The Kansas City Chiefs offseason is in full swing as players are enjoying their time away from the on-field grind to make appearances around the country. The same goes for the coaching staff as Chiefs head coach Andy Reid made an appearance at a NASCAR race on Sunday for the Kansas Speedway.
The Chiefs head coach is a noted supporter of the Busch racing family and former NFL head coach Joe Gibbs’ racing team. Wide receiver Mecole Hardman joined Reid for a pre-race interview with Chris Myers of FOX Sports. The conversation was light and focused on Reid’s plans to improve the team during the offseason, replacing Tyreek Hill and thoughts on Tom Brady joining the FOX broadcast booth once his playing career is over.
“Well, we’ve got some new faces and just getting everybody together,” said Reid “I’m blessed to have this guy next to me coming back (Hardman) and doing the things that he does so well. He’s helping teach these young receivers and some of the veteran guys exactly what to do and helping them along the way. So anyways, we gel with the new defensive players and new offensive guys, and we’ll be okay.”
Myers would follow up with a question on filling the void left by the departure of Hill from the receivers room and its effect on Hardman next season.
“Yeah, I’m up for the opportunity,” said Hardman, “I think it’ll be great, but you know, just go out and prepare every day, then when the time comes. Just be ready for it.”
Hardman finished 2021 with 59 receptions for 693 yards and two touchdowns, catching fire later in the season.
It wouldn’t be an interview about the Chiefs if there weren’t a question about star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Asked about the type of NASCAR driver he would be, both Reid and Hardman gave informed answers.
“He would be the best,” Reid said. “That’s where he would be.”
“I think he would be aggressive at times when he needs to be, but conservative at the right point,” Hardman added. “He makes the right decisions and that’s why he’s got the keys to the car.”
Chiefs rcvr Mecole Hardman experiencing his 1st nascar race with Andy Reid back for the 2nd time at Kansas Speedway…#nascar #nfl #chiefs @MecoleHardman4 pic.twitter.com/R6P4K4sI7s
— Chris Myers (@The_ChrisMyers) May 16, 2022
Reid was also asked about his thoughts on Tom Brady signing a 10-year, $375-million-dollar contract to become a broadcast analyst for FOX Sports once he retires from football.
“Listen, I’m his biggest fan,” said Reid, “Whatever he wants to do. Peyton (Manning) did a great job. He’s doing (a great job). You know Troy (Aikman) has done a great job with it, so I’m sure whatever Tom decides to do, he’s gonna be good.”
As the offseason rolls on, it’s clear that Hardman is being looked at as a leader in the locker room. The interview showed Reid’s confidence in Hardman moving forward, as he’s sure to be a big part of the team’s offensive plans for the upcoming season.
