CaneTheGaytors
Biletnikoff Award Winner
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2012
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[video]www.youtube.com/watch?v=LG_f1GzmwHo[/video]
When: In 2001, the number one ranked Miami Hurricanes led FSU 21-13 at halftime, but senior safety Ed Reed felt his team’s effort wasn’t up to par, so he delivered this heartfelt speech before the team ran out of the tunnel. Miami went undefeated that year and won the National Championship.
Memorable Line: “I’m hurt, dog. Don’t ask me if I’m all right. **** naw!”
The speech has become as much a part of University of Miami football folklore as national championships and All-Americans.
In 2001, the top-ranked Hurricanes led Florida State 21-13 at halftime. After coach Larry Coker addressed the team, safety Ed Reed took it one step further because he felt UM wasn't playing with enough emotion.
"I'm hurt, dawg; don't ask me if I'm all right," Reed said as the team prepared to take the field. "****, naw. [Offensive tackle] Joaquin [Gonzalez] said, 'Dominate,' and we're not doing it. I'm putting my heart in this [expletive]. Let's go, man."
The Hurricanes erupted for 28 points in the third quarter on the way to a 49-27 victory. The speech has become the signature moment of Reed's time at UM, but it hardly defined his career.
After setting the school's career mark for interception, he became the NFL's top safety and is the choice for the No. 1 football player among the top 25 in UM history.
The proof is in the numbers.
Reed has been selected to six Pro Bowls since being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2002. He was the 2004 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and is considered one of the league's most dominant defenders.
Some analysts are calling him the best to play the safety position.
What sets him apart is leadership.
He had a chance to leave UM after his junior season, but stayed because he wanted to win a national championship. That season, he intercepted nine passes, surpassing Bennie Blades for the most in school history (21). He had two key interceptions in a 26-24 victory against Virginia Tech that clinched a berth in the Rose Bowl, where the Hurricanes beat Nebraska for the national title.
"What a great leader he is," Coker said after the victory against the Hokies. "Before we played Washington, the players had some skits and things — kind of making fun of the coaches. Guys were having a great time, and I sort of had him alone and he said, `You know, Coach; that's why I came back.'
"Edward Reed came back and has a chance to play for a national championship. And that's what this is all about."
GOAT for sure!
