Chiefs HC Andy Reid shares plan for former Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit

#Chiefs HC Andy Reid shared his plan for Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit during a press conference this week.

The Kansas City Chiefs made a surprising move a few weeks ago, signing former Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit. The move was forward-thinking and a potential game-changer if the rugby star can transition his skills to a football gridiron and contribute to the offense.

During Monday’s Zoom press conference with reporters, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid fielded questions about Rees-Zammit’s adaptation to NFL football.

“Yeah, so he was introduced to this when he was young when his dad played for six years in the European league,” Reid explained. “He’s somewhat familiar with the sport and has had success in rugby. And there are some similarities there as a contact sport, and he’s had the ball and does those things and runs with the ball.

“We’ll start him off at the running back position and get him to feel comfortable with that. Going forward here, he’s had an opportunity to also go down there to Dallas and work with Pat (Patrick Mahomes), and so again, he’ll get used to some of these calls through our Zooms and the plays, and then we’ll just see where it goes from there.”

Rees-Zammit announced months ago his intentions to join the NFL’s International Pathway program (IPP) to earn a spot on a roster. He thrilled scouts during his workouts enough for the Chiefs to bring him in this offseason.

“Dave (Toub) will have an opportunity to have him on special teams and see where that goes,” Reid said. “That’s not an easy transition, but he seems to have been wired to playing competitive rugby professionally since he was 17. He’s sitting there 23; he’s had a pretty good career, with that kind of understanding of the professional game and the mindset to play at the professional level.”

The change in kickoff formation for next season has led to more interest in Rugby players because of the similar alignments. Reid addressed the strong possibility of Rees-Zammit immediately filling that role.

“Potentially, they’re all out there working on returns,” said Reid, who left that decision to special teams coordinator Dave Toub. “So before and during practice, we’ll just see what his feel is and where that goes.”

The new kickoff format was inspired by the Spring Football League, the UFL, as the NFL attempts to innovate the process for better results in the future.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid comments on Rashee Rice’s status amid police investigation

#Chiefs HC Andy Reid spoke about Rashee Rice’s status during his comments to the media on Monday.

The Kansas City Chiefs are set to start the first phase of their offseason program this week. The coming period will consist of meetings, strength and conditioning, and physical rehabilitation. The players and coaches will communicate voluntarily via Zoom to keep everyone on track during the offseason.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has many things on his mind ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, which is only days away. On Monday, he took time to answer questions from the media about various topics, including the status of wide receiver Rashee Rice, who is facing eight felony counts after a high-speed car accident in Dallas last month.

“I’m leaving, like we’ve done most of these [player legal matters], just for the law enforcement part of it to take place, and then we’ll go from there with that,” Reid said. “I have had an opportunity to talk to Rashee, so I’m not going to obviously get into that. But anyway, that part has been gone through.”

According to the Dallas Morning News, police said Rice was driving 119 mph ahead of the crash, which injured at least four people. He has cooperated with authorities since the incident. Reid told reporters about Rice’s current involvement during the offseason workout plan later in his comments to the media.

“So there’s no real participation other than Zoom, so he’ll participate in that,” Reid said. “Other than that, we don’t have anything going on here that he would be involved with. Again, just a reminder on this: It’s voluntary. So as we go forward, that’s also another part of it.”

On-field workouts are part of the offseason program’s second phase, and because of the investigation, there hasn’t yet been a clear indication of whether Rice will be allowed to participate in Kansas City.

“We’ll just see how it goes,” Reid said of Rice’s involvement. “I mean, I want to keep gathering information from the law enforcement people. We’ll just see where everything goes from there. Let the process take place.”

Carson Wentz: Experience with Doug Pederson will help transition to Chiefs offense

Kansas City #Chiefs QB Carson Wentz believes experience with Doug Pederson will help him transition seamlessly into Andy Reid’s offense.

