Andy Reid's Love for Cheeseburgers: A Culinary Tradition in Football

Andy Reid’s affinity for cheeseburgers has become a notable aspect of his identity, intertwined with his impressive coaching career. This love goes beyond mere enjoyment; it's a strategic motivation for his teams, often promising them a "cheeseburger snack" before games. This year, Kraft Singles has tapped into this passion by partnering with Reid as the face of their football season campaign, highlighting the natural connection between his favorite food and the sport.

In a recent interview, Reid showcased his culinary quirks and preferences. When questioned about his home cheeseburger preparations, he mentioned being a fan of Heinz ketchup, mayonnaise, and other common toppings like lettuce and tomato. His philosophy is that while everyone adds their unique touch, the essential elements of a good burger remain constant—quality meat, cheese, and a solid bun.

When prompted about his preferred burger joints, Reid’s nostalgia for Kansas City shines through, recalling Tommy's as a childhood favorite, alongside his California roots and love for In-N-Out. At In-N-Out, he opts for the classic number one with a Neapolitan milkshake, adding a personal twist with Animal Style fries. While he playfully reminisced about once dipping fries into his milkshake, he confirmed such indulgences don’t quite fit into his routine anymore.

Game day strategies don’t weigh heavily on Reid’s pre-game meal plans. The night prior, his teams enjoy the whimsical cheeseburger snack ritual in the hotel—something that has become an established custom for him throughout his coaching career. On the day of the game, he prefers to keep his stomach light, reserving his appetite for after the final whistle.

Reflecting on his time in Philadelphia, Reid’s cheesesteak preferences included well-known spots like Pat's and Geno's. He humorously admits to a controversial ketchup addition to his cheesesteak—a habit he enjoys despite what some might consider sacrilege. Those cheesesteaks, often loaded with cheese, sweet peppers, and onions, continue to evoke fond memories for the coach.

His food preferences extend into the structure of his ideal office vending machine, which would be stocked with healthy fruits like apples and bananas draped alongside a selection of indulgent favorites—cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and burritos from diverse locations reflective of his journeys through the NFL.

Reid shared a delightful anecdote about attending Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s wedding, where the feast featured hefty portions of beef, reportedly orchestrated by Jason Kelce. This food-filled celebration resonated with Reid, who suggests that simple, hearty meals have a way of uniting folks.

Fostering his culinary journey, Reid has taken charge of cooking at home, especially now that his children are grown. He enjoys grilling and has a flat-top grill designed for his height—showcasing how food and family mesh seamlessly in his life. If the day comes for him to retire from coaching, Reid expresses interest in opening a storefront, perhaps by the beach, focusing on grilling up quality burgers and engaging with customers in a casual setting.

His fondness for barbecue is evident; picking just one favorite spot in Kansas City is an exercise in futility due to the variety available. However, whether craving burnt ends or beef ribs, Reid suggests exploring local hotspots like Q39 or Jack Stack, each offering unique flavors that keep him coming back. Ultimately, he appreciates the myriad offerings of Kansas City’s barbecue scene.

Among the cherished memories of his youth, Reid recalls the highs of participating in the Punt, Pass & Kick competition, fueled by an unforgettable breakfast of steak and eggs with NFL icons Merlin Olsen and Deacon Jones. This moment not only boosted his spirits but also set the stage for his deep-seated love for good food, a theme that continues to play an essential role in his life on and off the field.

As Reid navigates the culinary world fused with football, his memories, preferences, and distinct insights reflect a person who values not only the game but the experiences shared over a good cheeseburger.