Hall of Fame
Jerry Reid was a graduate of Dewitt Clinton High School where he was a standout football player. From there he pursued various collegiate opportunities in Tennessee before returning home a few years later. He was recruited to play for the Vikings and that effort paid off immediately for the program which was only in it’s fourth year of existence in 1971.
As a Freshman, Jerry Reid was “Mr. Everything” on defense but primarily played as a Safety and Punt Returner. Jerry earned the Most Valuable Player Award on Defense for the 1971 season. His speed was exceptional, running a 4.7 in the 40 yard dash with full equipment.
Jerry is remembered for one of the most impactful moments in WCC Sports history. At the Metropolitan Bowl in front of more than 12,000 fans, Westchester's #1 defense stopped St. John's four times on the 7-yard line to secure a 14-12 victory. But before that, the contest billed as a battle between the two top teams in Club football competition, was settled in electrifying fashion late in the final quarter when Reid took a St. John's punt on his own 16, eluded a couple of tacklers and sprinted 84 yards for the Vikings second and decisive touchdown. The return stands as a school record to this day. Several days later, the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame committee voted WCC as National Champions and honored them in a luncheon at the Waldorf Astoria. For his efforts, Jerry was named to the ECCFC All-Conference team at the Safety Position.
He followed up that historic season, helping the Vikings finish the season as the #2 ranked team in 1972, where he finished as All-Conference Honorable Mention.
After college, and a tryout with the New York Giants, Jerry moved to Hackensack, NJ where he eventually met his wife and began a long career working at a juvenile detention center. He took pride in helping troubled youth and getting them back on their feet. He retired as the Dean of his facility. During his career, he emphasized hard work, dedication, and care for his family.
In December of 2021, Jerry Reid passed away after a battle with illness. He is survived by two daughters, Winter and Taneisha and sons Jerry Jr. and Lawrence as well as his grandchildren, many of which he helped raise. Jerry was already enshrined into the WCC Sports Hall of Fame in 2010 as a member of the 1971 National Championship Team. Today we honor his memory and his contributions to the football team as an individual Hall of Fame member.
