The Eagles gathered again, just a little more than 24 hours after they learned the tragic news that Garrett Reid, the son of coach Andy Reid, had been found dead in his dorm room at the team’s Lehigh University training camp.
By Monday morning, the shock had worn off some and reality had returned some, as the players and coaches tried to focus on football.
Andy Reid wasn’t at practice, but he is expected to coach his team on Thursday night when it opens the preseason at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Garrett Reid will be buried on Tuesday and Reid could possibly return for Wednesday’s brief walk-through practice.
According to those players, Reid’s message to them in this time of crisis was: Full steam ahead. Reid addressed his players on Sunday evening before he left camp and center Jason Kelce said he amazed with how “business-like’’ Reid was.
“He said to keep this thing rolling, keep everyone on track,’’ Kelce said. “He said that we can’t allow this to become a setback.”
That can be easier said than done, but the players also said the practice field is a refuge of sorts, a time when their attention can be directed toward things they can control.
“This is what we do,’’ guard Evan Mathis said. “And it’s good for us to get out there and do what we do. It’s good for us to be in our element. And it’s the same thing with Andy.”
Plus the coaches and players feel obligated to hold down the fort while Reid is away. As offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said, “It's our responsibility and duty to Andy, to the Philadelphia Eagles organization, the city of Philadelphia and the fans for us to do our job.’’
The Eagles brought in a grief counselor on Monday and several players met with him. But others said the only thing that will ease the pain is time and the comfort they can give each other.
"This is a tight-knit group that we have,’’ Mornhinweg said. “It's clear that what has happened has made our players even closer.”
Running back LeSean McCoy thought he knew Andy Reid pretty well, so he was surprised at how emotional Reid was when he spoke to him briefly after Garrett’s death.
“It was the first time I’ve ever seen Coach Reid choked up,’’ he said.
McCoy, like several of the Eagles, got a little choked up, too, or at least red-eyed, when he talked about Andy Reid and his son.
“They had a great relationship and you could see how much they loved each other,’’ he said. “That’s the kind of person Coach Reid is -- when he loves you, he shows it. Even now, with all he’s gone through, he’s concerned about us.’’
And that’s why McCoy wasn’t surprised by Reid’s final words to the team on Sunday.
“He told us to make sure we support each other,’’ McCoy said. “And that’s what we’re going to do.”
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Philadelphia Eagles from blogger Kevin Noonan, follow @CBSSportsNFLPHI.
