Ravens FS Reed: 'I'll be playing next year'

###less###p(((great)))By DAVID GINSBURG, AP Sports Writer###less###/p(((great)))

###less###p(((great)))OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Ravens S Ed Reed isn't planning on joining teammate Ray Lewis in retirement after the Super Bowl.###less###/p(((great)))

###less###p(((great)))"I'll be playing next year," Reed said Thursday before Baltimore hit the practice field in preparation for their Feb. 3 Super Bowl matchup against the 49ers.###less###/p(((great)))

###less###p(((great)))There was speculation that the 34-year-old Reed might retire after this season.###less###/p(((great)))

###less###p(((great)))Earlier this month, in announcing his intention to step down after the playoffs, Lewis spoke of taking a "last ride."###less###/p(((great)))

###less###p(((great)))To which Reed said Thursday: "No, it's not my last ride. I just bought a bike."###less###/p(((great)))

###less###p(((great)))Now in his 11th season, Reed hasn't missed a start since 2010, when he sat out Baltimore's first six games with a hip injury. This season, he was one of only two players on the Ravens defense (along with CB Cary Williams) to start in all 16 games.###less###/p(((great)))

###less###p(((great)))Reed has been selected to play in nine Pro Bowls, including each one since 2006.###less###/p(((great)))

###less###p(((great)))Reed's 61 career interceptions are a franchise record, and he has an NFL-record 1,541 yards in interception returns.###less###/p(((great)))

###less###p(((great)))"There's no other man like Ed Reed," Ravens DE Arthur Jones said. "He's passionate and he's such a hard worker. That guy helps me out, and he's a safety. He understands the game at every position."###less###/p(((great)))

###less###p(((great)))This season, Reed made 58 tackles and intercepted four passes, taking one back 34 yards for a touchdown. He also recovered three fumbles.###less###/p(((great)))

###less###p(((great)))In the playoffs, he has 10 tackles while serving as the last line of defense for a unit that last week dominated New England in the AFC championship game.###less###/p(((great)))

###less###p(((great)))Reed will be playing in his first Super Bowl, and it's in his home state of Louisiana.###less###/p(((great)))

###less###p(((great)))"It's amazing to be going back to New Orleans," he said. "I'm so grateful."###less###/p(((great)))

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