Bucs' Bernard Reedy cherishes debut, returner role

Lakewood's Bernard Reedy had tried to earn his way into an NFL game for three straight years but Sunday he achieved that goal, handling the Bucs' punt and kickoff returns in their season-opening win against the Bears.

"It feels great. It's still surreal to be my first career regular-season game. It's priceless," said Reedy, who earned one of the last spots on the Bucs' 53-man roster as the team's fifth receiver.

Reedy only had one actual return, taking a punt 17 yards in the third quarter, and got seven snaps on offense as well, though he wasn't targeted for any passes. Reedy had worked as the primary backup on both punt and kickoff returns in preseason, and found out last week he'd take over for Adam Humphries on punts and Ryan Smith on kickoff returns.

"It's something I always dreamed of, returning kicks," said Reedy, thrilled his debut could come in a home win. "I was ready to go ... That's what you practice for, what training camp and preseason are all about is leading up to the regular season."

Sign up for Bucs Red Zone

A daily report of whats happening inside the locker room and on the field.

Sign up for our other newsletters

(View our Privacy Policy)

(View our Privacy Policy)