They say it’s the thought that counts. And when it comes to Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, the man they call ‘Big Red’ is usually only thinking about one thing. Food. Reid’s love for play-calling is only surpassed by his passion for cheeseburgers, and so there was only one option for the NFL icon’s Christmas present back in 2022.
Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce presented Reid with his gift in the wake of Kansas City’s 24-10 win over Seattle Seahawks on Christmas Eve two years ago.
“We took a little poll,” Mahomes told Reid at the time.
“And we got you a little gift.”
Coach Reid shares a close bond with his Kansas City players
Kelce walked up and presented Reid with the present. The coach took off the red-and-white Christmas paper, revealing a Nike shoebox. Inside the box was a big, beautiful cheeseburger. “May you all get a gift as great as this!” beamed a delighted Reid.
Reid opens the box to reveal a cheeseburger
“Cheeseburgers in paradise, baby!” he added. The Chiefs would go on to win the Super Bowl that season, their third under the leadership of Coach Reid.
A grateful Reid yells ‘cheeseburgers in paradise baby!’
Having found success in the big game once again in 2024, Kansas City are now chasing a historic three-peat. They have already made the playoffs and are close to clinching the AFC’s top seed. Next, they face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day.
And a win in Pennsylvania will be the perfect gift this year, perhaps even topping his cheeseburger-themed surprise from three years ago. Reid’s love of the food is almost as renowned as his passion for football – and making the playoffs. He once told NBC Sports’ Peter King: “How great is a good cheeseburger? Listen, there is just something about it. It keeps you grounded, Peter.”
