‘It really means a lot:’ George Reed thankful for GoFundMe support

George Reed is used to having fans thank him for all he did on the field during his 13-year career with the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Now he’s getting a chance to thank them.

The 80-year-old has had to deal with mobility issues in his retirement, with his years as a player taking a toll on his body.

A GoFundMe campaign has been created with a goal of raising $50,000 to help Reed get more equipment and treatment.

“I was really surprised,” the former star fullback told the Green Zone with Jamie and Wheels on Thursday when asked about his reaction to Eric Johnson setting up the campaign. “It was quite a surprise but a good surprise.”

Reed said he’s still feeling fine.

“I’m a little weak and so forth but I’m trying to make some strides,” Reed said. “It’s coming along.”

He said he’s glad to see so many people reaching out to give him a helping hand.

“It really means a lot to me,” Reed said. “It proves to me that I made the right decision to return to Saskatchewan.”

Reed moved back to Saskatchewan more than a decade ago and has been an active member in the community, appearing at various charity events.

“The province has always been great in my eyes and I’ve tried to do what I can,” Reed said. “That’s part of the reason why I wanted to move back.”

Reed said it’s disappointing that he can’t go out to every event he’s invited to because of the mobility issues.

“I try to do the things that I can do and with people understanding and with their help, I try to get around and still do some things,” Reed said, noting he has events to attend in January.

The support he has been receiving also means a lot to his wife, Angie.

“She has had to drive me around and everything,” Reed said. “If I can get better and move around, she’ll be really happy with that.”

Reed also said the Roughriders have been very supportive and helpful since he retired.

“The Riders have always supported me quite well,” he said. “They’ve been behind me, which I really appreciate.”

During his career with the Roughriders, Reed accumulated 16,116 rushing yards and 134 touchdowns. He was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1979.

He said the assistance provided from the money raised will hopefully allow him to walk on his own again.

“That’s what it means to me — if I can get the health back and get rid of the wheelchair and start walking again,” he said.

As of Thursday at 4 p.m., the GoFundMe campaign had raised more than $13,000.