Before any local Kansas City media member had the opportunity to ask a question on Wednesday’s Zoom press conference with Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, he said this:
“With the racial issues going on now, it breaks my heart. I’m an old head. I’ve been around long enough. I’ve seen a few generations, met a couple different generations that have come through, including my own, and I’m so happy, I’m so fired up about our younger generation. They are taking it and they’re attacking this thing the right way. I just think we have this great country and these kids know how great this country is. They absolutely know how great it is, and all they want to do is make it better.
“I think that’s a beautiful thing, especially, like I said, I’m not getting any younger, so I’ve got grandkids, and I’m so blessed that these guys and ladies are doing this and standing up for what they believe. I was lucky enough to grow up around diverse cultures and religions, everything, in Los Angeles. I was in sports at the same time, so my respect for people is that, for people. We’re sitting here with this push on Black Lives Matter, and absolutely they matter. I think it’s a beautiful thing. I’m in complete support with them.
“I believe in communication. I believe in what my parents taught me about at times like this, you have large ears. You sit, you listen, and you learn, and you become better. That’s where I’m at. I appreciate Patrick (Mahomes) and Tyrann (Mathieu) for what they did and standing up, making a statement that allows all of us to be in a better place where love is first and we can surround all of ourselves with great people. And most of all, respect the people we come in contact with. This world is a great thing. I go way back to, I’m glad the heavenly father has given me a chance to be here, first of all. And there’s a reason why our players in the National Football League get so excited to come to work every day.
“The head coach, the coaches get so excited, myself – I’ll speak for myself. I don’t want to speak for others here. I get fired up every day because I get to work with my guys. I get to see how smart and how much they thrive on life and competition and just the greatness that they bring to my spirit every day. I mean it. I always wish that everybody could feel that. That’s what really our guys want. They want to take this and allow others to feel it. We’ve got to be open minded and open hearted to do this.
“I respect how Clark Hunt has taken this and jumped in with the players and just said, ‘Hey, listen, I’m in support. I’m all ears. I want to learn. I want to listen, and I want to help.’ And Mark Donovan has just been tremendous with the guys, as Brett Veach has been. Tyrann and Patrick have kind of headed up with the players in putting together some thoughts on what they can do to make things better in Kansas City here, and they’re working through that now, which I again, I appreciate it and completely support it. Again, my heart goes out to three people that have passed away, but this isn’t something new. I saw it as a young person, and it’s going on today. Technology has exploited it here, so we can all see it. You better believe it. It’s real, and it needs to end.
“Our hands, us old folks, this younger generation, they’re studs. They believe in themselves. They believe in each other, and they believe in equality. Let’s jump in. Let’s jump in full-fledged. Let’s jump in, learn and listen. And let’s make this place even greater than it is right now. We have a chance to do that.”