Remember Patrick Mahomes said “He’s meant the world to me. He’s just the best” for coach Andy Reid last year? Well, these praises by the quarterback weren’t only for Reid’s aid in getting him three Super Bowls. It was also because the 66-year-old HC knows “how to get the most out of” Mahomes every day. Hence, because of churning out most of his players, and with four Super Bowl titles, Reid has become one of the NFL’s legendary coaches. But there’s more to his secret to success, which was recently revealed by an ex-NFLer.

Former Eagles full-back, Jon Ritchie, joined The Ryen Russillo Podcast on September 18, 2024, to talk about the NFL, especially about teams like the Eagles and Panthers. During the discussion, the host asked him about Andy Reid and his secret sauce for success. To which, Ritchie, who played for Reid in 2003 in Philadelphia, revealed, “it’s consistency above all else with Andy Reid.”

Continuing his statements further, Ritchie emphasized, “It’s consistency on his part where you know exactly what you’re going to get every single day and there is a respect that everyone in that building has because of his gigantic football brain.” Not only that! The former fullback’s praises for coach Andy Reid didn’t stop there. He also highlighted that whether it’s during a quick moment in practice or a passing chat, Reid always finds time to coach, giving players tips and guidance.

In addition to that, he expressed that Reid’s ability to evolve, introducing fresh ideas while respectfully treating people, makes him unique. And that’s why his players trust in him and see him as a fatherly figure. Well, this is a similar thought shared by Patrick Mahomes last year, when he said, “He doesn’t let me be satisfied with where I’m at. He teaches me a ton. Not only the quarterback position, but how to be a leader and how to be a great dad, and how to be a great husband. He lets me be who I am every single day.”

So, be it active Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes or a former fullback Jon Ritchie, Andy Reid has definitely cast magic on his players. Hence, it would be safe to say that mutual respect is there between Reid and his players. But besides these, it’s also important to note that despite being cut off by the HC, Jon Ritchie still has many praises for the 66-year-old.

Jon Ritchie once cried uncontrollably because of Andy Reid

Jon Ritchie took the audience into the raw, human side of NFL life in 2014. After joining 94WIP, he shared a story that was both heartbreaking and real. So, what happened in 2004 was, after spending all of training camp as the Eagles‘ starting fullback, Ritchie thought he was set for the upcoming season. By that time, he also worked his way back from a brutal knee injury that cost him nearly the entire previous season. Hence, he was ready to go. But destiny had something else in its mind.

Ritchie recalled that a couple of days before his birthday, out of nowhere, his phone rang. It was then-GM of the team, Tom Heckert, who said, “Andy’s going to give you a call.” Now, in general, out of nowhere, a player who is told that he is going to get a call from his coach, will definitely be anxious to know what happened. The same was the case with Ritchie, who didn’t see it coming, and it gave him a sense of anxiety. But what happened next? Yes, that was the same question asked by the host of 94WIP at that time. So, what happened was, when Andy Reid called him, he told Ritchie, “Well, we’re gonna go with the other guy. We don’t think your knee is where it needs to be. The other guy is younger and not as beat up.”

At that moment, he felt like his dream had slipped away. After hearing the heartbreaking news of his release, Ritchie couldn’t control his emotions, and thus, broke down in front of Andy Reid. While recalling that devastating incident, the former NFL player said, “I can’t even describe the feeling—it was the most mortifying experience of my life, just because I was so blind sided by it. And it was just the worst day of my life to the point—the worst moment and I just lost it.”

Although that time he broke down or must have felt frustrated with Andy Reid’s decision, at present, his respect for the 66-year-old is still there.

Besides that, do check out our latest Think Tank exclusive interview with Doug Sanders.