The NFL Network is running a series right now called the Top 100 players of all time. They just aired numbers 90-81. Baltimore Raven Ed Reed was number 88.

Ed Reed is the 88th best football player of all time. I think that sounds about right. As a Ravens fan, I would instinctively want him rated higher. As an objective observer, the 88th best football player of all time is damn fine recognition for a safety.

But I want to talk about the piece itself. The video was about 6 minutes long, and it was narrated by Hines Ward. That wasn’t a type-o, that was correct. The Ed Reed segment was narrated by Hines Ward. And wait for it……….it was Awesome.

There are two issues here, one is the piece. It showed Ed as a dominating, game changing safety and defensive force that opposing offenses need to deal with. That Ed could read plays before everyone else and make the proper in play adjustments. That he was a great hitter, and a great route jumper, with terrific hands. Just an awesome safety. Well Duh, tell me something I didn’t already know. But it is always nice to see some National recognition for our local players.

Then you have the job Hines Ward did talking about Ed Reed. If you are a Ravens fan, then you don’t like Hines Ward. However, there are some of us who at least respect him as a football player. That’s me. I would have loved having Hines Ward as a Raven from his rookie year until now. He plays the game at the WR position “like a Raven”. Tough, physical, aggressive, explosive, everything you want, Hines Ward plays that way. Its just that he does it for the Steelers that is so damn hard to stomach.

But the job he did narrating the Ed Reed piece was something I didn’t expect. It was classy, funny, insightful and respectful. I was enjoying the piece very much and it had a little bit more gravity to it because it was narrated by Hines. Having one of your most respected and talented opponents’ give you credit as great is a nice reward.