There will be football in 2020! After ongoing discussion, the NFL and NFLPA have reportedly agreed to a modified season despite the ongoing risk from COVID-19. Training camp will start up again soon, and it reportedly could not have been done without Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Reid was “helpful” in explaining the proposed training camp procedures to the Players Association. Additionally, Reid reportedly explained the same thing to the owners, at the request of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
One unsung hero in negotiations: Super Bowl winning #Chiefs coach Andy Reid. He was helpful in walking through the union what training camp could look like, I’m told. And then Commissioner Roger Goodell had him speak on the owners call, as well.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 24, 2020
Andy Reid Instrumental to NFL, NFLPA Agreement
Reid, of course, is one of the best coaches in the league and is well-known for his ability to engage his players. That skill was clearly at use during negotations, and it’s safe to wonder whether or not there would be a season without his efforts.
Reid cites leaders on both sides for making an agreement come forward. Speaking to the media, Reid said that “Rick Burkholder and Mitch Reynolds [key figures for the NFL and NFLPA] have done a phenomenal job of setting everything up.”
Kansas City’s head coach went on to explain that training camp will begin with multiple rounds of testing for COVID-19 while players gradually work on strength and conditioning. Actual padded practices won’t happen until weeks after players arrive for the start of camp.
Reid first arrived in Kansas City after a successful 14-year stint with the Philadelphia Eagles. While he couldn’t bring home a title in Philadelphia, he led the team to Super Bowl 39 and remained largely competitive during his time at the helm. Reid and the team decided to part ways after a disappointing 2012 season, and Reid immediately landed on his feet with the Kansas City Chiefs. Overall, Kansas City’s head coach has a career record of 207-128-1 with a 15-14 record in the postseason. He is a two-time Super Bowl champion and a one-time AP Coach of the Year.
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
