Reilly was born on March 27, 1942, in Dubuque, Iowa to George and Theda Reilly. He was a football star at Dubuque Senior High School and was honored as an all-state player his senior year of 1959.[2]
He played six seasons with the Bears and was traded to the Dallas Cowboys after the 1969 NFL season. After the Cowboys released him, Reilly signed with the Minnesota Vikings. With the Vikings, he was a member of the 1969 NFL Champions that played in Super Bowl IV.[2]
After his playing career ended, Reilly went into banking.[2] He also worked as the color commentator for University of Iowa broadcasts for 25 years.[3]
Personal life
He married Mary Groff in 1964 and had three sons.
Reilly suffered from Alzheimer's disease in his later years. He died on October 18, 2019, in Dubuque.