The longest interception return in NFL history is 108 yards and was achieved by Baltimore Ravens’ safety Ed Reed during the 2008 season. On November 30th, 2008, the Ravens were playing against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. During the fourth quarter, Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb threw a pass intended for wide receiver Kevin Curtis, but the ball was intercepted by Reed.
Reed caught the ball at his own 4-yard line and immediately headed towards the end zone, dodging Eagles’ players and avoiding tackles along the way. He ran down the field, crossing the 50-yard line and reaching the Eagles’ 47-yard line, where he made a sharp cut to the right and continued running. Reed continued to run down the field, avoiding tackles and outpacing Eagles’ players, and finally reached the end zone for the touchdown.
The 108-yard return broke the previous NFL record for the longest interception return, which was 106 yards and was achieved by Philadelphia Eagles’ safety Brian Dawkins in 2002. Reed’s interception return was not only a record-breaking moment, but it also helped the Ravens secure a 36-7 victory over the Eagles. The play was widely praised and became one of the most memorable moments in NFL history.
Reed, who was known for his exceptional ball-hawking skills, had a Hall of Fame career in the NFL. He played for the Baltimore Ravens for 11 seasons and was selected to the Pro Bowl nine times. He was also named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2004 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019. Reed’s 108-yard interception return remains one of the longest and most exciting plays in NFL history and is a testament to his exceptional talent and athleticism.
