Kansas City Chiefs HC Andy Reid played a major role in bringing the NFL Players Association and NFL owners together in final negotiations ahead of the opening of training camp.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Reid walked union representatives through what training camp could look like this offseason. He also had a voice on the NFL owners call at the behest of league Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Reid has had a reputation of being a player’s coach when it comes to the locker room as well as front office negotiations. This rep seems to have reached a new level with the NFL Commissioner leaning on Coach Reid to help in one of the most trying times the NFL has seen. It speaks volumes to how well-respected he is.
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
If you’re looking for an idea of what Reid might have shared with both the NFLPA and the ownership, Reid recently spoke to the media on the Chiefs’ plan for training camp.
“Rick Burkholder and Mitch Reynolds have done a phenomenal job of setting everything up to try to be COVID safe, the best way they possibly can,” Reid said. “That’s where we start. We’re starting with a couple days of testing for the players. They’ll do back-to-back tests. Then from there, they’ll work their physical and get their equipment then head with Ted to do whatever media obligations they potentially have. There are a couple of days for that. That takes you into four days here. Then there’s a point where we’re going to be able to have the guys lift, meet with them, and do a potential walkthrough with them.”
“That’s kind of how that’s set up,” Reid continued. “That will go for an extended amount of time. The league and the union are still working through a few things. Bill O’Brien with the Texans and the Chiefs are starting it off and working through it, working through the formats that have been given to us. If you guys have an opportunity to see the set-up, it’s phenomenal.”
Coach Reid seems to be optimistic about how the league and the Chiefs’ staff will handle this pandemic. They’ll make sure games take place but more importantly, protect and keep everyone safe.
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