A Confession from Andy Reid
It was a typical Tuesday morning at the Chiefs’ training facility, but today felt different. The air was thick with tension, and I could sense it in every corner of the building. As the head coach, I had always prided myself on being a leader, a mentor, and a father figure to my players. But today, I found myself grappling with something far deeper than a simple game strategy.
Earlier that week, during a particularly intense practice, I had slapped Patrick Mahomes. It wasn’t a moment of pride; it was an impulsive reaction. We were working on a two-minute drill, and things weren’t going as planned. Patrick, being the fierce competitor that he is, was frustrated. He kept pushing himself and the offense, but the execution was off. I wanted him to channel that energy constructively, but instead, I reacted poorly.
In the heat of the moment, I raised my hand and brought it down across his shoulder—harder than intended. The shock on his face hit me like a ton of bricks. He looked at me, not with anger but with confusion. I realized in that instant that I had crossed a line, one that no coach should ever cross with his player.
Reflecting on that moment now, I feel a mix of regret and understanding. I’ve been in this game long enough to know how emotions can run high. I’ve watched players lose their tempers, coaches yell in frustration, but I never thought I’d be the one to lash out like that. Patrick is not just a quarterback; he’s a leader, a friend, and someone I deeply respect. The thought of him feeling disrespected by me, someone he looks up to, was crushing.
After practice, I pulled him aside. The weight of what I had done hung heavily in the air. “Pat, I’m sorry,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. “I let my frustration get the best of me, and that’s not how I should treat you or any player.” He nodded, but I could see the lingering uncertainty in his eyes. I knew I had to earn back his trust, and that wouldn’t happen overnight.
As I reflect on my actions, I understand the responsibility I have not just as a coach, but as a mentor. My role is to build up my players, to inspire them to greatness, not to break them down. Leadership isn’t just about calling plays; it’s about fostering an environment where players feel safe, respected, and valued.
Moving forward, I vowed to communicate better. I want to ensure that our practices are not just a battleground for competition but a space for growth and collaboration. I’ll be more mindful of my reactions, more intentional in my approach. I owe it to Patrick, to the entire team, to be the leader they deserve.
So here I am, confessing my mistake, acknowledging my humanity. In this game, we learn not just from victories but also from our failures. My hope is that this experience becomes a stepping stone, not just for me, but for our entire organization. Together, we’ll rise above, united in our commitment to respect, understanding, and excellence. And I’ll make sure that this slap becomes a lesson, not a lingering shadow over our season.
