Matthew Reed

For other people named Matthew Reed, see Matthew Reed (disambiguation).

Matthew Reed (born November 30, 1951) is an American former gridiron football player. He played professionally as a quarterback in the World Football League (WFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL).

Matthew Reed

Born:	(1951-11-30) November 30, 1951 Winnfield, Louisiana, U.S.
Career information
Position(s)	Quarterback
College	Grambling
Career history
As player
1974	Birmingham Americans
1975	Birmingham Vulcans
1976–1977	Toronto Argonauts
1977–1978	Calgary Stampeders

A graduate of Grambling State University, Reed was a tenth-round selection (240th overall pick) of the Buffalo Bills in the 1973 NFL draft but did not play in the league. Reed began his pro career with the Birmingham Americans of the WFL. In 1974, he backed up George Mira, completing 77 of 188 passes (41%) for 1345 yards and 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He was part of their championship team. In 1975, he became the starter of the newly renamed Birmingham Vulcans, but had a poor year, completing only 38.9% of his 208 passes, for 1252 yards and only 4 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He did rush for 347 yards and 6 touchdowns. In the WFL's short history, Reed managed to be the league's 10th leading passer (in yards).

Reed later played three years in the CFL, all as a backup quarterback. He played 18 games for the Toronto Argonauts in 1976 and 1977 and finished his pro career with the Calgary Stampeders in 1977 and 1978. While with the Argonauts, Reed backed up CFL star Chuck Ealey. As noted in the Toronto sports press, this was the first time in professional football that a team had a tandem of black quarterbacks running a team.

References

• "Americans rolling along with Reed; Wheels are spinning at four straight, 21-18". The Tuscaloosa News. Associated Press. August 1, 1974. p. 12. Retrieved April 7, 2010.
• Cobb, Mike (September 3, 1974). "Americans, With Reed, Whip Blazers". Lakeland Ledger. p. 1B. Retrieved April 11, 2010.