A Regina restaurant owner wants to help arguably the greatest player to ever wear a Saskatchewan Roughriders jersey.

Eric Johnson runs Smokin Okies BBQ in the city’s east end.  He has gotten to know George Reed quite well over the past few years with the Rider legend being a frequent visitor to his restaurant.

Johnson says he has started a GoFundMe campaign because the 80-year-old Reed is having mobility issues over the past few years and that helping out would greatly improve his quality of life.

“There are things he will need down the road to help deal with his mobility issues.” Johnson said. “He needs a custom knee brace right now to help him get around.  It’s tough enough for him to get around now and with things like a knee brace, more physiotherapy and things around home to make it easier.  He loves to go out to games, he loves to go out in public and whatever can be done to help him do that will be great.”

Johnson, who says he has spoken with Reed about doing this before going ahead with the move, feels Rider Nation will come through for number 34.

“I think so,” Johnson said. “George has a lot of pride, but he has given so much to this community that I think people will be able to help him with what he and his family needs”

Reed spent 13 seasons with the Roughriders. He is their all-time leader in rushing yards and touchdowns having run for  16,116 yards and 134 touchdowns. He was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1979.

Since moving back to Regina from Calgary, Reed has been seen at many events in the community and at Rider games.  Last month, he was recognized by both the City of Regina and the Riders by having the street outside the stadium renamed to George Reed Way.