PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 05: A moment of silence is observed for Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid's son Garrett Reid before the game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on August 5, 2012 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brian Garfinkel/Getty Images)
12 Total Updates since August 6, 2012
5 months ago Article 0 comments
Andy Reid has found a new job just days after being fired by the Philadelphia Eagles, as he's reportedly been hired by the Kansas City Chiefs.
10 months ago Update 0 comments
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid returned to the team’s training camp today, just one day after he buried his son Garrett. After leading the morning walkthrough, Reid addressed the media for the first time since his son’s death.
Here’s what he had to say.
“I’m a very humble man standing before you. A very humble man. I’m humble because of the outpouring [of support], not only from the media but from our football team and the fans. It was unbelievable. I’m not sure you ever think that many people care, not that you would ever go in that direction, but it’s very humbling. A very humbling feeling. I know my son would feel the same way. I think that’s all I can say on that part and keep it all together. It’s a sad situation and it’s one that my son has been battling for a number of years. Our family has been battling. It doesn’t mean you stop loving your son, because that’s not what you do. You love him and a lot of families deal with this type of thing. It’s a sad situation.
“On the other part of that, I praise my Heavenly Father for all of the support and the strength that He’s given me to be able to work through this, [along with] my family and my football family, and that includes everybody in the National Football League, including you guys and ladies. I just know that coming back and coaching is the right thing to do. I know my son wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. With that, I’ll move on and talk about the injuries. Again, I appreciate everything that you folks did in giving me your support. I know it’s hard being in [the media’s] position to do that, but again, I appreciate you for doing that.”
As for knowing when was the right time to come back, Reid says he knows Garrett would have wanted him back with the team as soon as possible. Knowing that has given him the strength to return.
“You feel the strength of the team. I felt it with my family the past couple of days, and I feel it with the team. I’m a football coach, that’s what I do, and I know my son wouldn’t want it any other way. I can’t put it to you any more frank than that. He loved the Philadelphia Eagles. I know what he would want me to do.”
After the morning practice, Michael Vick declared that the team would dedicate their 2012 season to Garrett. Andy said he was touched by the gesture.
“Again, that’s a humbling thing. I’m pulling for [QB] Michael Vick because Michael and Garrett were close. They had gone through some of the same experiences as far as being incarcerated and so forth. They developed a bond there, and I respect Michael for that. Again, I’m not sure I have the words to answer that, but those are the humbling things. It’s crazy.”
The Eagles will open their preseason tomorrow night against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
10 months ago Update 0 comments
Andy Reid walked up to the microphone on Wednesday morning and talked not as the Philadelphia Eagles head coach, but as a grieving father who happens to be involved in football.
His opening statement was direct and without misstep, talking about the love he's felt from everyone around him as he's been dealt the unspeakable tragedy of his son Garrett, 29, passing away.
"I’m a humble man standing before you, very humble man, said Reid. I’m humbled because of the outpouring, not just the media but also the team and the fans."
Reid continued to talk about the support his family has been surrounded with in recent times.
The outreach to my family, the love for Garrett was phenomenal…it was beautiful."
When asked how Reid knew it was time to come back to the team, the coach said it was an internal feeling.
"My heart...I know that coming back and coaching is the right thing to do, I know my son wouldn’t want it any other way."
For more on the Eagles, please be sure to check out our blog Bleeding Green Nation and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.
10 months ago Update 0 comments
Just three days after his son passed away unexpectedly, Andy Reid is coming back to coach the Philadelphia Eagles on Wednesday morning. The head coach buried his son Garrett, 29, on Tuesday and now feels it's time to get back to work.
It was said that Reid would be back sometime this week, but few could've thought it would be so soon. The head coach of the Eagles since 1999, Reid might just feel the best way to start picking up the pieces is to try and regain some sense of normalcy.
After the morning walk-through in Bethlehem, PA, Reid will be available to the media. Given all that's gone on in the past 96 hours, it'll undoubtedly be a tough session for everyone involved.
On Thursday, Reid will coach with a heavy heart in the Eagles preseason opener against their interstate rival Pittsburgh Steelers.
For more on the Eagles, please be sure to check out our blog Bleeding Green Nation and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.
10 months ago Update 0 comments
The funeral of Garrett Reid, the son of Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid, was held Tuesday, and estimates say that as many as 900 people made an appearance to show their support.
In addition to most, if not all of the Eagles team, commissioner Roger Goodell was there along with Brian Westbrook, Ron Jaworski, Steve Mariucci and Jeremiah Trotter. Eagles owner Jeff Lurie attended as did his soon to be ex-wife Christina. Saints owner Tom Benson brought a delegation with him on his private plane that included Bill Belichick, Steve Spagnuolo and Saints interim head coach Joe Vitt.