The NFL circles regarding coach relationships and front-office personnel are small, leading to familiarity. The head coaching trees of many all-time great staffs have influenced generations while creating opportunities for new or former players to keep their careers alive.

The Kansas City Chiefs have experienced extreme success and consistency under head coach Andy Reid, who has influenced many future NFL coaches by working with his staff. One of his proteges is current Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson. He won a Super Bowl and had success with quarterback Carson Wentz during their five seasons together in Philadelphia.

“Yeah, I mean, I don’t know the X’s and O’s yet,” Wentz told reporters on Thursday. “I see them from afar watching film or games, you know, whenever I’d see the Chiefs on, on film and those types of things.

“But I would imagine it’ll make sense to me pretty quick because of that, you know, being five years with Coach [Doug] Pederson. And that offense is, you know, there’s always little intricacies and differences.”

Wentz was a Pro Bowler under Pederson and was considered one of the best quarterbacks in the league before injury. Pederson has served under Reid for years as a coordinator and has played for him as a quarterback in Philadelphia.

“I think a lot of it will make sense to me and kind of resonate with me pretty quickly,” Wentz explained. “That part I’m looking forward to, you know, the last couple of years, offenses have been very different than I’ve been in. I’ve goten to see a lot, experience a lot. So I think this one will hit home and be the most familiar for me over the last couple of years.”

The similarity in styles could benefit the Chiefs in getting Wentz up to speed as Patrick Mahomes’ backup. This would be a solid situation for the veteran quarterback trying to get his career back on track.

Carson Wentz on decision to sign with Chiefs: ‘Just seemed like a good fit’

Carson Wentz went into detail about his decision to sign with the #Chiefs during his introductory press conference in Kansas City.

The Kansas City Chiefs are adding new personnel to their Super Bowl-winning roster in hopes of the elusive three-peat. With so many injuries around the league last season, especially at the quarterback position, the importance of having depth can’t be ignored.

Earlier this week, the Chiefs agreed to terms on a one-year deal with veteran quarterback Carson Wentz to serve as Patrick Mahomes’ new backup. The former Pro Bowler, who is entering his ninth NFL season, spoke with reporters via Zoom on Thursday to explain his reasoning for signing with Kansas City.

“[There are] lots of unknowns about the future,” Wentz explained. “It’s all [about] taking one day at a time, first and foremost. But, you know, [there is] big intrigue in wanting to come here. Why I’m here today is just the winning culture and seeing it from afar.

“Seeing around the league for the last couple years, and just the culture that coach Reid has kind of set, and you see it and have admired it for years. That was a big piece of the puzzle for me and the desire to be here on a winning team, in a good culture, in a good community with a good fan base. Just seemed like a good fit.”

Wentz spent the 2023 season as a backup for the Los Angeles Rams, appearing in two games. He wasn’t on an NFL roster until November of last year, spending most of his time preparing for a phone call and questioning his future.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid tossed a successful first pitch at Royals’ Opening Day

#Chiefs head coach Andy Reid tossed a successful first pitch at the #Royals’ Opening Day matchup against the #Twins.

The Kansas City Chiefs are still sharp in the offseason, with their latest success coming by way of Andy Reid on the field at Kauffman Stadium.

poorly executed ceremonial first pitch last year during Cleveland Guardians’ Opening Day from Travis Kelce didn’t rub off on his legendary head coach.

Reid took to the mound on Thursday before the Kansas City Royals’ matchup against the Minnesota Twins, part of Major League Baseball’s Opening Day festivities. The NFL’s oldest active head coach tossed a perfect strike to Royals legend George Brett to officially open up the Royals’ season.

His casual delivery showed no signs of worry or pressure that affected his star tight end on the mound last year.

Reid didn’t show up alone, as he brought the latest Lombardi trophy from Kansas City’s Super Bowl LVIII victory, much to the delight of the thousands of fans at Kauffman Stadium. He received fun commentary from his quarterback and Royals minority owner Patrick Mahomes on his X account shortly before the pitch.

