For all the years Andy Reid has spent designing plays, calling shots, and leading locker rooms, one constant has remained: his wife, Tammy. “I’m the head coach of our family,” she once joked—but make no mistake, the Reid household has always been a team effort.

Reid’s journey as a coach in the NFL may have started more than 35 years ago with the Packers.  However, long before the Super Bowls and Hall of Fame-worthy coaching career, before he became the face of the Kansas City Chiefs dynasty, Andy was just a college kid trying to impress a girl in a Fundamentals of Tennis class. That girl was Tammy, and little did they know, their love story would stretch across decades, eight states, five kids, and a lifetime of highs and lows.

From their days as college sweethearts at Brigham Young University to standing side by side through the trials of NFL life, Tammy has been more than just the woman behind the man—she’s been the rock of the Reid family. So, who is the woman who has shaped and supported one of the greatest coaches in football history? Let’s dive into Tammy Reid’s incredible journey.

Who is Andy Reid’s wife?

Tammy was born in New York but raised in Memphis, Tennessee. However, she moved again, growing up in Arizona, from where she completed high school. Then, went on to attend Brigham Young University in Utah, where her path crossed Andy Reid’s for the first time. There, Andy was a multi-sport athlete who pursued both a bachelor’s degree in physical education and a master’s degree in professional leadership in physical education and athletics. Before joining BYU, he was a scholar-athlete who played for Cal State and was MVP, all-league, all-city, and All-American, while also being all-league in baseball as a pitcher.

They connected through yet another sport. It was through the Fundamentals of Tennis class, and Tammy recalled how she wanted Reid to make the first move: “I thought he was kind of cute. You know, football player. Didn’t know he was a football player for a while. But it soon became clear, and I wanted him to ask me out, but he wouldn’t ask me outside.” 

But Tammy had her eyes set on Reid, who made a huge first impression on his future wife. And that became even clearer when Tammy eventually managed to get Reid’s attention, “I’d never not had a guy that I wanted to asked me out not ask me out. So the second half of the semester, since it’s a half credit. We played badminton. We were playing after he had already beaten me at tennis, and I’m like. Well, I could beat you at racquetball.”

You know, it’s Coach Reid whom we are talking about here (winner of 4 Super Bowl rings – 3 as a head coach – and soon possibly a 5th). Yeah, he wasn’t a coach in college, but he still had that winning mentality as he didn’t show any mercy to Tammy, “He killed me. Even though I’m really good, he killed me.” Well, after dating for a few more years in college, the couple soon geared up for the next stage in their relationship.

When did Andy Reid and Tammy got married?

Dating Reid was one thing, but getting married to him was a completely different ball game. Most of you are familiar with Coach Reid, who has been the boss for the last 30 years or so. However, there was a time when he had to listen and obey someone to win Tammy’s hand. Well, we are talking about none other than Tammy’s father. Reid’s father-in-law was a little hesitant at first about their relationship. But the moment when Reid spent a week with Tammy’s father. Her father gave Reid an option to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and then marry Tammy.

So, after taking some time to think about that decision. Reid later on asked Tammy’s father to baptize him. Then, a year later, in 1981, the couple got married. They went on to welcome their first child, Garrett, while Reid was still finishing up his master’s degree in Utah. But tragedy soon took away Garrett, who lost his life in 2012 following a heroin overdose. Now, besides Garrett, Tammy and Reid are also parents to four other children, all of whom were born in different states. Britt, Crosby, Drew Ann, and Spencer all came into the couple’s lives when Reid was just getting started as a coach in the NFL.

Now, besides being a wife and a mother to 5 children. Tammy is also the biggest cheerleader for Reid’s journey in the league. “My whole philosophy and my whole motto in my life since I’ve been married is: Live where you’re planted. Andrew has transplanted me to eight different states now. I’ve had five kids in five states. You have to be positive and just jump into the community.” So, as Reid prepares for the biggest test yet of his 3-decade-old coaching career, Tammy’s well-wishes and her support will surely be by Andy’s side as he attempts to become the first head coach to 3-peat in the NFL.