Well, did Andy Reid play in the NFL? That’s a question I hear a lot. Let me tell you about it.
I remember being a kid back in the early 2000s and hearing about Andy Reid for the first time. It was like my world changed overnight. I couldn’t believe such an interesting, intense person was playing in the NFL! As I got to know more about his career, I learned that Andy Reid never actually played in the NFL. He was a coach for 18 seasons, including 14 for the Philadelphia Eagles and four with the Kansas City Chiefs. I was a little let down that Andy couldn’t live his dream of playing in the NFL, but I admired him for his hard work and dedication to the coaching profession.
That being said, you can tell that Andy was still an incredible player just by looking at his successes outside of the NFL. He was a great collegiate quarterback for Long Beach State and a two-time MVP of the NCAA’s Big West Conference. He also made the All-American team and was named an Academic All-American, so it’s obvious he was still a very accomplished player even if he wasn’t playing in the NFL.
But even without the chance to play in the NFL, Andy Reid still had an incredible impact on the game. He was the inventor of the run and shoot offense and he was considered the “father” of the West Coast offense. With his innovative offensive strategies, Andy revolutionized the game and his teams had some of the most successful seasons in NFL history. From 1997 to 2006, the Eagles had seven consecutive seasons where they won at least 10 games.
In short, while Andy Reid never physically played in the NFL, there’s no denying his greatness and his impact on the game. He was a brilliant tactician and a bold innovator who was ahead of his time. His career was an inspiring one and I’m sure today’s players have benefited immensely from his legacy.
Now let’s talk about his post-playing days. It’s no secret that Andy is still involved in football in various capacities. He’s an analyst for the NFL Network, is a frequent guest speaker at various conferences, and is even a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He’s still an avid fan of the game and continues to stay connected with many teams to this day.
And of course, he’s still coaching and continues to bring his infectious enthusiasm and innovative ideas to the gridiron. During his 18 seasons as an NFL head coach, he’s amassed a 200-126-1 record and has led sixteen teams to the playoffs in the process. He was even the recipient of the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2009.
While Andy Reid never got the chance to play in the NFL, he still made a huge impact on the game. From his coaching prowess to his many contribution to the sport both inside and outside the sidelines, it’s clear that Andy Reid has left a huge legacy on the game of football. Of that, I have no doubt.