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Former Florida TE Jordan Reed discusses decision to return to NFL after missing 2019 season following 7th concussion
By SDS Staff
Published:
After spending the 2019 season in concussion protocol, former Florida standout Jordan Reed is back in the NFL with a new team, the San Francisco 49ers. Reed recently discussed his decision to return to the NFL instead of retiring.
“I definitely thought about hanging it up after last season,” Reed told Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle. “But it was when I watched the Super Bowl is what really ignited me again. I want to play in those big games. God blessed me to be here and be a part of this great team. He gave me the opportunity to be in (this) situation. That’s what is driving me. I love the game of football. I still have the drive to keep playing.”
During the 2019 preseason, Reed was on the receiving end of a hard hit from fellow-former-Gator Keanu Neal, resulting in the seventh concussion of Reed’s football career.
Reed cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol in February. He shared Sunday that he got the green light to play in 2020 from medical professionals.
“Before I made my decision (to play), I saw some professionals,” Reed told Branch. “And I did my rehab. All the tests were clear. I’m healthy, and I‘m good to go.”
When healthy, Reed was a standout tight end for Washington, earning All-Rookie recognition in 2013 and receiving a Pro Bowl invitation in 2016 after signing a 5-year, $50 million extension with the organization ahead of the season.
Reed has played in a total of 66 games (65 regular-season, one postseason). He has caught 330 passes for 3,491 yards and 25 touchdowns. Reed’s last regular-season snap came in Week 14 of the 2018 season.
After playing at Florida from 2009-12, Reed was drafted No. 85 overall by Washington.
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