The pain is profound. Players and coaches were informed of the news on Sunday morning prior to their walkthrough practice, knelt in prayer together on the field, and then refrained from speaking after practice. General manager Howie Roseman and the Lehigh police issued statements and provided information on the facts of the death.
It is terrible news, the worst that any parent can hear. All that matters is sending out prayers with the hope that the Reid family makes it through this tragedy. From a football side, we don't know what Reid's next steps will be. He has informed his coaches and Roseman to keep moving forward, keep working hard and to approach business as usual. Chairman/CEO Jeffrey Lurie indicated in his during-practice address to the media that he anticipated Reid coaching on Thursday night against Pittsburgh after missing practices on Sunday and Monday.
Beyond that, what can you say? Anyone who has a child understands the agony Reid and his family feel at this moment. Then again, how can you understand if you have never experienced this?
Garrett Reid was a nice young man. He was always pleasant, always willing to talk and enjoy a conversation over lunch at the NovaCare Complex. He never bothered a soul as he helped in the strength and conditioning department and worked hard to get his body in great shape.
"Prayers go out to coach Reid and his family….RIP Garrett….much love!" Tweeted wide receiver Jeremy Maclin on Sunday morning.
"My blessings go out to the Reid Family .. We lost a close 1 this morning," Tweeted wide receiver DeSean Jackson.
"Garrett was always smiling and laughing no matter what. He was very caring and selfless. An overall great person. You will NOT be forgotten!" Tweeted wide receiver Chad Hall.
"I LOVE YOU MAN," Tweeted defensive end Jason Babin.
"My prayers 4 strength & Healing Father, 4 Coach Reid, Tammy and Family. RIP Garrett!!!!," Tweeted former Eagle Brian Dawkins.
Everyone hurts here. Everyone hurts who has a child, or has lost a loved one or just plain has feelings for another good human being and his family.
On the football side, the Eagles are going to move forward with Marty Mornhinweg running the offense and with Juan Castillo overseeing the defense. Both coordinators understand the jobs they have to do, and that the business of football must go on and they will work extremely hard, with incredible focus, to have great football days ahead. Everyone who works for Andy Reid at moments like this knows this is payback time, or, as Roseman said in the press conference on Sunday, "he's always been strong for us; we're going to be strong for him right now."
It all seems so small now, doesn't it? How much does football matter at times like this? For everyone out there who loves the Eagles, please say a prayer for the Reid family. Reid has been deeply involved with his family and is a great man and a great father. He is devastated now, and is caring for his family in whatever way is possible now.
