The Kansas City Chiefs had a special guest at practice during their final session of the week ahead of Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers.
Ex-Eagles QB Michael Vick, who played for Chiefs HC Andy Reid from 2009-2012, was present for the last practice session of the week. Vick has previously served as the Chiefs' coaching intern at training camp at St. Joseph, Missouri ahead of the 2017 NFL season. He was also present for training camp in a coaching capacity ahead of the 2022 NFL season.
“I’m a big Michael Vick fan,” Reid said, back in 2022. “I’ve watched him go through his trials and tribulations and come out on the better end. He’s a great father and husband, he loves the game most of all.”
According to NBC Sports' Peter King, the Chiefs pool reporter for the week, Mahomes was especially sharp during practice and drew audible praise from Vick on a particular play.
After one sidearm completion, Mahomes got big congratulations from practice visitor Mike Vick, who played for Kansas City coach Andy Reid with the Eagles for four seasons.
I'm told that Vick addressed the whole team, providing some inspiration and insight ahead of the big game.
This isn't exactly uncommon for the Chiefs
Andy Reid often brings in some guests from his past ahead of the Super Bowl to address the team. Ahead of Super Bowl LIV against the 49ers, the Chiefs had ex-Dallas Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson, a two-time Super Bowl winner, and ex-Eagles QB Donovan McNabb at practice. Both spoke to the team about their Super Bowl experiences, both good and bad.
Why Mike Vick this time, given his lack of Super Bowl experience and 2-4 record in the playoffs during his career? Well, it's not always about the accomplishments of the player or coach, sometimes it's about how they can inspire that particular group of players.
Travis Kelce, for instance, idolized Vick when he was growing up.
@grahambensingerTravis Kelce on what it was like to have Michael Vick around Chiefs training camp #traviskelce #michaelvick #chiefskingdom #kcchiefs #nfl #football
♬ original sound - Graham Bensinger
Ahead of Super Bowl LVII against the Eagles last year, the Chiefs had former strength and conditioning coach Barry Rubin, who retired following the 2022-23 NFL season, break the huddle and address the team.
Given the strict COVID-19 guidelines for Super Bowl LV against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the job of motivator was left to Eric Fisher. The former No. 1 overall pick suffered a torn Achilles in the AFC title game. He watched practice from the sideline, cheered his teammates on, and broke the huddle following practice.
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