“Anyone know if coach Reid threw a strike? @Royals,””posted Mahomes. The Twins were victorious, but at least Kansas City’s fans enjoyed watching the Chiefs head coach showcase his arm.

Chiefs to sign Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit via NFL’s International Player Pathway program

The #Chiefs are set to sign Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit via the NFL’s International Player Pathway program.

The 2024 NFL offseason has already seen many surprising moves around the league in free agency. The Kansas City Chiefs added some star power on offense with veteran wide receiver Marquise Brown and traded L’Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans.

Kansas City may have just shocked the football world again this month with the news that they are adding a Welsh rugby star. According to Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz, the Chiefs will sign Louis Rees-Zammit on Friday to play running back and wide receiver.

Rees-Zammit announced his desire to pursue a career in the NFL, joining the league’s International Player Pathway, on his Instagram account in January.

“I would like to take the opportunity to announce a significant career decision that I have taken after careful consideration,” said Rees-Zammit. “In a move that I am extremely excited about, I can confirm I will be joining the NFL’s International Pathway program (IPP) in pursuit of earning a spot on an NFL roster in the United States for 2024.”

The new kickoff rules in the NFL are rumored to have contributed to the Chiefs giving the 23-year-old a chance at making the roster. He put together an impressive IPP pro day last week: 4.43 seconds in his 40-yard dash, a 9-foot-7-inch broad jump and a 29-inch vertical jump. He possesses qualities that could fit an Andy Reid-style offense.

Andy Reid is confident WR Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown’s speed will benefit Chiefs’ offense

#Chiefs head coach Andy Reid expressed his confidence that Marquise “Hollywood” Brown’s speed will benefit Kansas City’s offense

The Kansas City Chiefs are focused on improving their quality of play at the wide receiver position heading into the 2024 season. Marquise Hollywood Brown’s signing at the start of free agency is a significant step towards fixing some issues plaguing the group last season.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is in Florida for the NFL’s annual meetings this week. According to CBS Sports’ Jeff Kerr, he discussed Brown’s signing and its potential impact on the offense.

“I think Marquise gives you that speed element on the outside, or inside, for that matter,” Reid explained. “He’s played all the different spots. I think he’s a smart kid. He’ll complement with Rashee [Rice] and Trav [Travis Kelce] well.”

In 2023, the Chiefs’ receivers suffered from too many drops and unforced errors, leading many to criticize the personnel choices. In his rookie season, Rice emerged as a budding star in the offense, and Brown could be the proven veteran needed alongside him in the receivers room.

“I gotta see how he does. I think his main thing is just staying healthy. It’s been an issue up to this point,” said Reid. “He looks like he’s in great shape. He’s in a good frame of mind.”

Brown has a reputation for making big plays and has the personality to fit in with the many characters in the Chiefs locker room. Coaches, players, and fans have good reason to be excited about their chances at a three-peat.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid comments on Brett Veach’s decision to trade DB L’Jarius Sneed to Titans

#Chiefs HC Andy Reid gave his thoughts on Brett Veach’s decision to trade star DB L’Jarius Sneed to the #Titans.

The football world was shocked to learn that Kansas City Chiefs defensive back L’Jarius Sneed had been traded to the Tennessee Titans. The early Saturday morning news didn’t leave much time for reaction from many players and front-office personnel, aside from social media.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is at the NFL’s league meetings this week with the other coaches as teams prepare for the 2024 season. He was asked about Sneed’s inevitable departure by writer Paul Kuharsky.

“[Sneed is] one of my all-time favorite guys, a great human being as great a player as he is, [an even] better human being, and as tough as you can imagine,” Reid said. “I’m his biggest fan. Absolutely.”

Sneed was an integral part of the Chiefs’ improved defensive unit in 2023, and his free agency this offseason earned him a long-term payday with the Titans. The salary cap structure made keeping him a difficult proposition for Brett Veach and his staff, which led to Sneed being franchise-tagged and necessitated that Kansas City explore a trade.

