If Reed retires, they would understand

It would be understandable if Ravens free safety Ed Reed retired for health reasons, former NFL players said this weekend.

Reed, 31, said after Saturday's 20-3 playoff loss at Indianapolis that it's "50-50" whether he retires this offseason. The six-time Pro Bowl selection has been dealing with an impinged nerve in his neck for the past two years.

"He has to do what's best for Ed Reed," said Trent Dilfer, an ESPN analyst and former Super Bowl-winning quarterback for the Ravens. "If health is a concern, get out of football."

The most notable NFL players in recent years to retire in their prime have been running backs Barry Sanders, Tiki Barber and Robert Smith.

"Sometimes your heart gets in the way and you want to play this game, but your body never lies to you," said Marshall Faulk, an NFL Network analyst who played running back for 13 years.

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(baltimoresun.com)