Andy Reid, head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, has found himself in the midst of controversy following comments made by former player Chase Daniel. After the Chiefs’ decisive 29-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Daniel praised the team’s progress, stating they are “peaking at the right time,” in line with Reid’s philosophy of avoiding an early peak in performance.

The Chiefs, now boasting a 15-1 record after 17 games, showcased their dominance with a stellar performance. Patrick Mahomes threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns on 38 attempts, avoiding sacks and interceptions throughout the game. Additionally, Travis Kelce scored his third touchdown of the season, while Hollywood Brown continued to impress with another strong showing.

However, Mitchell Schwartz, a former Chiefs player from 2016-2020, took issue with Daniel’s interpretation of Reid’s mantra. Schwartz argued that the phrase “don’t peak too soon” is often misunderstood, explaining on X.com (formerly Twitter) that it refers to conserving energy before a game, not to overall season performance. Daniel attempted to clarify his remarks, stating he was referencing the upcoming 2025/26 NFL season, but Schwartz maintained his stance while acknowledging Daniel’s past experiences with Reid during their time at the Philadelphia Eagles.