Reid's show of faith surprises Everitt
Philadelphia PA Inquirer 30Jul99 L3
By Phil Sheridan: Inquirer Staff Writer

BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA -- Soon after LDS Church member Andy Reid took over as coach of the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles he held a series of one-on-one meetings with the players. Reid had already commented that he wanted to build a team with charatcter, not characters, and had a reputation as straight-laced and intense. Center Steve Everitt was worried about his meeting with Reid, fearing that his long hair and ponytail and his reputation following a drunk driving charge would lead Reid to label him a troublemaker.

Instead, the interview was pleasant. Reid told Everitt, an art student in college, about his own father, an LA artist, painter and sculptor. "I know artists," Reid said. "I know they see the world through a different lens. I like that about Steve." Everitt thought the interview was "weird" but "cool," "It was weird," Everitt said. "I thought I'd come in and talk football immediately, but that was one of the first things he talked about. It was kind of cool: Here's a football coach who's really interested in that side. And you could tell he was sincere about it."

And Reid then made clear his high expectations of Everitt, his hopes that Everitt's experience and position would help him become the leader his teammates needed. "Everybody puts emphasis on the center position, but I think he's really putting a lot of pressure on me. The quarterback has so much to worry about, and I think he wants me to be kind of in charge of the rest of the players. My job is to make sure everybody is on the same page."

So Everitt is now impressed with Reid. "From day one," he said, "he's been all over me. Which is perfect."