Chiefs' Trick Play Traced to 90-Year-Old Idea from ESPN's Chris Berman
Andy Reid revealed that a pivotal touchdown play against the Broncos originated from a suggestion by the legendary broadcaster.
The Kansas City Chiefs utilized a trick play that resulted in a touchdown against the Denver Broncos on Monday night, a play that head coach Andy Reid revealed on Tuesday originated from ESPN commentator Chris Berman.
Late in the Chiefs' 31-10 victory, quarterback Patrick Mahomes flipped a pass to running back Kenneth Walker III, who then advanced the ball for a 2-yard touchdown. The play involved an unusual formation, with Justin Fields, acquired as Mahomes' backup, lining up next to him in the backfield. Fields moved to his left as if to receive a handoff or option pitch, drawing defensive attention before Mahomes delivered the ball to Walker.
Reid stated that the play was a "1936er" and credited Berman for suggesting it. "Honestly, it was a great play. They executed it well. … We’ve run it before, just not that smooth," Reid told reporters.
Walker, who recorded 173 rushing yards and two touchdowns in his Chiefs debut, acknowledged the play's historical roots. "The film we watched was probably from 1900, so it was hard to see," Walker said. "But we worked it over and over in practice, and we felt like that was going to work — and it did."