SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid expressed support for the Black Lives Matter movement and of his players who have been outspoken about the cause.

Reid spoke about Black Lives Matter and his support of Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Tyrann Mathieu, both of whom have been vocal on racial injustice and police brutality in recent weeks, during a press conference on Wednesday, June 10.

“We’re sitting here with this push on Black Lives Matter, and absolutely they matter, man. I think it’s a beautiful thing,” Reid said.

“With the issue with the racial issues going on now, it breaks my heart. I’m an old head, so I’ve been around long enough to see a few generations… I’m so happy, I’m so fired up about our younger generation, man. They’re taking it and they’re attacking this thing the right way,” Reid said. “I just think we have this great country, and these kids know how great this country is… and all they wanna do is make this country better.”

"This push on Black Lives Matter…and absolutely they matter, man. I think it's a beautiful thing."

Andy Reid on the #BlackLivesMatter . Says he appreciates @PatrickMahomes and @Mathieu_Era for what they did. pic.twitter.com/Bgru7R6BAr

— Megan Strickland (@StricklyMeg) June 10, 2020

Andy Reid Supports Chiefs Players

On June 4, some of the NFL’s most prominent players, including Super Bowl MVP and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, released a video asking that NFL condemn racism and racial injustice.

#StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/sfwF9Uvgaa

— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) June 5, 2020

The players posted the video amid the nationwide protests sparked by the death of George Floyd. On May 25, Floyd, a black man, died after a white police officer knelt on Floyd’s neck for more than eight minutes.

“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 and you listen and you learn and you become better. And so that’s where I’m at,” Reid continued. “I appreciate Patrick and Tyrann for what they did and standing up and 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 people that we come in contact with.”

NFL on Racial Injustice

After the players released the video on social media, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell released a video of his own to address the league’s stance on racial injustice.

“It has been a difficult time for our country. In particular, black people in our country,” Goodell said. “First, my condolences to the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and all the families who have endured police brutality. We, the National Football League, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of black people. We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the National Football League, believe Black Lives Matter. I personally protest with you and want to be part of the much-needed change in this country.

We, the NFL, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of Black People. We, the NFL, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the NFL, believe Black Lives Matter. #InspireChange pic.twitter.com/ENWQP8A0sv

— NFL (@NFL) June 5, 2020

“Without black players, there would be no National Football League. And the protests around the country are emblematic of the centuries of silence, inequality and oppression of black players, coaches, fans and staff,” the commissioner continued. “We are listening. I am listening, and I will be reaching out to players who have raised their voices and others on how we can improve and go forward for a better and more united NFL family.”

About Andy Reid

Reid played college football at BYU from 1978-80 and returned to Provo as a graduate assistant on BYU head coach LaVell Edwards’ staff.

After a few years of coaching college football, Reid accepted a position with the Green Bay Packers in 1992.

He received his first NFL head coach position with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1999. Reid led the Eagles to an appearance in Super Bowl XXXIX where they fell to the New England Patriots 24-21.

After the 2012 season, Reid’s contract with the Eagles wasn’t renewed.

In January 2013, he accepted the head coach position with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Reid led the Chiefs to a 31-20 over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV on February 6, 2020.