Andy Reid’s true feelings on leaving Arrowhead Stadium are revealed after the Chiefs’ stunning $4 billion relocation decision reshapes the franchise’s future.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid will be gutted to leave Arrowhead Stadium behind as the franchise heads to Kansas.
The Kansas City Chiefs are officially on the move.
Kansas has won a tug of war with Missouri and will allow a $4 billion development, including a domed arena that would allow Kansas City to host a Super Bowl.
Arrowhead is beloved among Chiefs Kingdom
Star tight end Travis Kelce’s past statements made it abundantly clear that he would have preferred the franchise to stay put.
“Arrowhead is home for me,” Kelce commented. “It’s a part of my heart, playing in that stadium.
“But the fans want what the fans want. We play for them. I think it’s up to them.”
And judging from head coach Andy Reid’s historic comments, he is on the same page as his offensive standout.
Ahead of Patrick Mahomes’ Arrowhead debut against the San Francisco 49ers in September 2018, Big Red was asked how he would help his quarterback navigate the huge game.
Reid praised the youngster, who was already showing signs of his MVP talents, before insisting it was the job of the whole team to make his job easier — something that would not be a problem on home turf.
“We love playing in Arrowhead. You know how that goes. Our players get fired up,” he said. “When you come out of that tunnel and its red and its loud, it’s a beautiful thing.
“And I know the people in Kansas City love getting in there and doing that. We look forward to it, it’s a great experience, it’s what makes the NFL great.”
Arrowhead broke the record for loudest outdoor stadium in sports with an ear-shattering 142.2 decibels registered by Guinness World Records in 2014.
The stadium’s unique design helps amplify a passionate crowd, who were fired up as Mahomes shredded the Niners seven years ago.
Mahomes thrives in the red-hot atmosphere of Arrowhead
Reid thinks his team get extra motivation at home
He threw for 314 yards and three touchdown passes, including a trademark scrambling dart to Chris Conley, in a 38-27 win.
“That,” Reid smiled. “Was a good one.”
The coronavirus pandemic forced the Chiefs to play at a reduced capacity in 2020 and when they returned, Reid once again waxed lyrical about the crowd.
“Yeah, well, listen, this is one of the all-time good venues in the National Football League, so we’ve got great fans, and they are loud, man,” he said. “I mean they get after it and they are like a 12th man, and we appreciate that, every minute of it.”
Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl winner, has already made his feelings known about his special bond with the fans and residents of Kansas City.
“I love it, man. I love the people,” he said in 2024 on the Impaulsive podcast with Logan Paul. “The people are what make the city and they embrace you.
“You can walk down the street and people come up and are like, ‘We love what you do, we love your work.’
“They want to let you have a great day they’re not trying to take pictures. The people make the city.
“I do love the fans. The best part of Kansas City is that they love it but they embrace everybody that comes to the games and they tailgate it. There’s not a ton to do so they really enjoy those football games.”
The Chiefs will be in their new home for 2031 and Reid may not be around amid reports the 2026 campaign could be his last.
Kelce will also be gone but Mahomes, who suffered an ACL tear to end a nightmare season, will likely still be at the helm.
MLB’s Kansas City Royals are also on the move having shared a parking lot with the Chiefs for five decades.
