Reedy To Roll
May 7th, 2016
Bucs undrafted free agent receiver Bernard Reedy
Yes, Joe jokes about how most guys in Bucs rookie minicamp this weekend will be bouncers, luggage handlers, grad students, mattress movers and rental car agents next week.
But one guy already has been in that unemployed-football-player boat, and he chose a fulfilling job right here in the Tampa Bay area.
Joe’s talking about wide receiver/returner Bernard Reedy, perhaps the most interesting guy in camp.
He’s the Dirk Koetter guy who stays in touch with the likes of Roddy White and Devin Hester, and who got major knowledge and help from Louis Murphy and former Bucs kick returner Eric Page.
Reedy, 24, was playing at Toledo when friend and college teammate Page had an NFL career and counseled him on what it took to make it under Greg Schiano — while Reedy earned the honors f first-team, all-MAC wide receiver, kick returner and punt returner.
The Falcons called after the NFL Draft in 2014, and Reedy was soon an undrafted free agent trying to make a team with big guns on the depth chart, the likes of White, Hester, Julio Jones and Harry Douglas.
Reedy spent the whole 2014 season on the practice squad. Regime change came in Atlanta, and he was a September cut there last year.
Next came a full-time job for Care-Ride, a medical transport van service in his hometown of St. Petersburg, where he grew up idolizing fellow local Louis Murphy.
“It shows you how to be grateful and appreciate the small things in my life,” Reedy said of what he learned on the job. “It definitely was a learning point in my life after being released from Atlanta.”
Reedy trained daily before and after work waiting for a call back to the NFL.
Only one came — a Koetter-inspired opportunity.
“I think the biggest thing about Dirk was he always appreciated those who worked hard,” Reedy said. “If you come compete, he’s going to give you a chance. That’s the thing I respected about him the most. Everybody, you still got to come compete, no matter draft picks or not, you got to come compete every day. And that’s what I saw. When I was in Atlanta, I was competing. I was fortunate enough where he got the job here, and I’m back competing.”
Just 5-foot-8 and a former Pinellas County high school star, Reedy now waits to see if he gets a thumbs up to continue with the Bucs in spring practices and a shot at his third NFL training camp.
May 7th, 2016 at 4:21 pm
Best of Luck Reedy. Hopefully you dynamite at the return game
May 7th, 2016 at 4:58 pm
Nice that Koetter recognizes competitive players and gives chances to those players. I also like local players from the area simply because they are locally home grown. Might as well go all the way on the homerism. Doh, not Homer Simpson.
May 7th, 2016 at 6:19 pm
Nice story. Thanks Joe
May 7th, 2016 at 6:58 pm
The type of s@!! That brings me to tears. I know this struggle. GotD@## I hope you make it dawg!!!
May 7th, 2016 at 7:33 pm
I think this guy has star potential in the slot. He’s so quick
May 7th, 2016 at 8:56 pm
I hope the guy makes it, I can’t imagine being there, getting on the field, having a highlight on NFL.com, and then getting cut. Fingers crossed.
May 8th, 2016 at 4:43 am
I know he’s working hard and I wish him success.
May 8th, 2016 at 7:02 am
Cool! I’m glad he is here. I wish him the best. I like his mentality. Just keep going.
May 8th, 2016 at 7:55 am
He is quick as hell and damn good returner. Wish him the best, just not sure if they have room for a very short one dimensional guy- he’s a returner, nothing else.
May 8th, 2016 at 8:22 am
I actually wrote abut this guy yesterday on how he’s worth keeping a eye on through camp. Great mind think alike I guess. Huh Joe.
I’m intrigued with his speed and ability in the Return game. He took 3 KO’s back to the house and a punt return to go with it. I also think he could compete for a roster spot working the slot. He’s got decent hands to go along with that speed.
He’s not just a return guy either, he hauled in 194 rec for 2,747 yards for 23 TD’s. I would take this guy over Dye in a heartbeat. Plus he’s a hometown guy trying to make it so it’s hard not to root for him.
One thing the bucs could use is speed and Reedy can provide plenty of that.
May 8th, 2016 at 12:30 pm
Love the story line here Joe. Guys pursuing their NFL dream in spite of past failures. You gotta Love it! You never know, A punt returning job could be in the cards for Reedy. Good luck to him.
May 8th, 2016 at 12:52 pm
I hope the Bucs pick the best players. If this kid is one of them, that’s great. No handouts. Earn it and the team won’t be able to cut you.