Four weeks after Troy Polamalu retired, his direct competition for greatest safety of the 21st century followed suit.

Former Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed announced his retirement on Wednesday.

A nine-time Pro Bowl selection and five-time first-team All-Pro, Reed last played for the New York Jets late in the 2013 season.

Regarded by NFL foes as a playmaker with ball-hawking skills and instincts of the highest caliber, Reed holds the record for most interception return yards (1,590) in NFL history. His nine career postseason picks are also tied for the most ever.

Reed’s 64 interceptions rank sixth all-time, though every player ahead of him not only enjoyed a longer career but also played in eras which featured quarterbacks with significantly higher interception rates.

via Chris Wesseling of NFL.com