Ed Reed has confirmed that he has received an apology from Tom Brady after being kicked by the New England Patriots quarterback in the AFC Championship game on Sunday.

Brady was sliding to avoid a tackle from the Baltimore Ravens safety when he outstretched his leg and caught Reed on the thigh.

Reed told WJZ-FM: "He actually reached out to me, texted me. I tried to text him back, but the message exploded after 12 seconds, so I had to call him and he's just apologised and what not. But I told him, 'You know, it's good, man'.

"It's a tough spot the quarterback's in. You know, I understand Brady's point. Him protecting himself. I know he's a great player. I respect Brady and his game for all it stands for, and I know he's not a dirty player. And emotions get going in the game.

"Brady's a great competitor and I love going against him and I know where his heart is at for this game. It was all good."

The Ravens beat the Patriots to seal their place in the Super Bowl, where they will face the San Francisco 49ers on February 3.