During his career, Reed was selected to nine total Pro Bowls, was the 2004 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award winner, and has an NFL record for the two longest interception returns (106 yards in 2004 and 108 yards in 2008). He also holds the all-time NFL record for interception return yards, currently with 1,590, and postseason interceptions (9). Reed is considered to be one of the greatest safeties in NFL history, and was often referred to as a "ball hawk" during his prime. Reed was best known for studying film to memorize opposing teams' tendencies, as well as his ability to lure quarterbacks into throwing interceptions.