GOLDSBORO, N.C. (WITN) - Super Bowl champion Jarran Reed made his way home Saturday afternoon, and Goldsboro showed up for him.
Blue and green could be seen everywhere you looked as the community came out to celebrate the Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle and Goldsboro native, Jarran Reed.
Reed said seeing the impact of his championship on the people around him was what stood out most.
“When the parade hit, that’s when you know it was like I’m a world champion but you know just seeing how it impacts everybody around the city I think is a thing that’s the most astonishing to me,” Reed told WITN. “I mean it’s great. I love it. That something like this could be able to make an impact like this on the community.”
For kids like Goldsboro resident Chester King, seeing someone from his community become a world champion was the best encouragement.
“I think I can make it,” King told WITN. “He just represents our hometown.”
Goldsboro resident Ki’mirah Williams said Reed’s journey speaks for itself.
“He has done a lot. I mean, Goldsboro isn’t really a big place and he’s come a long way,” Williams said.
Reed’s impact was described as versatile — reaching people of all ages.
Retired Goldsboro teacher and trainer Janet Krueger said Reed has always led with determination.
“He is a marvelous man, he’s always been a leader. He’s got more grit than anyone can even imagine and if he sees something ahead of him, he is determined to go,” Kruger told WITN.
Orchard Bliss Massage owner Shandra Davis said Reed’s success sends a message to the children in the community.
“I think it means the world, especially to the children in our community to be able to see someone that looks like them to be able to go out and follow his dreams. It makes them understand that it’s possible,” Davis said.
Goldsboro football coach Ronnie McClary said Reed is proof that success is possible for anyone willing to work for it.
“To see his success and where he’s been and have something to show this younger generation is awesome — to have a live living example of what could possibly happen, not necessarily football, but with life, you can be successful if you put your heart and mind to it,” McClary said.
Reed was presented with several recognitions from his community during the celebration. Among them was an announcement that his high school jersey will be retired.
The Friday of Memorial day weekend there will be a alumni game at Goldsboro high school. Reed’s jersey will be retired at halftime.
Reed also has a youth football camp that he started, that is free for the kids that sign up, which many community members admire.
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