Beasley Reece facts for kids

Beasley Young Reece Jr. (born March 18, 1954) is a former American professional football player. He played as a defensive back in the National Football League (NFL). He played for the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Before turning pro, he played college football for the North Texas State Mean Green.

Early Years in 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 joined the team without a scholarship at first.

In his second year, he played part-time. As a junior, he became a starting player at left cornerback. He caught two interceptions that year. In his senior year, he also had two interceptions.

Playing in the NFL

Dallas Cowboys Experience

The Dallas Cowboys picked Beasley Reece in the ninth round of the 1976 NFL draft. He was the 264th player chosen overall. The team first saw him as a versatile athlete. He started training camp as a cornerback. Later, he switched to playing wide receiver. In a game against the New Orleans Saints, he caught one pass for 6 yards.

The next year, he asked to play cornerback again. The Cowboys released him from the team in September 1977.

Time with the New York Giants

Soon after, in September 1977, 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, took over the starting free safety spot. Beasley Reece then asked to leave the team. He was released in October.

Playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers picked up Beasley Reece in October 1983. Even though he only played half of that season (8 games as a starter), he did very well. He made 33 tackles and broke up 5 passes. He also led the team with 6 interceptions. The next year, he started 14 games as a free safety. He finished with 70 tackles, 12 passes defended, and one interception. He also made 7 tackles on special teams. He left the team in September 1985.

Life After Football: TV Work

After he stopped playing football, Beasley Reece started a career in television. He worked as a color commentator for NFL games on NBC and CBS. A color commentator helps explain the game to viewers. He also worked as a sideline reporter. He was an analyst for the 1992 Summer Olympics on NBC.

During this time, he was the sports director for WVIT (NBC-30) in Hartford, Connecticut. He also worked at WTOG in Tampa Bay. Later, he joined KYW-TV in Philadelphia. He became their Sports Director in July 1998. He held this job until July 2015.

Beasley Reece is also an Eagle Scout. This is the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America. He also received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. In 2012, he was added to the Hall of Fame by the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia. In 2015, he left KYW-TV as the station decided to change its sports team.

Personal Life

Beasley Reece and his wife, Paula, have been married since 1978. They have two children together. 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.