The retirement watch: Warner, Reed

With the ending of the seasons of the Baltimore Ravens and the Arizona Cardinals, their are rumors and specualtions that both Ravens safety Ed Reed and Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner may or may not retire. If both decide to go that route, we have been blessed to watch both play.

Reed, 31, was oft-injured this season. He had issues with a hip, groin and neck. It's the neck injury that has him contemplating the move. Over the last two season, nerve damage in Reed's neck has caused most of his discomfort. It's a "50-50" move for Reed. Some still think Reed is the best safety in the NFL.

Reed was a first round selection (24th overall) in the 2002 NFL Draft out of Miami (Fla.), or as those that played at Miami say, "The U". Reed has played his entire career as a Raven.

Reed's career has been stellar. Six Pro-Bowls, 2004 Defensive Player of the Year, a Super Bowl ring. Reed still holds the distinction of being the only player in NFL history to score a TD by blocking a punt, returning a punt, returning an interception and returning a fumble. Add the 46 career interceptions and 13 total TD to Reed's highlights, too.

Reed will be forever linked to teammate Ray Lewis, who also played at Miami. Their combined influence in the Ravens locker room will be forever felt regardless of Reed's decision.

The question some may have is if Reed is a Hall of Famer. At this point, I'm a little undecided. I do wish Reed the best of health as I thoroughly enjoy his prowess on the football field. All safties should play as he does. His influence on the position may have him in the halls in Canton.

Warner took a much more publicized route to the NFL. Undrafted out of Nothern Iowa, Warner would spend time in the Arena League and NFL Europe before securing a roster spot as a third-string QB for the St. Louis Rams. Prior to the 1999 regular season, Warner would get his shot due to Trent Green suffering torn ACL during a preseason game.

Rams head coach Dick Vermeil made a stunning proclamation after that game.

"We will rally around Kurt Waner.." And a career was born.

We all saw what Warner had to offer as he quickly became the maestro of the "Greatest Show on Turf". Warner was named NFL MVP and Super Bowl MVP in 1999. He came out of nowhere to snag these honors...in his first season no less.

2000 and 2001 were decent seasons for him, but '02 and '03 were forgettable. Turnovers began to plague Warner and he was released after the 2003 season. The New York Giants picked him up to groom a rookie by the name of Eli Manning. But New York was even less kind as Warner was released (again) after spening only one year in a Gaints uniform.

The trek to another Super Bowl appearance started by Warner signing a one-year, $4 million deal prior to the 2005 season with the Arizona Cardinals. For the '07 and '08 seasons, Warner was not listed as the starter due to the job being given to Matt Leinart. But in both years, Warner would end up as the starter due to ineffectiveness from Leinart in '07 and won the starting job in traning camp prior to '08.

Waner led the Cards to their only Super Bowl appearance. Currently, Warner owns the three single highest passing yards games in Super Bowl history. He also joins a list of QBs that have TD passes in three Super Bowls. That list also includes Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw, John Elway and Tom Brady. Those four are all in the Hall of Fame.

Warner was selceted to five Pro-Bowls, received two NFL MVP awards, and what might be his most important accomplishment, Warner won the Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2008.

No doubt that Warner will gain entry into the Hall of Fame. He could use the postseason alone on his resume'. 31 TD, 100+ QB rating and the aforementioned company with his Super Bowl play.

If both Reed and Warner decide to hang up the cleats, the NFL will be losing two of its greatest players on the field today.

One last thing, My thoughts go out to the family of Chicago Bears DL Gaines Adams. Adams unexpectedly passed away earlier today. He was only 26.