The Sports Xchange

Ed Reed, one of the NFL’s greatest safeties, officially retired Thursday during a news conference at the Baltimore Ravens’ headquarters in Owings Mills, Md.

At a gathering attended by several former teammates, the Ravens said Reed will be inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor on Nov. 22, when the Ravens host the St. Louis Rams at M&T Bank Stadium.

“Home is Baltimore,” said Reed, who signed a one-day contract so he could retire as a Raven. “This is home. Baltimore, I love the city. I love this organization. I hope I did more than I was supposed to as a Raven.”

A first-round pick in 2002, Reed became an eight-time All-Pro and nine-time Pro Bowl safety in 11 seasons with the Ravens. He was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2004 and won a Super Bowl with them in 2012.

Reed, 36, had not played since 2013, when he split time with the Houston Texans and New York Jets.

Reed finished his career with 64 interceptions, sixth most in NFL history. He holds the NFL record with 1,590 interception return yards and has the record for longest interception return — 107 yards against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2008. He also returned an interception 106 yards against the Cleveland Browns in 2004.

He is the only NFL player to score off a blocked punt, punt return, interception and fumble recovery. He scored 13 touchdowns with the Ravens — off three blocked punts, one punt return, two fumble returns and seven interceptions.

He also intercepted nine passes in the playoffs, tied for the most in NFL history.

Coach John Harbaugh said he had “amazing range and ball skills.”

Harbaugh said Reed was so intelligent and studious that he would make split-second decisions that often turned into big plays.

“The thing with Ed: You just couldn’t be sure where he was going to be, said Harbaugh, who coached Reed for five years. “Ed knew what he was doing and why he was doing it.”

Reed appears to be a lock for the Hall of Fame, but he said, “I never thought about making it to the Hall of Fame. I just wanted to be a great football player for my teammates. One day I guess I’ll be there.”

Reed said he plans to remain close to the game.

“I’m going to be around football; it’s in my heart and my blood,” he said, although he was not sure he wanted to get into coaching.

He said he is coaching flag football for 4-year-olds and 7-year-olds and joked, “It doesn’t make you want to be a coach.”