He played professionally for the Miami Dolphins, the New Orleans Saints and the San Diego Chargers and the Birmingham Stallions of the USFL.
[2] He played for the Dolphins from 1974 to 1976, but missed the 1977 NFL season after being arrested on May 4, 1977, along with teammate Randy Crowder, on charges of selling one pound (0.45 kg) of cocaine to two undercover agents in Miami.
In 1985 Reese played for the Birmingham Stallions in the United States Football League.
[6] Reese was suspended for the final four games of the 1980 season by interim coach Dick Stanfel for instigating a fight during a practice with teammate Derland Moore.
In June 1982, Reese authored a lengthy article for Sports Illustrated in which he detailed his struggles with drugs.