Andre Reed to receive Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence

Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Andre Reed will receive his Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence during the Buffalo Bills Week 3 matchup against the San Diego Chargers at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. on Sunday, Sept. 21.

Reed will receive his Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence from Pro Football Hall of Fame President David Baker during a special halftime ceremony.

The Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence, created by Kay® Jewelers, is one of three iconic symbols that represent the elite status of being a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Reed received his Hall of Fame Gold Jacket on the eve of his enshrinement in Canton, and unveiled his Bronzed Bust during the Enshrinement Ceremony. All three symbols will be displayed during the ring presentation on Sunday afternoon. He will wear his Hall of Fame Gold Jacket and his Bronzed Bust will be temporarily removed from the Hall of Fame and shipped to Buffalo for the Ring of Excellence ceremony.

"We are thrilled to be the Official Jewelry Store of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and honored to provide Andre with his Ring of Excellence," said Ed Hrabak, President, Kay® Jewelers. "Andre’s Ring of Excellence reflects the incredible achievement of enshrinement while also celebrating his unique career. The ring features intricate detail and state-of-the-art craftsmanship, from the ‘stadium effect’ created by the outer diamonds to completely customized sides featuring his name, years in the league, position and even an engraving of his Hall of Fame bust."

Reed was enshrined into the Hall of Fame of Saturday, Aug. 2 along with Derrick Brooks, Ray Guy, Claude Humphrey, Walter Jones, Michael Strahan, and Aeneas Williams. Hall of Fame coach Marv Levy served as the presenter for his former player. Reed became the ninth longtime member of the Bills franchise and the 23rd wide receiver to be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Reed, the most prolific pass catcher in Bills history, hauled in all but 10 of his 951 career receptions while wearing a Bills uniform. Drafted in the fourth round out of little known Kutztown University, Reed quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s most talented and toughest receivers. His trademark became “YAC” (yards after the catch) as he racked up 13,198 yards and 87 touchdowns in 16 NFL seasons from 1985 to 2000. A seven-time Pro Bowl pick Reed had 13 seasons with 50 or more catches and tacked on 85 grabs for 1,229 yards and 9 TDs in 21 career playoff games.

Reed was supported by thousands of Bills fans who traveled to Canton to witness his enshrinement at Pro Football Hall of Fame Field in August. He received a loud and lengthy ovation when reflecting on the Bills late founder and Hall of Fame owner Ralph Wilson, Jr. and his wife Mary Wilson, followed by a popular prognostication.

“You gave me a chance to live out a dream, Ralph, that very few people attain. I can't thank you enough for that. And Mary, I can see how much passion you have for the game; the same passion that Ralph had. I've come to know you as a friend and I respect you and love you very much,” Reed shared. He then added, “Oh, yeah, and the Bills will stay in Buffalo, too!”

Class of 2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence Presentations

Walter Jones – (Kickoff Weekend) Green Bay at Seattle, Thursday, Sept. 4 | Video | Photos
Claude Humphrey (Kickoff Weekend) New Orleans at Atlanta, Sunday, Sept. 7 | Video | Photos
Derrick Brooks (Week 2) – St. Louis at Tampa Bay, Sunday, Sept. 14 | Video | Photos
Michael Strahan – (Week 9) – Indianapolis at New York Giants, Monday, Nov. 3
Aeneas Williams – (Week 11) – Detroit at Arizona, Sunday, Nov. 16
Ray Guy – (Week 12) – Kansas City at Oakland, Thursday, Nov. 20