Day After Wearing Rays Jersey, Released By Eagles

Maddencowboy    J.R reed, Philadelphia Phillies, Tampa Bay Rays

Need another reason to root for the Tampa Bay Rays when they play the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series?

How about the irony involving the release of J.R. Reed from the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday?

Reed, the former University of South Florida and Hillsborough High star who grew up in Tampa, showed up at Eagles’ practice Monday wearing an authentic Tampa Bay Rays No. 2 B.J. Upton jersey and a Rays cap, reported Larry O’Rourke of themorningcall.com.

That evidently didn’t go over very well with the Philadelphia fans, who heard about it.

Reed’s reason: “I’m from Tampa.”

Coincidentally on Tuesday, Reed was released when the Eagles added fullback Kyle Eckel.

Reed played with the Eagles during the 2004 season but suffered what was initially thought to be a career-ending nerve injury in his leg. He missed the 2005 season, but returned in 2006 to the Eagles with the aid of a brace that helped him lift his foot.

He was eventually cut and spent time with the St. Louis Rams, Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants before returning to the Eagles last year.

In 2007, he started three games at safety and averaged 22.6 yards on 31 kickoff returns, but was used almost exclusively on special teams this year.

Reed told the Philadelphia Daily News Tuesday, “Back to what I’m used to [trying to land with an NFL team]. I wasn’t expecting it, but they’re going to do what they think is best for the team.”

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