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The Faith Behind The Playbook: 5 Surprising Facts About Andy Reid’s Mormon Affiliation

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The question of Andy Reid's religious affiliation has long been a subject of curiosity for NFL fans, especially given his calm demeanor and long-standing success with the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. As of December 22, 2025, the definitive answer is that Andy Reid is a practicing member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often referred to as a Mormon. This faith is not merely a footnote in his life story; it is a foundational element that has shaped his personal life, his marriage to his wife Tammy Reid, and even his unique, successful coaching philosophy in the high-pressure world of the National Football League. His journey to becoming a Latter-day Saint is a compelling personal story rooted in his college days at Brigham Young University (BYU) and the influence of his future family. While he is one of the most visible figures in the NFL, Reid's faith is a quiet, steady presence that he occasionally references, providing a deeper insight into the man behind the mustache and the championship play calls.

Andrew Walter Reid: A Biographical Profile

Andrew Walter Reid, widely known as Andy Reid, is one of the most successful and recognizable head coaches in the history of the National Football League (NFL). His career is defined by offensive innovation, consistent winning, and a distinctive, grandfatherly presence on the sidelines.
  • Full Name: Andrew Walter Reid
  • Date of Birth: March 19, 1958
  • Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California
  • Parents: Walter and Elizabeth Reid
  • Wife: Tammy Reid (Married 1981)
  • Children: Five (Garrett, Britt, Spencer, Crosby, Drew Ann)
  • Alma Mater: Brigham Young University (BYU) (B.A. in Physical Education, M.A. in Physical Education)
  • Playing Career: Offensive Tackle at BYU (1978–1980)
  • Coaching Career Highlights:
    • Head Coach, Philadelphia Eagles (1999–2012)
    • Head Coach, Kansas City Chiefs (2013–Present)
    • Multiple Super Bowl Championships (with the Chiefs)
    • Named AP NFL Coach of the Year (2000)
    • Ranks among the all-time winningest NFL head coaches
  • Religious Affiliation: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS/Mormon)
Reid’s early life in Los Angeles saw him develop a passion for football. He attended John Marshall High School and later played college football at BYU, a school sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was during his time at BYU that his life took a pivotal turn, both professionally and spiritually, setting the stage for his future success.

The Surprising Conversion Story: From Lutheran to Latter-day Saint

Andy Reid was not born into the Latter-day Saint faith. He was raised in Los Angeles as a not-very-observant Lutheran. His conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a deeply personal story tied directly to his relationship with his future wife, Tammy Garrett.

Meeting Tammy Reid and the BYU Connection

While attending Brigham Young University in the late 1970s, Reid met Tammy Garrett, who was a member of the Latter-day Saint church. Their relationship blossomed, but before he proposed marriage, Tammy's father, a devout member of the church, gave Andy a recommendation. He suggested that if Andy was serious about marrying his daughter, he should consider converting to the faith. This request was not a demand, but a sincere recommendation based on the importance of shared faith in their family life. Andy Reid took the advice to heart and began to study the principles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He ultimately chose to convert and was baptized into the church before marrying Tammy on August 8, 1981. This decision cemented a partnership that has lasted over four decades and has been a cornerstone of his life and career, providing stability through the intense pressures of the NFL.

Why the Media Often Overlooks Reid's Faith

Despite being a prominent member of the Latter-day Saint community—a faith often scrutinized in the public eye—Andy Reid’s religion is rarely a major media storyline. This is partly due to his own reserved nature when it comes to public displays of piety. While he is not shy about his beliefs, his focus is overwhelmingly on football. Reid has openly discussed his faith in interviews, sharing his conversion story with publications like Deseret Magazine and speaking at various Latter-day Saint gatherings. He has stated that his faith influences "everything" about how he lives his life and approaches his job. For Reid, his membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is simply a fact of his life, not a tool for self-promotion, which is a testament to his character and focus on his professional responsibilities.

The Latter-day Saint Influence on Andy Reid's Coaching Philosophy

The principles and values of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are subtly woven into the fabric of Andy Reid's coaching style and leadership approach. His faith provides a framework for managing the intense, high-stakes environment of the NFL.

Emphasis on Teaching and Leadership

One of the core tenets of Reid's coaching philosophy is the emphasis on teaching. He views his role not just as a play-caller but as an educator, a concept deeply rooted in the Latter-day Saint tradition of service and instruction. He believes that success in life comes from teaching others, and his consistent success is a direct result of his ability to develop players and coaches. He is known for his calm demeanor, a stark contrast to the volatile personalities of some other NFL coaches. This composure, even in high-pressure moments like the Super Bowl, is often attributed to his steady personal foundation. He has described using his faith as a "game plan" to navigate the challenges of life, suggesting a structured, disciplined approach to dealing with adversity.

The Scriptures as His Favorite Trilogy

In a moment that offered a rare glimpse into his spiritual life, Reid once shared that his favorite trilogy is the scriptures. He was referring to the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Doctrine and Covenants/Pearl of Great Price, which are the standard works of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This anecdote highlights the central role that spiritual study plays in his daily life, offering guidance and perspective beyond the football field. His Latter-day Saint background also connects him to a wider network of prominent figures in football, including former BYU players and coaches, creating a sense of community and shared values within the sport. This network and his personal faith provide a strong support system that has helped him navigate personal tragedies, such as the loss of his son Garrett Reid in 2012, and the professional scrutiny that comes with being a perennial Super Bowl contender.

Key Entities and Topical Authority in Andy Reid's World

To fully understand Andy Reid, one must recognize the key entities that form his professional and personal landscape, all of which are interconnected with his faith.
  • Brigham Young University (BYU): The place where he played, coached, met his wife, and converted to his faith. It is the nexus of his adult life.
  • Tammy Reid: His wife of over 40 years, who is credited as the primary influence on his conversion and is his lifelong partner.
  • Kansas City Chiefs: His current team, where he has achieved the pinnacle of his coaching career, winning multiple Super Bowl titles.
  • Philadelphia Eagles: The team where he served as head coach for 14 seasons, establishing his reputation as an elite NFL coach.
  • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: The formal name of the faith he practices, which provides the moral and ethical framework for his life.
  • Super Bowl: The ultimate professional stage where his calm, faith-based leadership is most evident.
  • Book of Mormon: One of the sacred texts he considers part of his favorite "trilogy," central to his spiritual life.
In conclusion, Andy Reid is indeed a practicing Latter-day Saint, a fact that is central to his identity but not the focal point of his public persona. His conversion story is a testament to the power of family and personal conviction, and the principles of his faith continue to provide the stability, discipline, and teaching-focused approach that have made him one of the most respected and successful head coaches in NFL history.
is andy reid mormon
is andy reid mormon

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