Ed Reed tweets that he is retiring in April Fool's joke

Former Ravens star free safety Ed Reed wrote on Twitter Wednesday that he has retired, but it was an April Fool's joke.

"Just made it official!" Reed wrote on his official Twitter account. "Thank u guys for all the support! #reeeeedtired"

Reed later added: "I just got a call from a friend, I was in pool with my son got tired and decided those that support me should know first,done #twitterfool .. Love yall! #beastworkouttoday #couldleadtheNFLinInts"

Glenn Younes, the head of Reed's charitable foundation, later wrote on Twitter: "My bro just won the Internet it's quite amusing."

If Reed does formally retire, that would clear a path for him to be inducted into the Ravens' Ring of Honor. The Ravens have said they want to induct Reed, but want him to be officially retired before they take steps to do so.

Reed, 36, hasn't played in the NFL since the 2013 season.

Reed is a 2004 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and a nine-time Pro Bowl selection. He intercepted nine passes in 2004.

He was drafted in the first round by the Ravens in 2002 out of the University of Miami.

Reed played for the Houston Texans and New York Jets in 2013, but was out of the NFL last season and worked for Showtime on its Inside the NFL program.

He played 11 seasons for the Ravens before signing with the Texans and then the Jets.

Reed was a consensus All-American in college at Miami.

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Reed scored 13 touchdowns with the Ravens on three blocked punts, one punt return, two fumble returns and seven interception returns.

For his career, Reed had 64 interceptions, 643 tackles, 11 forced fumbles and six sacks.

awilson@baltsun.com

twitter.com/RavensInsider

Ed Reed tweets that he is retiring in April Fool's joke

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