Chiefs Series ‘The Kingdom’ Revisits Death of Coach Andy Reid’s Son Garrett 13 Years Later

As the Philadelphia Eagles were gearing up for the season in the summer of 2012, tragedy struck the team’s then-head coach, Andy Reid, and his family. 

“We were getting ready to play a preseason game that week,” former Eagles director of pro personnel, Lewis Riddick, recalled in episode 2 of The Kingdom, premiering Thursday, August 14, at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN. “I could tell something was wrong right away.”

Reid was not in attendance at Eagles practice that day after receiving the news that his oldest son, Garrett, had been found dead in his room at Lehigh University, near the team’s training camp facilities. 

It was later revealed that Garrett died of an accidental heroin overdose. He was 29 years old. 

At the time of his death, Garrett was working as an Eagles assistant strength and conditioning coach. 

“These results sadly confirmed what we had expected all along,” the Reid family said in a statement after the autopsy results were revealed. “We understood that Garrett’s long-standing battle with addiction was going to be difficult. He will, however, always have our family’s love and respect for the courage he showed in trying to overcome it. In the end, we take comfort in our faith and know that he’s in a better place.”

Riddick, who now works as a commentator for ESPN, said he was aware of Garrett’s addiction struggles during their time together in Philadelphia. 

“I had just seen Garrett the day before,” Riddick recalled. “Garrett was one of those stories where you rooted for him because of everything he had been through with drug addiction. But he was such a frickin’ likable guy. He had this big personality.”

Riddick added, “He was a kid who had an addiction who was trying to kick it and was trying to get his life in order and was living in a dorm room right across the hall from his father at training camp. Those demons got him. Simple as that.”

Garrett’s funeral was attended by many within the Eagles organization, including quarterback Donovan McNabb, who played for Philadelphia from 1999 to 2009. 

“I was there at the funeral because it’s family,” McNabb explained on The Kingdom. “Andy puts his feelings to the side to make sure that everybody else is okay. He continued to be the backbone for the family, catered to everybody who came to support.”

Riddick also reflected on a poignant moment from Garrett’s funeral, where Andy was a pillar of support for him at his own son’s memorial service. 

“I was a mess,” Riddick said. “And [Andy] is putting his arms around me and comforting me. This is his son that’s laying two feet from him. I remember looking at him and I remember thinking to myself, ‘It’s impossible for you to be that strong.’”

Just days after Garrett’s death, Andy took to the podium at Eagles training camp where his strength was on full display. 

“I’m a humble man standing before you,” Andy said. “A very humble man. I’m humble because of the outpouring. It was unbelievable. I know my son would feel the same way.”

Garrett was survived by his father, his mother, Tammy, his brothers, Britt and Spencer, and his sisters, Crosby and Drew Ann.

The 2012 season would mark Andy’s final season in Philadelphia, as the Eagles would fire him in December of that year after 14 seasons. 

Andy was named head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs in January 2013, where he has coached the last 12 seasons and won 3 Super Bowls. 

The first two episodes of The Kingdom premiere Thursday, August 14, on ESPN at 9 and 10 p.m. ET, with episodes 3 and 4 premiering on Tuesday, August 19, and episodes 5 and 6 premiering on Wednesday, August 20. 

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).