Joe Reed

Jared Goff's got the Lions humming with his quick release and arm talent, but Joe Reed's gritty Lions tenure—1,920 yards, 14 TDs, 18 picks in 29 games—feels like a relic from the dirt-and-grass era, passer rating stuck at 55.2. Goff's living large in pass-happy 2026; Reed was the bridge QB who handed off more than he slung it, no legacy fireworks there.

Joe Reed's not in Canton, and honestly, with his 55.2 Lions rating and 18-31 TD-INT career line, he's not sniffing the gold jacket. Hall's for gunslingers who bent defenses, not scrappy backups who logged 29 games in Honolulu blue before fading. Still, respect the grind—Reed suited up when QBs took real hits.

In 2026, Joe Reed, now 78 and kicking from Rhode Island roots, keeps low-key after that wild '74 album with the Niner Nuggets cheer squad—crooner vibes mid-career. No big broadcasting gigs or charity headlines popping; guy's likely golfing or swapping war stories with old 49ers and Lions pals, enjoying the quiet post-snap life.

Reed's legs—484 rushing yards on 84 carries—would pop in today's NFL with its no-hit rules and RPO schemes, giving him gadget appeal like a vintage Kyler Murray lite. But that 44% completion rate on deep balls? Modern defenses with zone analytics would feast on his 31 picks. Solid role player, maybe, not a starter.

Bobby Layne owned the Lions' soul with his 38.72 career rating and barroom legend status, while Reed's 9.57 mark over four Detroit years screams journeyman fill-in. Layne dragged 'em to title games; Reed managed 1,920 yards amid the losses—like comparing a saloon brawler to the guy pouring drinks. Both Lions blood, but Layne's the myth.