Catching Up With Jake Reed

Former NFL WR Jake Reed spent 10 seasons as a Minnesota Viking from 1991-1999, then again in 2001. He had two brief stints in New Orleans in 2000 and 2002. He was taken in the 3rd round of the 1991 draft with a pick acquired in the infamous Herschell Walker trade.

For his career he caught 450 balls for nearly 7,000 yards and amassed 36 touchdowns. He currently ranks 2nd in Minnesota Vikings history with 12 plays of 50+ yards in his purple tenure.

Being a young Vikings fans, I grew up watching Cris Carter and Jake Reed in their primes. Jake was and still is one of my favorite Vikings of all time. I recently caught up with the former "3 Deep" receiver. Here's what he had to say:

Capital J: What are you doing now that you're retired and are there days where you regret retiring or you wish you were still out there making plays?

Jake Reed: I do not regret retiring. My body could not handle the abuse anymore. I enjoyed it while I played, but there is a time for everything and now it's time for me to coach my son and watch him play.

I am enjoying raising my 2 children. I'm very involved with their sports and school.
I have several business partnership, onlineskillscoach.com and I will be launching my new website very soon, JakeReed86.com. So stay tuned!!!

CJ: Are all of your kids as passionate about football as you are and are they playing football now?

JR: Yes, my son plays football and my daughter is a cheerleader. We watch football every Sunday as a family. I had a real problem in my house when the Vikings and Packers played on Monday night!

CJ: Tell us a little about the new website you have coming, JakeReed86.com

JR: It will be a website where fans can interact with me, weekly reviews and updates regarding the Vikings and I will also introduce products that can assist children and parents in being the best athlete they can be. I have so many products that I am waiting to launch through my website and I know it will help athletes take their game to the next level, regardless of age!

CJ: Do you still bleed purple?

JR: You know what, I cut myself shaving last night and the blood came out purple!!
Of course, I will always bleed purple!!!

CJ: Is there a certain WR you look at in the league today that reminds you a lot of you?

JR: Not really, but there are some WR that I just enjoy watching such as Brandon Marshall, Larry Fitzgerald, Chad, Ochocinco and of course Moss. And I still like watching my boy, TO!!

CJ: What are your thoughts on Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin? Do you think Rice is the real deal and can become a household name in this league?

JR: I really like Sydney Rice and Percy Harvin! I do believe they can become household names. They just need to continue to work and don't get the big head and we will all enjoy watching their stats go up each week!
And with a quarterback like Brett Favre, hey, all you gotta do is catch balls!!!

CJ: What would be your advice to young WR's like that?

JR: Stay after practice and always catch extra balls, study, study, study!!!!

CJ: A lot of WR's these days have the prima donna attitude (Chad Ochocinco, Terrell Owens, etc.) Do you look at them and just see it as entertainment for the game or does it frustrate you to see players who may get a reputation for caring more about themselves than the team.

JR: I look at as entertainment for the game. Actually, I think a lot of fans like that.

CJ: In your eyes, who is the best WR in the game right now?

JR: Larry Fitzgerald!!

CJ: Who was your biggest inspiration growing up and what coach or player helped you a long the most on your journey to the NFL? In the NFL?

JR: My high school coach, Coach Howard Johnson, was the first person to tell me I could actually make it in the NFL
My college coach, the legendary Eddie Robinson, taught me how to be a man and how to be successful in football.
Dennis Green believed in me especially during my tough times of being a young receiver!

CJ: Did you get to spend a lot of time with Dale Carter growing up and did he shut you down in backyard football or did you get the best of him?

JR: Yes, I spent a lot of time with my brother. We have the same parents and grew up playing together daily. He never shut me down, I was always bigger and stronger and besides big brother always wins!!

CJ: Is there a play you made in your career that sticks out the most in your mind or meant the most to you?

JR: The year I caught the winning touchdown during the playoffs. We were playing the giants, not sure about the year!

CJ: I can't interview you without asking this: What are your thoughts on Brett Favre in purple and what was your initial reaction?

JR: Well, my initial reaction was total shock because I never even imagined him wearing purple! I knew he could still play I just had to get used to seeing him in purple. But I am so convinced in Brett bleeding purple now! He is looking good in purple!

CJ: A lot of people want to know about 1998. Who was the genius behind that offense, Denny Green, Brian Billick, or a combination of both?

JR: Combination of both

CJ: Does Anderson's wide FG miss that season still haunt you?

JR: Well, I thought I was over it until you brought it up! LOL

CJ: Who's the unsung hero in 1998 that made that offense go, but maybe didn't get very much recognition?

JR: It was truly a team effort, that's what made that year so special!

CJ: Brad Childress has really stressed team chemistry since taking over as the head coach. How important is chemistry in football?

JR: Very important! He is truly on the right track. When you have team chemistry, you know you can depend on each other. That's realy what made the 1998 team so special. We had real team chemistry and love for each other!

CJ: Was there ever a point where you became frustrated with your role in the "3 deep" days and if so did that lead in to your decision to go to New Orleans?

JR: No, I was never disappointed in my 3 deep role. However, there's always frustrating days for a receiver, but that did not lead to my decision to go to New Orleans. Honestly, I wish I could have played all 12 years in Minnesota. But sometimes certain decisions are not in your hand.

CJ: What was the biggest difference between playing in Minnesota and New Orleans, not just in terms of football?

JR: I was already established in Minnesota and Minnesota was like home to me and my family.
When I got to New Orleans, I had to prove myself all over again. I had already proven myself with the Vikings which made playing football so much easier.

CJ: To this day, do you still keep in touch with your former players or teammates?

JR: Yes, Cris Carter, Andrew Glover, Randall Cunningham and Orlando Thomas
We are like brothers!!

CJ: How is Orlando Thomas doing with his illness?

I try to visit OT at least twice a year. I call him at least once a month. He is a very strong and inspiring man, I must say! He is surrounded by a lovely wife and wonderful children. He has a lot of support. And he never forgets to watch to PURPLE every week. He too, still bleeds PURPLE!!!!!