Bobby Reed

Robert Reed (November 14, 1939 – September 26, 2025) was an American football halfback, return specialist, and wide receiver. He played college football for the Pacific Tigers and professional football for the Minnesota Vikings (1962–1963) of the National Football League (NFL) and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Toronto Argonauts (1965) of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

Early life A native of New Orleans, he attended Vallejo High School in Vallejo, California. He played college football at Solano Community College and the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California.

Professional football Minnesota Vikings Reed signed as a free agent with the Minnesota Vikings in 1962. He won a spot with his "breakaway kick returns" in exhibition games. During the regular season, he appeared in the first six games and was used principally as a return specialist, averaging 9.1 yards on nine punt returns and 25.9 yards on 13 kickoff returns. He sustained a chest injury in the sixth game at Los Angeles and missed the remainder of the season.

In January 1963, he signed a new one-year contract with the Vikings. He served a six-month tour of duty in the Army between the 1962 and 1963 seasons.

Reed was the fastest player on the team during his time with the Vikings, but he was cut in August 1964, reportedly due to his inability to hang onto passes.

Canadian and Continental Football Leagues After being cut by the Vikings, Reed signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL. He appeared in 10 games for Winnipeg during the 1964 season, totaling 307 rushing yards, 249 receiving yards, and 487 kickoff return yards. Winnipeg head coach Bud Grant said at the time, "He has done the 100 in 9.4. He can fly."

In 1965, Reed joined the Ottawa Roughriders in the 1965 preseason, but was released on waivers and picked up by the Toronto Argonauts. He appeared in two games for the Argonauts, rushing 11 times for 30 yards and catching two passes for 45 yards.

Reed also played several years in the Continental Football League (1965–1967) and the Atlantic Coast Football League (1969–1970).

Personal life and death Reed was inducted into the Vallejo Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.

Reed died on September 26, 2025.