Don’t worry Bill’s unforgettable wide receiver is still wearing red and white…just not blue.
As Andre Reed put on his Kansas City Chief’s coaching staff shirt, he might have felt a little funny at first, but it hasn’t taken long for him to feel the Arrowhead pride. Reed is currently exploring the world as a coach. The intern position is part of the Bill Walsh Minority Coaching Fellowship, where he is part of head coach Andy Reid’s staff throughout training camp and the NFL preseason. The fellowship program is designed to help increase the number of full-time NFL minority coaches. All 32 teams participate in this program on an annual basis.
The 14 year Buffalo Bill’s veteran and seven time finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, gives Theresa Villano of Pro Player Insiders the exclusive on his experience at the 2013 Kansas City Chiefs training camp.
“So far my experience here in Kansas as an Intern Coach has given me a lot of new insights. I really get to see a different perspective on training camp…the coaching perspective. It’s been nice to have other former player interns like Na Brown ( Brown came out of UNC and was drafted by the Eagles in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft) alongside me to talk about the transition from the field to the sidelines.”
Participating as a coach inside camp meetings is new to Reed and although he is seasoned vet he admits, “I am still observing at this part of the game. I am now seeing how they evaluate players and the depth chart breakdowns. In the meetings, coaches and scouts go through injuries, how guys are feeling, and where players stand. It’s a very different perspective.”
Reed goes on to say, “Overall, being a coach here really has allowed me to see the meat and potatoes of how NFL teams operate. As a player, I worried about getting out there to play every day. As a coach, it’s focusing on every player on the depth chart, the x’s and o’s, and every other letter (chuckles).”
When asked about working with Andy Reid who became head coach in January 2013 Reed said, “Andy (Reid) is a great man and coach, which truly makes it an honor to be here working with this team. He also has hardworking staff and coaches surrounding him here.”
The Chiefs have a young team this year, especially on offense. Having Reed supporting the development of wide receivers like Devon Wylie, Jon Baldwin, Justin Hemingway, and Dexter McCluster will be a true weapon asset at camp. “My goal here is to help the players on this team anyway I can. I want to be a voice of experience on the field because the Chiefs are young football team. To play as long as I have and be able to share that has been a perfect situation. They are able to use me for everything from helping out with techniques to off the field support. Assisting the young guys on and off the field is exactly why I am here.”
Although Reed can usually be found wearing Buffalo Bill’s gear, he will be supporting Arrowhead nation this summer and soaking up the KC coaching experience.
For the latest on Reed follow him on Instagram http://instagram.com/andre_reed83
For more under the helmet access to NFL players follow @Theresa_PPI @PlayerInsiders
