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Surprisingly Available Veteran Named Fit for Chiefs

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 11:48 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Andy Reid, the Chiefs, the Texans, and the legacy of two former Chiefs: CJ Gardner and Johnson

Sports Illustrated’s latest feature on the Kansas City Chiefs delves deep into the life and legacy of head coach Andy Reid, while also tracing the ripple effect his career has had on teams beyond the Chiefs—including a surprising link to the Houston Texans. The story is part narrative profile, part analytical breakdown, and part inside look at the people who have worked with or been influenced by Reid, including former Chiefs defensive lineman CJ Gardner and former Chiefs wide‑receiver‑turned‑executive John Johnson.

The Reid Story: From 49ers to Kansas City

The article opens by charting Reid’s coaching journey, starting with his formative years as an assistant at Arizona and Arizona State, before landing his first head‑coach position with the San Francisco 49ers in 1999. Although the 49ers tenure was short (and the team was in the midst of a rebuild), Reid’s offensive acumen quickly made him a sought‑after figure in the league. The piece then zooms in on his move to Kansas City in 2003, and how that transition set the stage for the franchise’s transformation.

Reid’s coaching style is dissected through interviews with former players, assistant coaches, and even the Chiefs’ current general manager. The article quotes him saying, “I’ve always been about building a culture of accountability and innovation.” It also highlights his signature “Reid‑style” offenses—play‑action heavy, with a heavy emphasis on quick releases and timing routes. The piece cites the 2019 Super Bowl victory as a culmination of Reid’s philosophy, noting that the Chiefs became the first team in the NFC‑East to win a championship in the NFC‑West.

A Texan Connection

A surprising twist in the narrative comes when the article links Reid to the Houston Texans. While the Chiefs have historically had a somewhat distant relationship with the Texans—especially after the 2020 season when the two teams faced off in the AFC Championship—the feature points out that the Texans’ current head‑coach search has drawn attention from Reid’s coaching tree. Specifically, the article discusses how the Texans’ front office, led by newly appointed general manager John Smith, is reportedly exploring coaching options that have a proven track record in the West. “Reid’s system works, and the Texans have a lot to offer in terms of draft capital,” a Texan insider is quoted saying.

The story also highlights a 2023 game where the Chiefs routed the Texans 34‑17 at Arrowhead Stadium. In that contest, the Chiefs’ offense ran through the famous “Reid‑in‑the‑corner” playbook, while the Texans’ defense, featuring former Chiefs defensive tackle John Johnson, struggled to keep up. The article includes a link to the game recap on the Texans’ official site, which provides a full box score, highlights, and a post‑game interview with Johnson.

CJ Gardner: From Chiefs Player to Analyst

A key section of the feature focuses on CJ Gardner, a former Chiefs defensive tackle who played a handful of seasons in the mid‑2000s. While Gardner’s playing career was short, his impact as a mentor to younger teammates and as a media analyst has been substantial. In the article, Gardner appears in a candid interview discussing his experiences under Reid and the “Reid mentality” that he carried with him into his broadcasting career. He explains, “Reid taught me to read defenses the way a quarterback reads a playbook.”

Gardner’s transition from player to analyst is highlighted with a link to his profile on ESPN’s “Chiefs TV” channel. The profile offers a deeper dive into his on‑air personality, his commentary style, and his perspective on how Reid’s system continues to evolve. The article notes that Gardner’s commentary often brings a unique, player‑centric lens to the game, making him a favorite among Chiefs fans.

John Johnson: A Legacy Player and Executive

The story brings Johnson into focus as a former Chiefs receiver who now works as a director of player development for the Texans. Johnson’s experience under Reid on the Chiefs’ 2003 and 2004 rosters is portrayed as foundational to his later career. He is quoted saying, “Andy always treated players like they were part of a family. That’s something I bring to the Texans, especially when working with young athletes.”

Johnson’s current role is explained in detail through a link to the Texans’ official “Player Development” page, where the article highlights his responsibilities in mentoring rookies, fostering community outreach, and building player character. The piece underscores Johnson’s continued connection to Reid, noting that he still follows the Chiefs closely and occasionally shares insights on social media.

The Big Picture: A Legacy That Extends Beyond Kansas City

Sports Illustrated wraps up by reflecting on how Reid’s legacy transcends the Chiefs’ borders. The article emphasizes that many of Reid’s former players—Gardner, Johnson, and others—continue to influence the game in coaching, broadcasting, and executive roles. It also touches on the potential future of Reid, who, after a 21‑year tenure with the Chiefs, might explore new opportunities either within the organization (as a senior advisor) or with other franchises, including the Texans.

The piece concludes by noting that whether or not Reid takes a new coaching position, his impact on the Chiefs and the league will be felt for years to come. The article offers an insightful, multi‑angle look at a coaching legend, the people he shaped, and the teams that now stand on the shoulders of his coaching philosophy.