrick. Reed has never wavered from his respect for Jackson, which is the highest compliment a player of his stature can pay. The Bears are hoping to get a career year from their star safety. He'll have a major opportunity with the pass rush upgraded thanks to the arrival of Robert Quinn.
He's not at Reed's level, but there is a slow build of belief he could have a gold jacket in his future.
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