Beasley Reece facts for kids

Beasley Young Reece Jr. (born March 18, 1954) is a former American football player. He played as a defensive back in the National Football League (NFL). He was part of the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Before joining the NFL, he played college football at North Texas State University.

Early Life and College Football

Beasley Reece went to La Vega High School. There, he played football as a cornerback. After high school, he joined North Texas State University in 1972. He started playing part-time the next year.

As a junior, he became a starting player. He made two interceptions that year. In his senior year, he also had two interceptions.

Playing in the NFL

Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys picked Beasley Reece in the 1976 NFL draft. He was chosen in the ninth round. At first, the team saw him as a versatile athlete. He started as a cornerback in training camp. Later, he switched to wide receiver.

In his second game, he caught a pass for 6 yards. However, he also fumbled the ball. The next year, he wanted to play cornerback again. The Cowboys released him in September 1977.

New York Giants

Just two days later, the New York Giants picked him up. He joined them to play as a defensive back. In 1978, he became the starting strong safety. Later, in 1981, he moved to play free safety.

In 1983, a new player, Terry Kinard, became the starting free safety. Beasley Reece then asked to leave the team. He was released in October.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quickly signed him in October 1983. Even though he played only half the season, he did very well. He made 33 tackles and led the team with 6 interceptions.

The next year, he started 14 games as a free safety. He had 70 tackles and 12 passes defended. He also made one interception. He left the team in September 1985.

Life After Football: TV Career

After his football career, Beasley Reece became a sports reporter. He worked as a color commentator and sideline reporter. He covered NFL games for NBC and CBS. He also worked as an analyst for the 1992 Summer Olympics.

During this time, he was the sports director for WVIT in Connecticut. He also worked at WTOG in Tampa Bay. Later, he joined KYW-TV in Philadelphia. He became their Sports Director in 1998. He held this job until 2015.

Beasley Reece is also an Eagle Scout. This is the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America. In 2012, he was added to the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame. In 2015, he left KYW-TV as the station decided to make some changes.

Personal Life

Beasley Reece and his wife, Paula, have been married since 1978. They have two children. Beasley Reece enjoys playing classical piano. He is also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He is a cousin to former NFL players Greg Pruitt and Randy Logan.