At the funeral, Eagles' wide receiver Jason Avant said he had a chance to speak with his head coach, and informed everyone he let Reid know everyone is there for him.
"Oh it was very, very tough when I got the chance to talk to him," said Avant. "He was having a very hard time but he is solid as a rock. As far as his personality, his spirit [and] his faith in Jesus Christ, it's all upholding him right now. That's one of the things that he wanted to make sure the team knew. He is still Coach Reid. We want to be there for him. We can't do anything as players in this situation but go out and do our jobs the best we can. We can be there for moral support and also to have a shoulder to cry on. This time is one of those times as an Eagles family that it is hurting everyone."
For more on the Eagles, please be sure to check out our blog Bleeding Green Nation and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.
10 months ago Update 1 comment
The NFL world was shocked yesterday when the news broke that Andy Reid’s son Garrett had been found dead at Eagles training camp. Today, Reid released his first public statement since his son’s passing.
“On behalf of Tammy and our family, I would like to thank everybody for their tremendous support, love, kind words and prayers during this time of great sadness. Words cannot express our sense of loss.
We loved Garrett so much. He was a wonderful son and brother. He made us laugh, he was a pleasure to be around, he always had a smile on his face, and we will miss him dearly. We will never forget him, and we will remember him with love.
Garrett’s road through life was not always an easy one. He faced tremendous personal challenges with bravery and spirit. As a family, we stood by him and were inspired as he worked to overcome those challenges. Even though he lost the battle that has been ongoing for the last eight years, we will always remember him as a fighter who had a huge, loving heart.
I spoke with the team yesterday and thanked them for their thoughts and prayers. I asked them to continue with their preparations for the upcoming season until I am ready to rejoin the team.
It is in times like these that we lean on our faith, our family, our friends, and our Eagles family. We will do so in the difficult times ahead.
Thank you again for your continued support.
- Andy Reid"10 months ago Update 0 comments
On a humid Sunday afternoon in Bethlehem, PA, the last thing on anybody's mind at Philadelphia Eagles training camp was football.
Instead, it was on the unfortunate and tragic passing of Andy Reid's son, Garrett, who passed away from causes yet to be determined at the age of 29.
Nnamdi Asomugha expressed just part of the sadness this team is feeling while their head coach mourns the loss of his son.
"Garrett is a part of our football family, our extended family, our immediate family, so it's a very tough time for us," Asomugha said.
Wide receiver Jason Avant echoed Asomugha's sentiments.
"Garrett was a happy-go-lucky person, and we know that he's in a better place, and we love coach Reid," Avant mused.
On a much less important note, Reid has stated to the organization he plans to be back coaching this week, in preparations for the Eagles first preseason game.
For more on the Eagles, please be sure to check out our blog Bleeding Green Nation and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.
10 months ago Update 0 comments
Andy Reid has been defined as a father and a coach. Perhaps nowhere has that line been more blurred than with Michael Vick. Reid, whose sons have struggled with drugs and the law, saw a little bit of them in him and took a chance on Vick when he was released from prison. Since then, Vick has repeatedly said that he has viewed Reid as a father figure and credits him for helping to turn around his life.
So on the day that Reid lost his son Garrett, it was poignant to hear Vick speak after practice.
“This is a very difficult situation for us all to deal with,” said Vick. “Thoughts and prayers and condolences go out to Coach Reid, Tammy and their entire family. Coach [Reid] has always been a great supporter of us, as a team, as an organization. He’s been a rock for us and a big teddy bear for us so we’re going to lean on him and we’re going to be there for him and we’re going to stay strong for him until he comes back and can lead us on. So our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. It’s very difficult but we’ll find the strength and a way to get through it. We’ve just go to lean on the High Power.”
Reid’s former QB, Donovan McNabb, also released a heartfelt statement.
“I was both shocked and saddened when I heard the news this morning of Garrett’s passing. During my time [in Philadelphia], both Garrett and Britt spent a lot of time around the football team and I know how much Andy loves them. I spent a lot of time with Andy and his family; we had a great friendship … we still do. My heart goes out to Andy, Tammy and the rest of the Reid family. I cannot imagine what they are feeling right now. God be with them.”
Services for Garrett Reid will be help at the Jesus Christ Church of Latter day Saints in Broomall. That family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Laurel House in Norristown.
10 months ago Update 0 comments
Just hours after learning about the death of Garrett Reid, the son of their head coach, Philadelphia Eagles took to the practice field Sunday at Lehigh University. The training camp session began without Andy Reid, but with assistant coaches Marty Mornhinweg and Juan Castillo running the show and owner Jeffery Lurie addressing the media.
