Andy Reid encourages Michael Vick to “not be afraid” in new role
By Matt Conner
As the Kansas City Chiefs offense adapts to another voice from the coach’s side in Michael Vick, Andy Reid is encouraging him to adapt as well.
As of Tuesday, Michael Vick is an official member of the Kansas City Chiefs coaching staff. It’s a funny phrase that needs a moment to sink in, for all the ways it might feel exciting or odd, right or wrong. Of course, Vick doesn’t have a permanent job at this point, but he is officially a coach at this point, a temporary intern of sorts for the preseason, paid for by an important NFL program called the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship that encourages more minority hires in the preseason.
Earlier this offseason, Vick stated that he wanted to try out coaching and that it would be a dream to do so under his own former head coach Andy Reid. (Vick also mentioned Atlanta as a preferred place.) The former quarterback retired officially in February and has found his new chapter in K.C. for now. So far, he’s earned good reviews from players who have talked to him—even some who are awed that Vick is in Chiefs camp. Check out Alex Smith’s take:
"“There aren’t that many people in the world who have that kind of experience at the position,” Smith explained of Vick. “…It’s fun to have him here in the room,” Smith added. “Like I said, it’s just another perspective. This guy has played a ton of snaps, he’s got a unique look on the game, played in a lot of different offenses, so yeah, it’s exciting to have him here and to have that kind of knowledge and sounding board for all of us.”"
Andy Reid says he’s been encouraging Vick to just enjoy the process and allow his natural confidence to also enter the coach’s room—to “not be afraid.” When asked his advice for Vick, Reid shared, “Just to take it all in and not be afraid to share your opinion, and again, get to know the guys and enjoy that part, too.”
Vick enjoyed a career resurgence under Andy Reid’s tutelage in Philadelphia after the Eagles took a chance on the athletic quarterback after his suspension from the NFL for dogfighting. Vick ultimately spent nearly 2 years in a federal prison for his role in a dogfighting ring. He joined the Eagles in 2009 and added more Pro Bowl nomination to his resume for a total of four in his career. Since his conviction, Vick has expressed remorse and has served to right his wrongs in many ways through charitable endeavors—although he remains a polarizing presence for some NFL fans.
After the next few weeks are over, no one is quite sure what will happen to Vick. Will Clark Hunt, the team’s owner, come up with a salary package to retain him in the room? Is there even room for Vick on the sidelines during the season? Will Vick want to explore other options? For now, he’s learning the ropes with the Chiefs and both sides seem happy to have him there.