Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Quotes
September 30, 2026
OPENING STATEMENT: “Alright, as far as the injuries go, really (T) Josh (Simmons) is the only one. He is making progress, he’s had a bulging disk in his lower back. It’s kind of hindered the strength of his leg, but he’s working through it. He’s here every day, grinding away. We didn’t have to make any roster moves, so we didn’t have to put him on IR or anything, so it’s all worked out good that way. The positive is though, he is making progress and getting stronger, which is important with those backs, as we all kind of know. Backs can be a little tricky. With that, we look forward to the challenge of playing the Raiders, I mean they’re a good football team. (Raiders Head Coach) Klint (Kubiak) has done a heck of a job with them. As his coaches have, and his players are playing hard, so they’ve got good schemes and they’re executing them. We’ll have a good week at practice, as we prep for them. So, with that, time’s yours.”
Q: What do you see from Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak compared to the other coaches they’ve had over the years?
REID: “(Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak) He’s a good football coach, he’s got good assistant coaches, guys that have been in the business for a while, and they’ve got good schemes. So, the guys are executing it and executing it fast and accurate. They’ve got a ton of turnovers, and batted balls and everything else, so they’re playing aggressive football.”
Q: On T Josh Simmon’s timeline.
REID: “Yeah, the timeline, that would be the other half of not putting (T Josh Simmons) him on IR, you never know with these things. We just hang with the positive that he’s here and that he’s getting better. The exams that he’s had, he’s making progress. Which is the biggest positive of everything.”
Q: Is there a possibility of surgery?
REID: “No, I think we’re headed the right direction here. Shouldn’t happen, but we’ll see. We’ll see where it all goes. I think we’re going to be, knock on wood, I think we’re going to be in a good place with time here.”
Q: Do you see the playbook opening up with T Josh Simmons in the lineup, just time for passing plays and things like that?
REID: “No, but I can see I opened up a playbook, so we’re going to ask every question on this. No, I don’t see any different.”
Q: What's special about the rivalry between QB Patrick Mahomes and Raiders DE Maxx Crosby?
REID: “Relentless. Relentless, tough, heck of a player, all pro. One of the best in the business. (Raiders DE Maxx Crosby) His ability to maintain that intensity throughout a game, that's special.”
Q: Is facing Raiders DE Maxx Crosby something more for QB Patrick Mahomes?
REID: “Both of (QB Patrick Mahomes and Raiders DE Maxx Crosby) them are competitors. They like to play against each other, and that's always good.”
Q: Have you noticed just some similarities with what Raiders did this offseason as far as getting a lot of veterans and maybe some guys accustomed to winning to establish the play?
REID: “Yeah, I hadn't thought about that, but it might be similar to that. We had some veterans here that were pretty established on the defensive side. But I haven't gone back and matched that up like that. I'll let you do that.”
Q: Is there something important about having some veterans in the room trying to establish something new?
REID: “Yeah, good players that are smart guys, and they've got some guys that fit into that category. And you can see that on tape. There are not a lot of mistakes happening.”
Q: What do you see different out of the way this defense performs with the Raiders as opposed to maybe other years?
REID: “Yeah, they've always played us tough over the years. I mean, it's still Raiders and Chiefs, and the records really didn't matter going into it. Both teams played hard against each other. They've got a good group of guys right now and good leadership, and they're doing well. A lot of turnovers.”
Q: On the atmosphere the fans will bring to the game on Sunday.
REID: “Yeah, no, I think that's great. It's great for the league. It's great for the Raiders fans. They should be excited. You love that part of this. You love the challenge. That's why we all do this thing and going against a good team. I mean, you put all this work and time in. You love going against a good team.”
Q: Did you know you’re tied for the most wins in that building?
REID: “Soren (Petro) thank you, I didn’t know that and I don’t really care (laughter).”
Q: Why has your play action been such a focus, and why is that working for you?
REID: “Yeah, we've got a good running back, a couple good running backs there, and we've been running the football, so obviously, that's going to fit in with that. (QB Patrick) Pat’s (Mahomes) doing a nice job with it. The whole line's doing a nice job with it.”
Q: How do you think QB Patrick Mahomes manages to have so much success despite the pressure that he often sees in this?
REID: “I think that's universal in this league. I think you have to be able to perform with pressure. I mean, that's part of it, and (QB Patrick Mahomes) he does it as well as anybody. He's got a knack for it and still keeping himself upright. But you see that around the league. I mean, if you can't handle pressure as a quarterback in this league, you're probably not going to be doing very well. This guy is full charging.”
Chiefs Player Quotes
September 30, 2026
QB PATRICK MAHOMES
Q: On the challenge of facing the Raiders defense and Raiders DE Maxx Crosby.
