Andy Reid Almost Became a Doctor or Writer—Until One Question Changed His Life Forever

Andy Reid, the legendary head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, is widely regarded as one of the most successful and innovative coaches in the NFL. With multiple Super Bowl victories, including a recent triumph at Super Bowl LIV, and a legacy that stretches across decades of coaching, Reid’s name is synonymous with excellence. However, what many may not know is that Reid’s journey to football greatness wasn’t a linear path. In fact, there was a time when he almost became a doctor or a writer, professions that could have significantly altered the course of his life. But it was one simple, seemingly innocent question that changed everything and set him on a path that would ultimately define his career.

A Young Dreamer with Different Aspirations

Born on March 19, 1958, in Los Angeles, California, Andy Reid grew up in a household that valued creativity and intellectual pursuits. His father, Walter Reid, was a set designer in Hollywood, and his mother, a homemaker, provided a nurturing environment for Andy and his siblings. From a young age, Reid was a curious and thoughtful child, always eager to learn and explore new things. He was deeply interested in a wide variety of subjects, from science to literature, and often found himself gravitating toward areas of study that sparked his intellectual curiosity.

In his early years, Reid was drawn to both writing and medicine. He imagined a life where he could either pen stories that captivated audiences or pursue a career in healthcare, helping others and making a tangible difference in the world. As a teenager, he excelled in his studies, showing a particular interest in English and biology. His teachers noted his potential, especially in writing, where his essays stood out for their clarity, insight, and depth.

At the same time, Reid was developing a strong passion for sports, particularly football. He played football throughout his high school years at John Marshall High School in Los Angeles, and by the time he reached college, his athletic abilities had earned him a scholarship to Brigham Young University (BYU), where he would go on to play offensive tackle. Football quickly became an important part of his life, but it wasn’t his only interest. At BYU, Reid juggled his love for the game with his academic aspirations, still contemplating a future in writing or medicine.

The Defining Moment: A Simple Question

It was during his time at BYU that Reid’s life would take an unexpected turn. While playing football for the university, Reid was confronted by a question from his coach, LaVell Edwards, that would change the trajectory of his life forever.

In an informal conversation, Coach Edwards asked Reid, “What are you going to do with your life?” The question wasn’t meant to be anything more than a casual remark, but for Reid, it became a moment of intense reflection. Up until then, he had been juggling his academic interests with his athletic pursuits. But in that moment, Reid realized that his true passion lay not in writing or medicine, but in football. The question made him see that he had the potential to do something extraordinary in the world of sports. It was a life-changing epiphany that shifted his focus entirely.

Reid, who had always been an introspective individual, began to consider what it would mean to dedicate his life to football, not just as a player but as a coach. He knew that his playing career had an expiration date, and it was time to think about what he wanted for his future beyond the field. The question from Coach Edwards made him realize that coaching, a profession he had never seriously considered before, could be his true calling. It was the moment that ignited his passion for coaching, and from that point forward, Reid shifted his focus to pursuing a career in the NFL, where he would go on to achieve legendary status.

Shifting Gears: The Road to Coaching

After making the decision to pursue coaching, Reid’s path became clearer. He completed his studies at BYU, but football was now his primary focus. He began to see coaching as an extension of his love for the game, and he was eager to start making an impact on the field, this time from the sidelines.

Reid’s early coaching career began as a graduate assistant at BYU in 1982, where he worked under Coach Edwards. From there, Reid moved on to positions with other teams, eventually landing a job with the Green Bay Packers in 1992 as the quarterbacks coach under Mike Holmgren. His time with the Packers marked the beginning of his rise in the NFL coaching ranks, as he quickly became known for his offensive expertise and ability to work with quarterbacks.

His success with the Packers led to a head coaching position with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1999. Over the next 14 years, Reid transformed the Eagles into perennial Super Bowl contenders, taking them to the big game in 2005 and building one of the most consistent and dynamic offenses in the league. Reid’s tenure with the Eagles solidified his reputation as one of the NFL’s top coaches, but it was his next move that would define his legacy.

In 2013, Reid took over as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, a team that had been struggling for years. Under his leadership, the Chiefs quickly turned around their fortunes, becoming one of the most dominant teams in the NFL. In 2020, Reid guided the Chiefs to their first Super Bowl victory in 50 years, securing his place as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history. His ability to adapt, innovate, and lead his teams to success has earned him the respect of players, coaches, and fans alike.

The Impact of a Single Question

Looking back on his career, Reid often reflects on that pivotal moment when Coach Edwards asked him, “What are you going to do with your life?” In interviews, Reid has spoken about how the question forced him to take a hard look at his future and make a decision that would ultimately define his career. He has expressed gratitude for that conversation, as it set him on a path that he never could have predicted but ultimately became the perfect fit for his talents and passion.

Reid’s story serves as a reminder that sometimes the most significant moments in life come from unexpected sources. A simple question, posed at the right moment, can make all the difference in the world. It can push a person to look inward, reevaluate their goals, and make a decision that will change their life forever.

Legacy and Lessons

Today, Andy Reid is not just a Super Bowl-winning coach—he is an icon in the NFL, admired for his leadership, his football acumen, and his ability to inspire players. His story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and, above all, the importance of embracing one’s true calling. Reid’s journey reminds us that sometimes, the road to success isn’t always straight, and the most profound changes in our lives can come from the most unexpected moments.

As he continues to lead the Kansas City Chiefs and inspire future generations of football players and coaches, Reid’s legacy is built not just on his Super Bowl rings, but on the countless lives he has touched through his coaching, his guidance, and his unwavering dedication to the sport he loves. And it all started with one simple question: “What are you going to do with your life?”