The Reid Family Saga: 5 Shocking Facts About Andy Reid’s Sons—Including Britt Reid’s Commuted Sentence

Contents

The family life of a legendary NFL coach is often shielded from the public eye, but for Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid, the spotlight has often illuminated the dramatic and sometimes tragic paths of his three sons. The Reid family has navigated immense professional success—including multiple Super Bowl victories—alongside profound personal struggles, from legal battles and substance abuse to untimely death. This article, updated for late 2025, delves into the current status and historical context of Andy Reid’s sons, focusing on the most recent, high-profile development: the commutation of Britt Reid’s prison sentence, a decision that reignited national debate.

The stories of Garrett, Britt, and Spencer Reid are inextricably linked to the high-stakes world of professional football and the profound challenges that can accompany a life lived under intense scrutiny. Understanding their individual journeys provides a deeper, more human perspective on the man who stands on the sidelines of the NFL's current dynasty, the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Complete Reid Family Profile: Garrett, Britt, and Spencer

Andy Reid and his wife, Tammy Reid, have been married since 1981 and have five children: three sons and two daughters. The sons, in particular, have been central figures in both the family's triumphs and its deepest sorrows. Here is a breakdown of the Reid children:

  • Garrett Reid (Son):
    • Born: April 13, 1983
    • Died: August 5, 2012, at age 29
    • Role: Former strength and conditioning coach for the Philadelphia Eagles.
    • Tragedy: Died from an accidental heroin overdose while attending the Eagles training camp at Lehigh University. Garrett had a long history of substance abuse issues, including a 2007 conviction for a drug-related car crash.
  • Britt Reid (Son):
    • Born: April 28, 1985
    • Role: Former assistant coach for the Kansas City Chiefs (2013–2020), including Linebackers Coach.
    • Legal Issues: Pleaded guilty to a felony driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge in 2022 following a 2021 car crash that seriously injured a 5-year-old girl, Ariel Young.
    • Sentence Commutation: His three-year prison sentence was commuted by Missouri Governor Mike Parson on March 1, 2024, a decision that drew significant public and political backlash.
  • Spencer Reid (Son):
    • Born: 1993 (Approximate)
    • Role: Currently an assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Kansas City Chiefs, joining the staff in 2023.
    • Career Path: Followed his father and brothers into coaching, previously serving as an assistant strength and conditioning coach at Brigham Young University (BYU).
  • Drew Ann Reid (Daughter):
    • Role: Generally keeps a low public profile.
  • Crosby Reid (Daughter):
    • Role: Generally keeps a low public profile.

The Commutation Controversy: Britt Reid's Legal Status Update (2024)

The most recent and politically charged event involving the Reid family centers on Britt Reid, who served as the Kansas City Chiefs' outside linebackers coach until the tragic events of February 2021. The details of the crash and the subsequent legal proceedings captivated the nation, but the story took a sharp turn in early 2024.

The 2021 DWI Crash and Sentence

On February 4, 2021, just days before the Chiefs were set to play in Super Bowl LV, Britt Reid was involved in a multi-car accident near the team's facility. Investigations revealed Reid was driving while intoxicated, with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.113, above the legal limit. The crash severely injured a 5-year-old girl, Ariel Young, leaving her with a traumatic brain injury.

In November 2022, Britt Reid was sentenced to three years in state prison after pleading guilty to a felony DWI charge. The sentence was already considered lenient by some, as the maximum penalty for the crime was seven years. The Jackson County Prosecutor's Office had sought a harsher sentence, citing the severity of the victim's injuries and Reid's prior history of drug and driving offenses.

Governor Parson's Commutation Decision

On March 1, 2024, Missouri Governor Mike Parson commuted Britt Reid’s sentence, a decision that immediately sparked widespread outrage and criticism.

The commutation meant that Britt Reid was released from prison and placed on house arrest until October 31, 2025, effectively shortening his sentence by more than a year.

Governor Parson's office defended the decision, stating that Reid had served more time than most individuals convicted of similar crimes and that he had completed an alcohol treatment program while incarcerated. However, critics, including the Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker, argued that the commutation undermined the justice system and gave preferential treatment to a wealthy and connected individual whose actions caused permanent harm to a child.

A Family Defined by Tragedy and Resilience: The Story of Garrett Reid

Long before Britt Reid’s legal troubles, the Reid family faced their deepest tragedy with the death of Andy’s eldest son, Garrett Reid. Garrett’s struggles with substance abuse were public and spanned years, casting a shadow over Andy Reid's tenure as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Substance Abuse and Prior Legal Issues

Garrett Reid’s battle with addiction led to multiple arrests. In 2007, he and his brother, Britt, were arrested in separate but related incidents. Garrett was arrested after a high-speed car crash where police found hundreds of prescription pills in his vehicle. He was later sentenced to 23 months in jail for drug possession.

The Tragic Overdose

In a devastating turn of events, Garrett Reid died on August 5, 2012, at the age of 29. He was found deceased in his room at the Eagles training camp at Lehigh University, where he was assisting the team's strength and conditioning staff. The Northampton County District Attorney confirmed that the cause of death was an accidental heroin overdose.

Andy Reid, known for his stoic demeanor, handled the tragedy with grace, emphasizing the importance of family and faith. The loss of Garrett became a defining moment for the entire Reid family, highlighting the devastating impact of the opioid crisis and substance dependency.

Spencer Reid: The Current NFL Coaching Connection

In contrast to the public controversies and tragedies surrounding his older brothers, Spencer Reid has quietly built a career within the NFL coaching ranks, maintaining the family's deep connection to the sport. Spencer's journey is a testament to the family's ongoing legacy in football.

From BYU to the Chiefs

Spencer Reid joined the Kansas City Chiefs coaching staff in 2023 as an assistant strength and conditioning coach.

Before his role with the Chiefs, he spent the 2022 season at Brigham Young University (BYU) in a similar capacity, continuing his development in athletic performance and training. His current position places him directly within the Chiefs organization, working alongside his Super Bowl-winning father.

Spencer's career trajectory underscores the enduring commitment of the Reid family to the game of football, even as they navigate immense personal challenges. His role is a quiet, steady presence on the Chiefs' staff, contributing to the team's physical readiness for their championship pursuits.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the Reid Family

The story of Andy Reid’s sons—Garrett, Britt, and Spencer—is a complex narrative of achievement, addiction, and accountability. The recent commutation of Britt Reid’s sentence in early 2024 serves as a fresh reminder of the ongoing legal and ethical debates surrounding justice and privilege, particularly when a high-profile family is involved. While the Kansas City Chiefs continue their dominance on the field, the personal lives of the Reid family remain a subject of intense public interest, revealing a powerful story of resilience, deep-seated struggle, and the enduring bond of a family facing the harsh realities of life under the NFL spotlight. The dualities of their lives—public success and private pain—ensure that the Reid family saga continues to be one of the most compelling and human stories in modern professional sports.

andy reid son
andy reid son

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