Andy Reid’s offseason started earlier this year than usual, but it opened up Reid’s schedule to talk to fellow BYU alum Jimmer Fredette.
As a recent guest on Fredette’s podcast “From the Logo with Jimmer Fredette,” Reid spoke about balancing faith, family and football.
“I think when you’re in professional sports, there’s a little bit of that fantasy world deal that can take place, and so if you’re not grounded a certain way, it can really get away from you. So, I have a good wife that slaps me upside the head — no, we’re lucky to have that as a constant reminder, and kids might be the best reminder," Reid said.
The Kansas City Chiefs head coach explained that his children kept him humble as teenagers and pre-teens.
“Where everybody might tell you how good you did, they’d give you all the bad stuff when you got home. They’d make sure that you’re trying to do the right things, and it keeps you grounded,” he said.
Reid then connected it to his faith as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“That’s important, and through our faith we know that. That’s a big thing. We’re taught that. In many cases, we’re taught it at a very young age, and we come up through it and live it. And that discipline I think can also be beneficial to you as an athlete as we trust in our Heavenly Father there.”
Fredette, whose jersey will be retired at BYU Saturday, said his children, ages 8, 6 and 3, do the same for him.
“I’m going through it, and it’s awesome. Such a good time. But they do. They keep you grounded,” Fredette said.
Co-host Spencer Linton asked a parting question to the three-time Super Bowl winning head coach about raising teenagers.
Reid said the secret to raising teens comes down to three words of advice.
“Keep loving them, man,” he said. “Keep loving them and teaching them the best you can. I’ve had ups and downs in that area. I’ve lived through most all of it. Now, I’ve got 14 blessed grandchildren. Now, all those little headaches there that I had, I’m going, ‘You know what? These grandkids are worth it.’ So, that’s part of life. There’s trials and tribulations for all of us. We’ve all got them, and so it happens and you keep loving them and teaching them the best you can.”
What Andy Reid thinks of BYU basketball
During the episode, which was recorded on Jan. 26 prior to the 86-83 loss against Arizona, Reid had high praise for BYU basketball in the episode, especially freshman AJ Dybantsa.
“The rookie, man, he’s going to compete against some of those records you have, man,” Reid said. “He might not stick around long enough. He’s pretty good, and I think they’ve done a great job. I love their head coach and how he handles all of that. It’s one thing to have all the great players. It’s another thing how to handle them, and there’s only one ball as you’re going through this thing. They seem to spread it around.”
Reid also praised Keba Keita and Rob Wright III, as well as one small critique for Wright.
“Their center (is a) physical kid that gets up and (is) willing to get after it and kind of play his role, and the point guard, I kind of like his game. He does a nice job. I need to talk to him about his haircut. We got to work on the haircut,” he said.