MAHOMES: “Yeah, they've brought in a lot of guys that are really good football players, and they've added young, talented guys in there as well. And so, obviously, it starts with (Raiders DE) Maxx (Crosby) and their defensive line and being able to protect and be able to run the ball and do stuff like that. But they have great players everywhere and they fly to the football. And I think what you said is that they turned the football over, which is huge in this league, and so, we'll have to match their intensity. We'll have to execute at a high level, but it'll be a great challenge for us, and we're excited for it.”
Q: What is your respect level for Raiders DE Maxx Crosby?
MAHOMES: “Yeah, (Raiders DE Maxx Crosby) he's one of the best competitors in the league. I think that's where the respect comes from is that we kind of have that mutual want to be the best on the field when we're out there. And so, when you go against those guys, it brings out the best in you, but there's a ton of respect for how he plays the game of football, how he competes, and the man that he is. And so, for me, I just know when I step on that football field, I'm going to need my best because he's going to bring his best, and I think that's when you get the best games out there.”
Q: You and Raiders DE Maxx Crosby have had some exchanges back and forth. Anything that you can remember?
MAHOMES: “I'm here. That's all I'm going to have for now. I think it's just being competitors. It's almost like whenever you're young and you're competing with one of your friends, man, you want to win because you kind of have those bragging rights and you kind of go into the offseason, and if you see the guy, you can kind of give him a little something here and there. It's something about that. It's just what the pure football is, is having the best competitors compete against each other and that's what I think you really get whenever you go out there and it's Raiders versus Chiefs.”
Q: Did you follow Raiders DE Maxx Crosby through his offseason when he was traded to Baltimore then not traded?
MAHOMES: “I mean (Raiders DE Maxx Crosby) he was going to be on the Ravens. So, either way, I would’ve saw him at some point. It was a weird offseason. It was surprising to me just knowing who he is and the way he competes and they trade for him and they end up not taking him and wanting to send him back because of the player that he is, but I know he'll use that as motivation. And then him, he's coming off injury as well, and I know he'll use that as motivation as well. So, it's always great to have the great players in the league and get up to go up against them and compete. And so, I'm excited for it.”
Q: You had said during the offseason about having to handle pressure a little bit differently, maybe scrambling less. What has stood out to you in particular the last couple of weeks under pressure?
MAHOMES: “Yeah, I think we've had great answers and then being me, being able to get the ball in my hand on time and in rhythm has been big. And I think that goes to being able to run the football, play action off of it, and then whenever we do call the drop-back passing game, having the answers and knowing what coverages the defenses are going to be in, it's helped me get the ball to my hand quickly. And so I think that's been kind of the answer so far but there'll be times where I need to scramble but if I can get the ball out of my hands like I talked about all of the season and get it to the playmakers, good things happen.”
Q: What kind of games do you like playing in?
MAHOMES: “I just love playing football. It doesn't matter to me. I love the Chiefs fans traveling. It's always cool to see the red in the stadium and hear ‘Home of the Chiefs’ and the National Anthem and everything like that. But at the end of the day, man, it's about playing football and playing the game that you love. And so, I wouldn't be surprised if it's a very hostile environment, trying to take me back to those Oakland Raiders days and so I'm excited just for the challenge. They're playing great football. You can see it on tape. That 3-0 record's real. They've been playing great the entire season. And so, for us, it's another step, another challenge that we have to go up there and match.”
Q: Do you text and stay in contact with Raiders DE Maxx Crosby?
MAHOMES: “Yeah, we actually text each other kind of. (Raiders DE Maxx Crosby) He actually texted me right when I got cleared to play and just kind of said, ‘Hey, we're both back.’ And for me, I was just kind of like, ‘Let's show the world who we are.’ And so, I think that's just the competitors in this league. There is a rivalry, when we step on that field, we're going to go at it. That's just kind of what it is and we both know that. But at the end of the day, man, you want the great competitors, the great players in this league because it makes the league better. And it makes when you go out there and do get the win even better.”
Q: How do you support T Josh Simmons on his way back to the field as he is rehabbing?
MAHOMES: “I have a different perspective, so, obviously, my rehab's a lot longer. But at the same time, you put in the work every single day and you want to get back and be back on that field. And so, I've been seeing (T Josh Simmons) him, and he's putting in the work. He's doing whatever it takes to get on the field as quickly as possible and hopefully that's a little quicker rather than later. So, I'm excited for him, man. He's competing and he's doing whatever he can to be back out there and then whenever he gets back out there, we'll be ready to go.”
Q: Do you feel like the offensive line is up for the challenge of playing the Raiders pass rush?
MAHOMES: “Yeah, they're ready for it. They've done a great job this year, being able to go up against some really good defenses, some really good rushers and doing a great job of protecting me. And they do a great job in the run game as well, which helps with the pass rush as well. And so, they'll continue to get better and better and they'll learn from their mistakes that they make throughout the weeks. They're young, but at the same time, I have all the trust in the world in those guys and like you said, it's not just (Raiders DE) Maxx (Crosby). (Raiders DE Malcolm Koonce) 51's doing a great job. (Raiders DE) Kwity Paye’s doing a great job of rushing the passer, all those guys, and so it'll be another challenge for them and I'm excited for them to go out there and accept it.”
