In 2017, Bernard Reedy played 9 games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Although Reedy wasn’t utilized much in the passing game, he did have 2 catches for 21 yards and also carried the ball 3 times, rushing for 17 yards, with a long of 10.
Bernard’s measly offensive production isn’t where he has made his mark, rather, it’s as a kick returner. Last season, Reedy handled 7 kickoffs for 145 return yards, with a career long 50 yard return.
Bernard also saw his fair share of punt returns last season, fielding 14 for 143 yards, with a long of 44.
Despite showing he can handle the return duties, Reedy was oddly let released after 9 games. He was then picked up by the New England Patriots and activated for 2 games, but did not see any in-game action.
Reedy rejoins the Buccaneers and will compete for a spot against Justin Watson, Freddie Martino, Jake Lampman, Sergio Bailey, Erv Phillips, and Bobo Wilson.
In all likelihood, we will see Reedy in the preseason trying to regain his job as a return man and there should be a healthy and stiff competition between Reedy and Watson for the job of kick and punt returner.
Reedy is a Florida native, from St. Petersburg and gained notability around the bay area for his employment as a driver for those in physical need.
Reedy and coach Koetter go back to 2015, when Dirk was the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons. Reedy, an undrafted free agent WR out of Toledo quickly stood out for his speed, promoting Koetter to aptly nickname him Speedy Reedy.
It’s nice to see Speedy Reedy back in Tampa and competing for a roster spot, and for me, he is the closet thing we’ve had to a true return man in quite some time. I for one, will be rooting for Reedy’s success.
Edited by Harmeet Kapur
