'He’s a competitive kid': Chiefs coach Andy Reid says Travis Kelce apologized and hugged him after Super Bowl meltdown
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: Travis Kelce, the star tight end of the Kansas City Chiefs, had a heated exchange with his coach Andy Reid during the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 11.
The incident almost knocked the 65-year-old off his feet, but Reid said Kelce later apologized and hugged him.
Andy Reid says Travis Kelce wanted to score for his team
Reid told ESPN that Kelce was frustrated because he wanted to be on the field and help his team win.
The Chiefs were trailing the San Francisco 49ers by 10 points in the fourth quarter, but they managed to pull off a stunning comeback and helped to propel the team to win 25-22.
“He came over and gave me a hug and said, ‘Sorry about that,’” he told ESPN after the game.
“But you know what? He just wants to be on the field and he wants to play. And, so, there’s nobody I get better than I get him," Reid said.
"He’s a competitive kid. You know, he loves to play and he makes me feel young,” he added.
Travis Kelce praised Andy Reid as a leader and a mentor
Travis Kelce also expressed his admiration and gratitude for Reid. Kelce said Reid helped him channel his emotion and passion on the field.
Kelce said, "I wanted the score to be different. Coach has asked us to speak our minds and I just wanted to let him know how much passion I had for this team."
“He’s one of the best leaders of men I’ve ever seen in my life. And he’s helped me a lot with that, with channeling that emotion, with channeling that passion," Kelce added.
"I owe my entire career to that guy and being able to kind of control how emotional I get and just love him,” he continued.
Andy Reid downplayed the altercation with Travis Kelce
Reid also downplayed the altercation and said he appreciated Kelce’s enthusiasm.
"He caught me off balance," Reid said. "I wasn't watching," he added.
“He was really coming over just to go, ‘Just put me in, I’ll score. I’ll score.’ You know, so that’s really what it was. But I love that. I mean, it’s not the first time, so, listen, I appreciate him,” he further said.
Kelce joked with ESPN after the game saying, “I’m going to keep it between us unless my mic’d up tells the world, but I was just telling him how much I love him.”
Despite the heated exchange, Kelce and Reid have tasted success together. They have won three Super Bowls in the last five years.