"Today is one of life's tough days. I think I'll just tell you a little bit of my conversations with Andy and my conversations with the team. Andy is, he's a rock solid man. I think what makes him a great coach is his combination of compassion, feeling and strength. Today, he exhibited it all. It's unimaginable the pain. We've all suffered; most of us have suffered tragedy in our lives. Losing a son is unimaginable, losing a child is unimaginable, the pain. Yet, he is rock solid."
Lurie mentioned that Reid is expected to miss a few days of practice but should be back before the Eagles' first preseason game, Thursday, Aug. 9, against the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers.
I think it's what makes him so dedicated. He loves his players. He loves his coaches. He feels so bad that he's even interfering with their success today, tomorrow. He knows they are in good hands with our coaches, but actually in this moment of terrible pain he's actually reaching out to all of us. You know that rock-solid guy who takes the bullets after games and all of that, but as I said to the players, 'You have to accept the grief and the tears and at the same time gather the strength and the desire to be excellent. Not just in football, but in life.
To read the complete transcript of Laurie's statement, head on over to SB Nation's Bleeding Green Nation.
10 months ago Update 0 comments
The death of Garrett Reid, the eldest son of Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid, is under investigation, and slowly more information about the tragedy is being leaked. The latest update is from Eagles beat writer Jeff McLane, who has been told by Lehigh University police that foul play and suicide have been ruled out for cause of death.
McLane also tweeted Reid was found by an Eagles official, who called 911. The official was not Andy Reid.
Meanwhile, support for the Reid family is pouring in from everywhere. One of the more heartfelt statements came from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell:
"We are deeply saddened by the news about Garrett Reid. Our thoughts and prayers are with Andy, Tammy and their family. We will support them and the Eagles in any way we can through this difficult time."
For more reaction to the death of Garrett Reid, head over to Bleeding Green Nation.
10 months ago Update 0 comments
With heavy hearts the Eagles will take the practice field this afternoon at Lehigh, just hours after head coach Andy Reid's son was found dead in the school's dorms.
"From a football perspective, I can tell you that Andy has asked that we go forward with training camp," said GM Howie Roseman earlier.
Andy Reid is entering his 13th season as the Eagles coach and his son has been around the team for that entire time. So not only do the Eagles players feel for their coach here, but they've also lost someone they knew personally and that many considered a friend. In the end, there's no wrong answer here. No one would have questioned a decision to cancel practice, but at the same time you can see how it may be cathartic to get back to work.
The Eagles will open their preseason this Thursday at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In Reid's absence offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg and defensive coordinator Juan Castillo will oversee the team. There is no timetable yet for Reid's return.
For more reaction to the death of Garrett Reid, head over to Bleeding Green Nation.
10 months ago Update 0 comments
Earlier Sunday morning, Garrett Reid, the eldest son of Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid, was found dead in his bed on the campus of Lehigh University. The news was broken by Eagles' General Manager Howie Roseman, who held a news conference to address the absence of Andy Reid at the Eagles' early-morning walkthrough.
"I have some heartbreaking news to share with you all. It is with great sadness, the oldest son of Coach Reid, was found dead this morning in his room here in training camp. It’s a tough morning for all of us in the Eagles family. Garrett grew up with this team, which makes this news even harder for us to process. Our hearts go out to Andy, Tammy, Britt, Spencer, Crosby and Drew Ann.
"Coach has spent the morning informing his family. We ask sincerely that you respect the family’s privacy during this time. The team has been informed of this news, as has Jeffrey [Lurie] and Christina. The chief will speak to you in a minute about what is known about this event. From a football perspective, I can tell you Andy has asked that we go forward with training camp. …On a personal note, we’ve been with Andy for a long time. He’s always been strong for us, we’re going to be strong for him right now. As a father and a friend, we’re all hurting."
For more on the Eagles, please be sure to check out our blog Bleeding Green Nation and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.
10 months ago Update 0 comments
The Philadelphia Eagles were expected to hold training camp as usual Sunday at Lehigh University, however, tragic news involving head coach Andy Reid's eldest son, Garrett, wwho was found dead in his campus bed earlier in the morning, set a heartbreaking tone. The news, which was confirmed by Eagles general manager Howie Roseman, forced Andy Reid, the Eagles head coach, to miss practice.
Before practice, players and other coaches were seen dropping to a knee in prayer. Eagles' safety Kurt Coleman tweeted this:
Prayers and condolences go out. May God protect us and serve us in this time of need.
— Kurt Coleman (@k4coleman) August 5, 2012
According to CBS' Jason La Canfora's Twitter feed, police say the death of Reid, who has a well documented history with drugs, is under investigation by police.
For more on the Eagles, please be sure to check out our blog Bleeding Green Nation and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.
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