Tammy Reid is Andy Reid's supportive wife, who he met in college. Tammy has since been interested in football but pursued other interests, including her philanthropic work and jewelry business.
Andy Reid is one of the most famous names in NFL history, not as an athlete but as a football coach. He is a significant part of the successes his teams experienced on and off the field.
For over ten years until 2021, he worked as the Philadelphia Eagles head coach. He later joined the Kansas City Chiefs, driving them to victory several times. His fame also attracted attention to his personal life, including his family with Tammy Reid.
Andy Reid and Tammy Reid during a press conference on January 7, 2013, in Kansas City, Missouri. | Source: Getty Images
Tammy has been with the legendary coach for over 40 years and receives media attention when accompanying her husband to sporting events. She is a supportive wife, a fantastic mother, and an all-around good person.
Before Tammy Reid Met Andy, She Was Going to Be a Physics Lecturer
Born on November 6, 1959, in Utah, Tammy spent her childhood living between Arizona, Memphis, and New York. Ultimately, she stayed in Utah to pursue her college education.
She studied physics at Brigham Young University, while Andy was in the same school studying physical education. Their paths crossed during a PE class, and they quickly got along.
It Was Tennis, Not American Football, That Brought Tammy and Andy Together
While sports brought them together, it was tennis that they bonded over and not football. The duo signed up for tennis class, a sport Tammy played well throughout high school. At that time, she already had her eye on Andy, who did not seem as interested.
Andy Reid and Tammy Reid during the Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona. | Source: Getty Images
They also played badminton and racquetball, all of which Andy won. "We were playing after he had already beaten me at tennis, and I'm like, 'Well, I could beat you at racquetball,'" Tammy added.
Tammy bluffed that she was good at the sport even if she wasn't, and eventually, she lost. Andy ultimately asked Tammy to go to the movies; the rest is history.
Not long after they started dating, Andy introduced his girlfriend to his family and opened her eyes to the world of American football. Soon, Tammy watched one of the most memorable football games, the 1980 Holiday Bowl.
Andy Reid and Tammy Reid during the Kansas City Super Bowl Parade on February 5, 2020, in Kansas City, Missouri. | Source: Getty Images
It was her first time experiencing football, and although she was still new to the game, it taught her several lessons. She recalled:
"That was my first experience with football and trusting that no matter how bleak it looks, I always believe Andrew and his guys will figure out a way to do it."
It didn't take long before Andy and Tammy became serious about each other with marriage in mind. Andy later converted to Mormonism after Tammy's father encouraged him to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Andy married Tammy in August 1981.
The couple moved from one place to another in the following years to find a suitable team to respect Andy's coaching vision. Tammy supported her husband's career and followed him everywhere in the country. She did not mind moving to different states as it aligned with her motto, "Live where you are planted."
The couple soon added children into the picture and had five kids: Drew Ann, Garrett, Crosby, Spencer, and Britt. Sadly, some of their children battled with substance abuse, including Britt and Garrett.
In 2012, Garrett died due to an accidental overdose. Andy, who was coaching the Philidelphia Eagles at that time, was deeply affected by the loss of his son.
Tammy Reid Paid a Lot of Attention to Charity
Tammy has found success in her own pursuits, including her entrepreneurial efforts to start a jewelry business, Everything Bling. She also does volunteer work and has dedicated much of her time to charity.
Tammy chose the Laurel House as her primary charitable organization because she resonated with its mission statement. She said:
"I knew that Laurel House was something I could pour my heart into because I am married to one of the greatest men in the world. I'm sad to know that there are women out there who are not."
Andy Reid and Tammy Reid after the game against the Cincinnati Bengals on January 29th, 2023, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. | Source: Getty Images
Laurel House aims to end domestic violence around the world. They advocate women's rights and empowerment through programs and community collaborations.
More than being a donor, Tammy deeply involved herself in Laurel House, so much so that the agency's previous director thought she was on the payroll. Tammy also took a 45-hour training course to become a certified domestic violence advocate.
Besides her volunteer work, Tammy started her own organization, the Eagles Women's Association. She launched programs encouraging sports community members to involve themselves with group efforts and volunteer work.
When free from work, Tammy collects quilts. She has over 150 in her collection, with some displayed in museums. Her interest even inspired a book, "Every Quilt has a Story: The Tammy Reid Quilt Collection."
Andy Reid and Tammy Reid during the Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona. | Source: Getty Images
Forty Years Later, Tammy and Andy Are Still in Love
It has been over four decades since Andy and Tammy first fell in love. Still, their love has only grown stronger. Tammy showed her devotion and support as a wife and mother, watching Andy's career grow.
She was there when he joined the Green Bay Packers in 1992 until he became head coach of the Chiefs. She was incredibly proud when he had his second Super Bowl victory during Super Bowl LVII, but even when Andy doesn't bring home the gold, he will always be a winner because of his wife. She is his real trophy.
In 2021, Andy Reid had a health scare during a football game and was brought to the University of Kansas Health System. Fortunately, he recovered well and was in stable condition.
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