NFL legend Ed Reed is calling out the White House for using his football highlights in a video about military strikes in Iran. The Baltimore Ravens Hall of Famer made his feelings clear on social media after seeing his plays mixed with footage of explosions.
The official White House account on X posted a 33-second video on March 6, 2026. The clip shows big hits from NFL games next to military footage of airstrikes. It uses AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” for the music. The post had a 1-word caption that said “Touchdown.”
Ravens Legend Ed Reed Slams Donald Trump’s Office for Using NFL Hits in Chilling “Propaganda” Iran War Video
Jan 28, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Former Baltimore Ravens Ed Reed looks on from the sidelines prior to the Ravens’ game against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Ed Reed saw the video and responded on March 8, 2026. Hewrote, “I do not approve this message” on his own account. Reed is not the only player in the video. The montage also shows former NFL stars Ray Lewis, Sheldon Brown, and Ryan Clark.
I do not approve this message https://t.co/ZN8x3cUxsI
— Ed Reed (@TwentyER) March 9, 2026
The video came out during Operation Epic Fury. This is a 2026 military campaign by the United States and Israel. The operation targets nuclear and missile sites in Iran. The White House used these sports clips to show the power of the military strikes.
Touchdown pic.twitter.com/aDNdqBdRzG
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 6, 2026
Many people are criticizing the use of sports for war messages. Usually, the NFL must give permission before anyone uses their game footage. It is not clear if the White House asked the NFL or the players for consent.
Ed Reed is not the only celebrity upset with the White House. Actor Ben Stiller also asked the government to stop using a clip from his movie Tropic Thunder. Stillerwrote on X, “We never gave you permission and have no interest in being a part of your propaganda machine. War is not a movie,” when he asked for the clip to be removed.
Hey White House, please remove the Tropic Thunder clip. We never gave you permission and have no interest in being a part of your propaganda machine. War is not a movie. https://t.co/dMQqRxxVCa
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) March 6, 2026
White House officials like Steven Cheung and Kaelen Dorr have not responded directly to Ed Reed. Instead, they have pointed to how many people are watching and sharing the video online. They seem happy with the high engagement numbers despite the backlash from the athletes.
Ed Reed joins Chamblee High School staff
Ed Reed became the offensive coordinator at Chamblee High School in 1/2025. He took this job to coach his son Edward Reed 3. His son is a senior who plays wide receiver and defensive back.
Reed works with his former teammate Jamal Lewis. Lewis is the team’s director of college recruiting. This move allows Reed to study offensive schemes.
Reed also visited the Baltimore Ravens in 12/2025. He talked to the team about brotherhood and high standards. His foundation also raised $750,000 for children in 2025. Reed continues to mentor players while coaching at the high school level.