Jake Reed is a former NFL wide receiver best known for his time with the Minnesota Vikings. He was an integral part of the Vikings’ offense during the 1990s, forming a potent wide receiver duo with Randy Moss in the late ’90s and early 2000s.

Early Life and College Career

Full Name: Jake Clinton Reed
Born: December 26, 1969
Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana

High School:

• Reed attended John Ehret High School in Marrero, Louisiana, where he played football and developed his skills as a wide receiver.

College:

• He played college football at Louisiana State University (LSU), where he was a standout receiver for the LSU Tigers.
• During his time at LSU, Reed demonstrated his ability to be a top playmaker, setting the stage for a future in the NFL.

NFL Career

NFL Draft:

• Jake Reed was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the 3rd round of the 1991 NFL Draft (56th overall pick).

Minnesota Vikings (1991–2000)

• Rookie Season and Early Years (1991–1993):
  • Reed had a relatively quiet start to his career in his first few seasons but began to establish himself as a reliable target for the Vikings’ quarterbacks.
  • His first significant season came in 1994, when he started to show his potential as a starting wide receiver.
• Breakout Years (1994–1997):
  • 1994 was a breakout year for Reed, as he became one of the top receivers for the Vikings.
  • During the 1994 season, Reed posted impressive numbers, recording 84 receptions, over 1,000 yards, and 5 touchdowns. This established him as a top-tier receiver in the league and as a key part of the Vikings’ offense.
  • In the following years, he maintained a strong connection with the Vikings’ quarterbacks, particularly Brad Johnson, and became a go-to target for the team.
• Tandem with Randy Moss (1998–2000):
  • One of the highlights of Reed’s career came when Randy Moss joined the Vikings in 1998.
  • As the team’s primary veteran receiver, Reed formed a dynamic and complementary partnership with Moss, creating one of the most explosive wide receiver duos in the NFL at the time.
  • In 1998, Reed caught 82 passes for over 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns, which helped the Vikings’ offense become one of the most prolific in NFL history.
  • Reed’s ability to stretch the field alongside Moss, who took on the role of the deep threat, gave the Vikings one of the most potent passing attacks in the league.
• Later Years and Departure (2001):
  • After the 2000 season, Reed’s role with the Vikings started to diminish due to a combination of injuries and the rise of younger players like Derrick Alexander and LaDonte’ Williams.
  • He was released by the Vikings after the 2000 season, concluding his memorable career with the team.

Post-Vikings Career (2001–2003)

• New Orleans Saints (2001–2003):
  • After leaving the Vikings, Reed signed with the New Orleans Saints, his hometown team, for his final NFL seasons.
  • While his role with the Saints was more limited, Reed contributed as a reliable veteran presence in the receiving corps.
  • He retired from professional football after the 2003 season.

Career Stats and Achievements

• Games Played: 166
• Receptions: 452
• Receiving Yards: 6,999
• Touchdowns: 36
• Pro Bowl Selections: 1 (1994)
• Notable Achievement: Reed finished with over 1,000 yards receiving in three seasons with the Vikings and consistently ranked among the top targets on the team.

Legacy

• Minnesota Vikings Legacy:
  • Jake Reed is remembered as a steady, reliable wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings, particularly during their high-powered offenses of the 1990s.
  • He played a crucial role as a top target, especially in the years alongside Randy Moss, forming one of the most dynamic wide receiver tandems in NFL history.
  • Reed’s consistency, hands, and ability to make plays in key moments helped solidify his place in Vikings history.
• NFL Legacy:
  • Though he may not have received the same level of fame as his teammate Randy Moss, Reed was a crucial component of the Vikings’ offensive success.
  • He is remembered for his exceptional hands, route-running ability, and his strong contributions to a high-scoring, pass-heavy offense.

Summary

• Position: Wide Receiver
• NFL Teams: Minnesota Vikings (1991–2000), New Orleans Saints (2001–2003)
• Career Length: 13 seasons
• Pro Bowl Selections: 1
• Notable: Known for his time with the Minnesota Vikings, where he formed a potent receiving duo with Randy Moss, and for being a consistent and reliable receiver for the team.

Jake Reed’s career is defined by his reliability and ability to perform as a top wide receiver, particularly during his time with the Minnesota Vikings, where he was part of one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL during the late 1990s. His contributions, particularly in the passing game, helped shape the success of the Vikings during that era.