Q: What do you attribute the improvement on the deep ball to this season?
MAHOMES: “I think it's a lot of things. First off with the play action game, it's kind of opened up more things and made throws easier, more one-on-one type throws and so I give guys chances to make plays.
And then I think like we've had a lot of young receivers come in. So, I've gotten more and more reps with those guys and it's hard to replicate reps under pressure in the game and stuff like that. And so, I think I've gotten more and more comfortable throwing it to where they like to catch the football and then they go out there and just make the plays. And so, I think kind of a combination of all those things has kind of helped the deep passing game this year and we'll have to continue to do that. Because obviously we want to run the football, but if defenses are going to come up and try to stop the run, we have to be able to hit it over the top.”
Q: On being involved in youth sports as a kid and playing baseball with his son in the rain.
MAHOMES: “Yeah, it's extremely important. I have those memories from my Dad and him being around and being there and my Mom as well of just being Dad and Mom and being at the game and supporting me. And so, I want to be able to do that as much as I can and obviously it's a lot in season. I can do it a little bit better in the offseason, but whenever I do get the opportunity, I'm out there. And so, it was raining a little hard. I kept texting the coach. I was like, ‘Are you sure we haven't canceled the game?’ And then, it did end up getting canceled, but we were able to go out there and have a lot of fun. We were out there. It started raining. I'm like, we're here now. Let's just play and have some fun. And so, it's really cool and (Patrick) Bronze (Mahomes III) is loving it and so I'm excited for his future and whatever he wants to do.”
Q: On appreciating the wins.
MAHOMES: “Yeah, I just think more than anything is that, I don't want to say we’ve got—you don't get tired of winning. It doesn't always have to be pretty. It doesn't always have to be the best thing. It's just, you won the football game. That's hard in the NFL, and no matter who, no matter who the opponent is, no matter what week it is, no matter what, when it is in the season, that you go out there and you win a football game, you should be celebrating that. We know we have to watch tape and we have to get better. We didn't play to our standard we felt like, but at the end of the day, you won the football game and so I think over the last few years, sometimes you go to the Super Bowl and it's like, you think you need to play perfect every single week. I think almost as important as how do you play when everything's not going perfect and how do you strain to finish and how do you get better? And so, I thought we did a great job of that towards the end of the game, this last game, and now it's about building on that and trying to play even better this next week.”
LB NICK BOLTON
Q: What's the challenge in facing this new look Raiders offense?
BOLTON: “Yeah, obviously, like you said, they're new. (Raiders TE) Brock Bowers got back in the lineup last week, but they're running the ball well, playing good up front. (Raiders QB) Kirk Cousins staying clean, throwing the ball on time and on target, so definitely a challenge for us to get them off the spot, stop the running game, get some penetration, and get some third and longs.”
Q: How do you manage what (Raiders TE) Brock Bowers is able to do?
BOLTON: “Yeah, obviously, we only got one game on (Raiders TE Brock Bowers) him this year and how they're going to use him, but obviously, he's versatile with the ball. They find different ways to get him involved in the offense, spread him out, put him in location, screen game, so we's got to be aware of where he's at. Just kind of have 22 eyes on him, I guess, and that's the game plan.”
Q: What kind of things are you working on, or maybe what wasn't working for you guys against the Dolphins on some of those third and longs that you don't normally give up?
BOLTON: “Yeah, we’ve just got to give up some penalties, especially in the first drive, on those third and extra longs. And some of that stuff's just execution, just owning our leverage. Some of the blitz passes weren't as crisp as they've been in weeks past, so there's some things that we can work out, out there on the grass, and we're going to attack those this week.”
CB MANSOOR DELANE
Q: On his defensive mentality and if the shoulder injury affected it.
DELANE: “Yeah, just having that physical mentality, kind of just trying to do what (Defensive Coordinator) Coach (Steve) Spags (Spagnuolo) harps on, just being physical and have it set in that tone. So that was kind of my mentality with that.”
Q: Have you had any moments yet as a rookie where you're looking out there and you've played against someone you grew up watching?
DELANE: “Not really. I think because I came here, my first practice was playing against (QB) Patrick Mahomes and stuff like that and (TE) Travis Kelce. So, I feel like that's as good as it gets. So, kind of that surreal moment overcame it because I see those guys in the locker room every day. So, when I go out on the field, it's kind of just normal.”
Q: How has CB L’Jarius Sneed helped you?
DELANE: “Yeah, I think just the way (CB L’Jarius Sneed) he's a vet, his preparation, just his mentality. I think it's another thing (Defensive Coordinator) Coach (Steve) Spags (Spagnuolo) loves about him. The thing I love about him is just the way he plays the game, forcing that fumble. It may not always be the cleanest way, but he's going to find a way to get it done and I just love that about that guy.”