An All-Big Ten quarterback, Reichow starred at Iowa. He was the football team's MVP as a senior and left school as its all-time leader in total offense. The Detroit Lions took notice and selected Reichow, who also played in the 1955 basketball Final Four for Iowa, in the fourth round. Reichow contributed to the Lions’ 1957 NFL title as a receiver and back-up quarterback for Tobin Rote, who replaced the injured Bobby Layne as starting quarterback. Reichow saw relief duty at quarterback in the 1957 NFL Championship Game, when Rote left the game with the Lions leading, 52–14. He threw a 17 yard touchdown pass to Heisman Trophy winner Hop-along Cassady and the game finished 59-14. Three years later, Reichow was a member of the Eagles’ 1960 championship club.