In 1985, the Buffalo Bills used their fourth round pick in the draft to select wide receiver Andre Reed out of relatively little known Kutztown State University.
In 1985, the Buffalo Bills used their fourth round pick in the draft to select wide receiver Andre Reed out of relatively little known Kutztown State University.
The fact that the Bills also used a second round pick to select a wide receiver, and already had a Pro Bowl receiver in Jerry Butler, suggested that Reed would have to distinguish himself just to make the team. Reed, however, not only made the team, he managed to play 15 seasons with the Bills (1985-1999) and one final year with the Washington Redskins (2000).
In the process he was selected to play in seven consecutive Pro Bowls (1989-1995), rewrote the Bills’ record book and added several entries in the NFL’s record book.
When Reed retired, he was considered one of the greatest “yards after catch” receivers and his 951 career receptions ranked third in league history. His 13 seasons, including nine consecutive, with 50-plus receptions is exceeded only by Jerry Rice.
Without a doubt, the most prolific receiver in Bills history, Reed, a four-time All-AFC choice, is still the team’s all-time leading receiver with 941 receptions, (266 more than number two on the list).
Reed made most of his career receptions over the middle where hard-hitting linebackers and safeties often lurked. "He was really good at running the short route and turning it into a long gain," said teammate Steve Tasker. "Jim (Kelly) loved it because it was an easy throw for a lot of yards.