“I mean, he (Brett Veach) juggled the salary cap, and it’s ridiculous… what you have to go through, and players you can keep, and you can’t keep, but we all love them here, that wasn’t the problem,” Reid explained. “He was our lockdown guy. Every best receiver. He had the best receiver.”

Reid and the Chiefs understood the business had overshadowed their personal feelings about Sneed, the player and person. His presence will be missed, but the team needs to adjust financially to compete for Super Bowl titles long-term.

Andy Reid offers advice to 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan

Andy Reid needed 21 seasons to finally win a Super Bowl. He offered some advice to #49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan:

Kyle Shanahan has run into the proverbial wall that stands between NFL head coaches and a Lombardi Trophy four times now in seven seasons as a head coach. Twice he’s fallen short in the Super Bowl. Twice he’s come up short in the NFC championship game. That kind of success without the ultimate prize is a familiar space for Chiefs head coach Andy Reid.

Reid, thanks to his run with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, is now synonymous with greatness among NFL head coaches. There’s a real chance he tracks down former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick as the most decorated head coach of all-time. That wasn’t always the case though.

Prior to Kansas City’s Super Bowl LIV win (over the 49ers, oddly enough), Reid was 20 years deep into his career as a head coach in the NFL. He’d been to just one Super Bowl and lost five NFC championship games between his tenures with the Eagles and Chiefs. Then he got his quarterback and the winning came fast and furious. Since 2019 Reid and the Chiefs have pulled in three Lombardi Trophies and the head coach has established himself as one of the league’s all-time greats.

Reid on Monday at the NFL owners meetings was asked about Shanahan after defeating him in a Super Bowl for the second time in February.

“Just keep doing what you’re doing and somewhere you pop over the hill there,” Reid said via ESPN’s Nick Wagoner. “I know he’s got a great young quarterback, and him with a great young quarterback is deadly.”

Shanahan has had one of the best rosters in the league since his first Super Bowl run as a head coach in the 2019 season, but the QB has always been a little bit of a question mark. Reid is the second Chiefs coach to prop up 49ers QB Brock Purdy as a great player following his performance in Super Bowl LVIII. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo also did it.

If Reid and Spagnuolo are correct and Shanahan does have his franchise QB in Purdy, then it may not be long until he gets over that hill Reid mentioned. Even if it is Reid and Mahomes standing on top of it.

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Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown on choosing Chiefs: ‘Pat was a big part of it’

Marquise “Hollywood” Brown told reporters that Patrick Mahomes was a key reason why he chose to sign with the #Chiefs as a free agent.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ wide receivers left much to be desired last season, and general manager Brett Veach has made sure to upgrade his team’s weapons on the outside in free agency.

Kansas City inked former Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals wideout Marquise Brown to a one-year, $7 million deal last week, marking Veach’s first major investment at the position.

The 26-year-old receiver addressed the media for the first time since signing with the Chiefs on Monday, and made it clear why he chose Kansas City over other teams that were interested in him.

“Pat [Mahomes] was a big part of it, being able to play with Pat, [Head] Coach [Andy] Reid, a winning culture,” Brown explained. “The offense… I felt like I could come in and I could help, I could fit in. All those things played a part, they were strong on me so there was mutual interest, that is very appealing.”

Brown continued, elaborating on Mahomes’ skill set and what the Super Bowl MVP does that made him excited to play for the Chiefs.

“The arm talent, the deep arm talent — it speaks for itself,” Brown said. “What can’t he do? He can extend plays, whatever he has to do to win a game I feel like I’ve watched him do it. From making those big plays to methodically moving down the field, to using his feet, to playing injured. Those are all qualities and traits of a guy you want to play for.”

Brown’s excitement to play in Kansas City was evident. Paired with Andy Reid, Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Rashee Rice, the sky is the limit for Brown as he endeavors to earn a high-dollar contract next year after playing on a one-season prove-it deal with the Chiefs.