Flashback Friday – Jake Reed, an Unsung Vikings Hero
When football fans reminisce about the great wide receivers of the 1990s Minnesota Vikings teams, one name often gets left out: Jake Reed. However, Reed deserves as much recognition as his flashier counterparts – Cris Carter and Randy Moss. Reed was a quiet leader on a team that had a lot of success. Whether considered on his own or paired up with Carter, he helped the Vikings make the playoffs almost every season he suited up in purple and gold.
Just Getting Warmed Up
Reed grew up in Georgia and went on to play college football at Grambling State University. He was selected in the 3rd round of the 1991 draft by the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings had acquired that extra 3rd round pick via the Herschel Walker trade. Reed had a slow start to his career. His rookie year felt like a bust, a statistical zero. His sophomore season was not much better; he had 6 receptions for 142 yards. In his third season in the NFL, he once again had minimal production and people were wondering if he would ever perform with 5 receptions for 65 yards.
Picking Up Steam
The coaches must have seen something in Reed, since they stuck with him. In his fourth season, he broke loose. He had 85 receptions for 1,175 yards. From there he just kept getting better. In his fifth season, he had 72 receptions for 1,167 yards and 9 touchdowns. Reed had a remarkable 4 1,000+ receiving yard seasons. In 1996, he was 2nd in the NFL in receiving yards behind Jake Bruce who had 1,338.
| Season | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns |
| 1991 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1992 | 6 | 142 | 0 |
| 1993 | 5 | 65 | 0 |
| 1994 | 85 | 1,175 | 4 |
| 1995 | 72 | 1,167 | 9 |
| 1996 | 72 | 1,320 | 7 |
| 1997 | 68 | 1,138 | 6 |
| 1998 | 34 | 474 | 4 |
| 1999 | 44 | 643 | 2 |
Dynamic Duo
Reed played alongside fellow Viking wide receiver Cris Carter. During that peak 4 year stretch from 1994-97, Reed and Carter became an unstoppable dual-threat. They became the first duo to gain 4 consecutive 1,000+ yard seasons. In 1994, Reed and Carter set a record with 207 receptions between them, which was a record at that time. The chemistry they had on the field created a unique challenge for opposing defenses. Both players were so well matched in ability it left the defenses struggling to cover both adequately.
More Than Just a Great Pair of Hands
Reed by all accounts was a graceful and athletic player. He was light on his feet and had strong hands. Reed was often seen leaping for the ball and securing catches in tight spaces. He was able to move quickly and with agility. He had a knack for running top speed, stopping, and changing direction on a dime, which caused defenders to fall to the turf empty-handed.
Reed was not just known for this athletic prowess. He was a quiet leader who didn’t display any selfishness or complained. He did not seem to care that he stood in the shadow of Carter, and later Randy Moss. He played his heart out and left it all on the field every game. Reed was tough, too. He injured his leg during the 1997 playoff game against the Giants. Despite being hurt early on he did not leave the game, he continued to play and help the Vikings come back 23-22 and win the game.
Despite his sensational 4 year stretch, he was never named to a Pro Bowl. His fame and recognition were somewhat dwarfed by the larger-than-life players that surrounded him. Reed was plagued by injuries late in his career and after bouncing between the Vikings and Saints for a few years he finally retired in 2002 after 12 years in the NFL, 10 of which were with the Vikings. Reed was not inducted into the Hall of Fame; instead, he quietly slipped back into family life. Reed is continuing to live the football legacy as his son J.R. is currently a safety for the New York Giants.
This quiet end to an incredible career is just how Reed wanted it. He played for the love of football, not for the fanfare. Jake Reed is a Vikings legend: powerful, tough, and humble.
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