"I taught him everything he knows."
Brooks Reed's father, Bob, was joking as he stood at the Saberdome, where Brooks played high school football. But, he's serious about how proud he is of his son, who's set to play defensive end for the Falcons in Super Bowl LI.
"Who makes it?" asked the elder Reed. "Who can get there? I was just happy when he made varsity.
Brooks Reed played varsity football for Sabino high under head coach Jay Campos. His uniform still hangs in the school's trophy case.
"When others were done working out, Brooks was still pushing to get a little bit stronger and a little bit faster," said Campos. "He outworked a lot of people. He did a lot more than just play defensive end."
After playing for Sabino, Reed went on to play for the University of Arizona. He was a second round draft pick of the Houston Texans, for whom he played the first four years of his career. Coincidentally, the Falcons will play the Patriots in Houston one week from Sunday.
"He knows the field," said the elder Reed. "It's where his wife's family is from."
Reed will try and prevent Patriots quarterback Tom Brady from winning his fifth Super Bowl. His dad said they'll have some schemes in place but won't say divulge what they are, "because then I'd have to kill you."
A more serious Campos said, "If anyone has a shot at beating the New England Patriots, the Atlanta Falcons are as hot as anyone right now. I saw that first hand on Sunday. I know one thing, I'll be wearing my number 50 jersey one week from Sunday."
"He's a really lucky kid," said Bob Reed. "He's stayed away from injuries and had good coaching. A lot has to happen to make it to the Super Bowl."
