Carolina Panthers safety Eric Reid spoke with reporters on Wednesday and was asked about his emotions heading back to Levi's Stadium this weekend to face his former team, the San Francisco 49ers. It doesn't sound like it will be a homecoming filled with fond memories.
Reid rattled off several of the negative experiences from his time in the Bay Area.
"I remember they changed my position in my contract year," Reid told Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic. "I remember they released NaVorro Bowman, who led the NFL in tackles the year before (Note: It was actually in 2015), and asked me to play his position."
Reid elaborated on being asked to play linebacker.
"They told me it was what was best for the team," he said. "I disagreed. I thought keeping the NFL tackle leader was best for the team, but I did what I was told."
Is Reid bitter about how things ended in San Francisco?
"I wouldn't call it bitter," the safety responded. "I just don't forget."
Eric Reid, on his emotions heading back to SF this week: "Bitter? I wouldn't call it bitter. I just don't forget."
Also said he would not call this a "revenge" game, just that he is "determined."(more context in video below): pic.twitter.com/2A5wBEDPUv
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) October 23, 2019
The 49ers made Reid the No. 18 overall pick in 2013 after playing college football with LSU. He spent five seasons with San Francisco and earned a trip to the Pro Bowl following his rookie campaign.
The 49ers opted not to bring Reid back after the 2017 season, and the Panthers signed him on September 27, 2018.
Carolina signed him to a three-year contract extension in February. Reid has 37 tackles, a sack, and four passes defensed through six games this season.
