Sports and Torts: Hall of Famer Andre Reed

It took his ninth year of eligibility and eighth year as a finalist, but Andre Reed finally earned enshrinement as he was selected as a member of the 2014 class for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Sports and Torts: Hall of Famer Bill Bradley

After a Hall of Fame Career as a member of the Knicks back court, the honorable Mr. Bradley embarked on a second successful career in politics, capped by a Presidential campaign in 2000.

Andre Reed

Reed was born in Allentown and began his football career at Allentown\'s Dieruff High School, where he played quarterback and competed in the East Penn Conference (now known as the Lehigh Valley Conference), which is known for producing top collegiate and NFL football talent. In his senior year (1981–1982), Reed helped lead Dieruff to an EPC tri-championship, tying for the championship with Emmaus High School and Whitehall High School. Reed then attended Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, where he moved to the wide receiver position and quickly drew the attention of the NFL for his speed and durability at the receiver position.
In the 1985 NFL Draft, Reed was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round with the 86th overall selection. He played for the Bills for 15 consecutive seasons, from 1985 through 1999, during which he played in four Super Bowls for the Bills. In 2000, Reed signed a two year contract with the Denver Broncos in June but was buried on the depth chart behind Rod Smith, Ed McCaffrey, Robert Brooks and Travis McGriff. Reed eventually asked for his release from the Broncos after then Broncos Head Coach Mike Shanahan informed Reed that he would be inactive for their 2000 season opener and wanted to make a more immediate contribution. He eventually joined the Washington Redskins and retired after the 2000 season. Reed ranks near the top in nearly all NFL career statistical receiving categories. He went over 1000 yards four times in a 16 year career, is tenth in NFL history in total career receptions with 951 (behind only Jerry Rice, Cris Carter, Tim Brown, Isaac Bruce, Hines Ward, Randy Moss, Tony Gonzalez, Terrell Owens, and Marvin Harrison), ninth in NFL history in total career receiving yards with 13,198. Reed is also eleventh in NFL history in total career touchdown receptions with 87.
He also rushed for 500 yards and a touchdown on 75 carries. With the Bills, Reed played in four consecutive Super Bowls (1991–1994) and was selected to the Pro Bowl in seven consecutive seasons (1988–1994).
Reed set season career highs with 90 receptions in 1994, ten touchdowns in 1991, and 1,312 receiving yards in 1989.
A tribute to his incredible physical durability, Reed played in 234 NFL games between 1985 and 2000, the 59th most games played by any player in NFL history, including players in less physically demanding positions, such as kickers and punters. In his four Super Bowls, Reed recorded 27 receptions, the second most total career Super Bowl receptions in NFL history (behind Rice\'s 33). His 323 total Super Bowl receiving yards are the third most in Super Bowl history (behind only Rice\'s 604 yards and Lynn Swann\'s 364).

Andre on Twitter

Bill Bradley

Bill Bradley served in the U.S. Senate from 1979-1997 representing the state of New Jersey. In 2000, he was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. Before serving in the Senate, he was an Olympic gold medalist in 1964 and a professional basketball player with the New York Knicks from 1967-1977 during which time they won two NBA championships.

Bradley is the author of six books on American politics, culture, and economy, including Time Present, Time Past, The New American Story, and Values of the Game—all New York Times bestsellers.

Currently, Senator Bradley is a Managing Director of Allen & Company LLC, a member of the board of directors of Starbucks Company, and the host of American Voices, a weekly show on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio that highlights the remarkable accomplishments of Americans both famous and unknown.

Bill\'s Website