Over the last few weeks, the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens have been deconstructed, losing the likes of Anquan Boldin, Paul Kruger, Dannell Ellerbe, Cary Williams and Bernard Pollard to trade and free agency. Friday, Ed Reed joined that list, signing with the Houston Texans after anchoring the Ravens' defense for 11 years.
"Eleven years is a great book,'' Reed told reporters. ''The way it ended, you can't write a better script. Eventually, we knew Baltimore had to make decisions and in the end, they made those decisions.''
Reed, however, was far from bitter, and to show his appreciation for the city and fanbase that cherished him for over a decade, he took out a full-page advertisement in Sunday's Baltimore Sun.
This is what it said:
Ravens Nation, My eleven seasons in Baltimore were more than I would have ever imagined, which is why I have such deep love for you all. I will forever cherish my time with the Ravens and the chills that ran down my spine when I finally kissed the Lombardi Trophy. Special thanks to the City, Team, Organization and all the Fans! I'm going to miss being a part of this tremendous team and organization, but I'll always be Baltimore and my Foundation will remain in this community. This is not a goodbye, but a See You Soon. Thank you for everything Baltimore, God Bless you.ED REED #20
Reed and the Texans will visit Baltimore next season.
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