Christopher Reed Bio
Christopher Reed (born July 22, 1992) is an American professional football guard who has played for multiple NFL teams since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2015. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 314 pounds, Reed brings size and experience to the offensive line position. He played college football for the Minnesota State Mavericks, where he also excelled as a track and field athlete before beginning his professional football career.
Early Life and Background
Reed was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and attended Omaha Central High School in Omaha, Nebraska. His combination of size and athleticism made him a notable prospect during his high school years. After graduating, he pursued higher education at Minnesota State University, where he would develop into a dual-sport athlete.
At Minnesota State, Reed played as a left tackle for the Mavericks football program. His collegiate athletic career extended beyond football, as he also competed as a thrower on the school’s track and field team. Reed’s track and field achievements proved remarkable, as he earned the distinction of being an 11-time NCAA Division II Track and Field All-American. He captured the NCAA Division II outdoor shot put championship in both 2013 and 2014, establishing himself as one of the top collegiate throwers in his division.
His athletic versatility shined through his record-breaking performances in track and field. Reed holds Minnesota State school records in the indoor shot put, outdoor shot put, indoor weight throw, and outdoor hammer throw. This combination of football and track and field success demonstrated the exceptional athleticism that would later help him transition to professional football.
Path to Professional Football
Following his collegiate career at Minnesota State, Reed set his sights on the NFL. Despite not being selected in the 2015 NFL Draft, his college performance and athletic credentials attracted attention from NFL teams. His experience playing left tackle in college provided him with the technical foundation and positional flexibility that professional teams value in offensive linemen.
The Minnesota State football program has produced several NFL players, and Reed joined that tradition when he signed as an undrafted free agent immediately after the 2015 draft. His path to the NFL through the undrafted free agent route required persistence and the ability to prove himself at each level, characteristics that would define his professional career.
Christopher Reed Career
Jacksonville Jaguars (2015-2018)
Reed signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent following the 2015 NFL Draft. He began his rookie season on the team’s practice squad, using that time to adapt to the professional level and refine his technique. His dedication paid off when he made the team’s 53-man roster on September 3, 2016, a significant achievement for any undrafted player.
In his first full NFL season, Reed appeared in 10 games with four starts at guard before suffering a toe injury that ended his season on injured reserve on December 23, 2016. The following year brought more roster instability, as the Jaguars waived Reed on September 2, 2017, only to sign him to the practice squad the following day. He earned a promotion to the active roster on October 7, 2017, appearing in six games and starting three at left guard during the 2017 season.
Miami Dolphins (2019)
On March 18, 2019, Reed signed with the Miami Dolphins, providing him with a fresh opportunity with a new organization. He competed for playing time on the Dolphins’ offensive line during the 2019 season. Reed appeared in five games with Miami before being waived on December 4, 2019.
Carolina Panthers (2019-2020)
The Carolina Panthers claimed Reed off waivers on December 5, 2019, bringing him into their offensive line rotation for the remainder of the season. His tenure with the Panthers extended into 2020, where he continued to provide depth at the guard position. Reed was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on September 1, 2020, before being activated on September 23 of that year.
Indianapolis Colts (2021)
Reed signed with the Indianapolis Colts on April 1, 2021, joining another AFC South franchise. With the Colts, he had the opportunity to work within a program known for its strong offensive line tradition. His experience at guard provided the Colts with a reliable depth option along their offensive front.
Minnesota Vikings (2022-2023)
On April 1, 2022, Reed signed with the Minnesota Vikings, continuing his journey through the NFL. He contributed to the Vikings’ offensive line during the 2022 season. Prior to the 2023 season, Reed was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list on August 29, 2023. He was later activated to the 53-man roster on November 20, 2023, returning to action for the final stretch of the season.
Houston Texans (2024)
Reed signed with the Houston Texans on July 18, 2024. His time with the Texans was brief, as he was released on August 27, 2024, during the team’s roster cutdown process.
New Orleans Saints (2024)
On September 25, 2024, Reed was signed to the New Orleans Saints practice squad. He remained with the Saints organization through mid-October before being released on October 22, 2024. Reed’s extensive experience as a professional offensive lineman continued to provide him opportunities across the league.
Playing Style and Strengths
Reed’s primary position as a guard showcases his combination of size and mobility. Standing 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 314 pounds, he brings the physical dimensions necessary to compete at the professional level. His collegiate background as a left tackle provides him with positional flexibility, allowing coaching staffs to utilize him at multiple spots along the offensive line. His experience as a multi-sport athlete at Minnesota State contributed to his footwork and body control, skills essential for interior offensive line play in the NFL.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Reed has demonstrated resilience by making rosters and contributing despite entering the league as an undrafted free agent. His most productive NFL season came in 2016 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, when he started four games and appeared in 10 contests. His ability to recover from injury and continue earning opportunities with multiple franchises reflects his durability and determination as a professional athlete.
Christopher Reed Career Statistics
Reed has accumulated significant NFL experience across his nine seasons in the league. His career has included stops with seven different NFL franchises, demonstrating the value of his positional versatility and experience. As of the 2023 season, Reed had appeared in 70 NFL games with 30 starts.
NFL Regular Season Statistics
Reed’s career statistics reflect his role as a reliable depth player and occasional starter across multiple organizations. His 30 career starts came primarily during his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Minnesota Vikings. The consistency of his playing time over nine seasons speaks to his ability to remain roster-worthy through various team transitions.
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 70 |
| Games Started | 30 |
| Teams | 7 |
Collegiate Athletic Achievements
Before his NFL career, Reed distinguished himself as one of the top dual-sport athletes at the Division II level. His 11-time NCAA Division II Track and Field All-American distinction highlights exceptional athletic achievement across multiple sports. Winning back-to-back outdoor shot put championships in 2013 and 2014 established him as a dominant collegiate thrower. The school records he set in four different throwing events remain a testament to his athletic versatility and dedication.
2025 Season Outlook
As of the 2025 season, Reed remains available for opportunities with NFL teams seeking experienced offensive line depth. His extensive track record of appearing in 70 career games provides prospective teams with evidence of his durability and ability to contribute at the professional level. Reed’s journey from undrafted free agent to nine-year NFL veteran exemplifies the persistence required to establish a career in professional football. Teams looking for a seasoned guard with experience across multiple systems may find Reed to be a valuable addition to their roster competition.