NEW ORLEANS — Andy Reid recognizes longevity as a running mate in his sustained success with the Kansas City Chiefs as he prepares the team for a third consecutive Super Bowl.
And he admits he can’t hide from it given the evidence on the opponent’s roster on Sunday. Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is the son of one of Reid’s former players in Philadelphia, linebacker Jeremiah Trotter.
“It just means I’m old,” Reid said with a chuckle Tuesday morning at the Marriott to open media availability for the Chiefs. “Jeremiah Trotter was one of my favorite players. Jeremiah Jr. is wearing the same number (54) and has done a good job taking his success from Clemson and transferring it to the Eagles.”
Reid and the Chiefs will practice Wednesday through Friday as the buildup to Sunday night and Super Bowl LIX. Reid is facing his former employer for the second time on the NFL’s brightest stage.
“I have a ton of respect for the people over there and how they run things, city of Philadelphia, but at the same time I’m very happy to be in Kansas City,” Reid said, adding he’s “grateful” for the opportunity he received from the Chiefs.
“It’s unique for sure, really unique to have it gone on twice here. I can tell you from my standpoint, I feel very lucky, honored, privileged. I feel very luck to be in this position.”
The Chiefs have distanced themselves from the gravity of discussions around a history-making, dynasty-defining three-peat. Reid continued his message focused on the task in front of the team this week, saying, “We’re not done. We’re going to have our hands full with a really good Eagles team.”
Reid and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes are a combined 17-3 in the playoffs. While Reid credited locker room leaders and continuity with the coaching staff for Kansas City avoiding complacency and climbing back to the NFL mountaintop three years in a row, players pointed to Reid.
“To me, it starts with Coach Reid, he sets the tone,” Mahomes said. “It’s awesome to be in the Super Bowl, but we have to put in the work every single day.”
