This piece is a part of our Q+A series. Know someone we should interview? Nominate them here.
Every night. No sleep! Bus, gameday, ‘nother gameday, ‘nother gameday, plane, next place. Lady Gaga said it first, but Chiefs head coach Andy Reid can surely relate. So, how is the community figure seemingly everywhere at once? That’s where his doppelgänger — Matt Black, better known as “Almost Andy Reid” — plays a part.
Almost Andy hops from game days at Arrowhead to parties, professional + corporate events, product promotions, and media appearances — all dressed as the real Andy Reid. We caught up with the metro superstar in this month’s Q+A. We asked questions about what sparked this idea + what’s in store for his brand.
Your platform is all about promoting good things in KC. What’s your favorite thing about the city?
Without a doubt, the people are my favorite thing about Kansas City. We are really blessed with a wonderfully diverse, caring, and fun-loving community. Whenever anybody asks me if I am Andy Reid, I always respond, “Almost!” The citizens of the metro are really special, and I absolutely enjoy sharing a story or smile with them. Many know I am not coach but want to take a picture with me anyway. Some have tried to tip me, and I always turn that down, in turn asking them to pass on the kindness to someone that really needs it. After all, I am a fan first. To have this opportunity to express how much I love the Chiefs is all the thanks I need.
Have you met up with the real Andy Reid? What was that encounter like if so? What would you or did you say to him?
I have not had the opportunity to meet coach. I believe that will happen one of these days, and I have had some of his close friends tell me he enjoys what I am doing. With a pandemic still hanging around, the last thing I would want to do is have him out and about just to meet me. I prefer to just wait it out and let it happen organically. If I did meet him, I would probably not talk football, but talk with him about character — what his leadership and the way he handles our team means to me and the community. Coach is a great guy, and I am sure we will talk about a few of our favorite cheeseburger spots around town.
What has been your favorite Chiefs memory of all time?
There is no doubt it is the Super Bowl win in 2020. I had been pondering traveling to Miami, but instead, I decided it was an important enough moment to stay at home and watch the game with my kids. They were beating a drum and chanting during the game. We were all caught up in the drama of the comeback. I remember crying with them when Tyreek caught that ball, and when Damian Williams sealed the win with his touchdown catch and run into the endzone. There is no Chiefs moment that brought more joy in my life than to celebrate that with my kids. It is a memory I will cherish all of my life. Although, the 1993 Joe Montana pass to win a playoff game against Pittsburgh ranks up there pretty high, too.
What unique opportunities has this role brought to you?
I have become a very popular request on the Cameo app. In fact, this summer I cracked the top 60 talents on the app. People often hire me to wish them a happy birthday, anniversary, roast a friend, and make announcements for their fantasy football teams. I have also had the opportunity to promote many Kansas City small businesses to the world. My video on “Town Topic” has over 1.5 million views.
What do you do to enhance your resemblance to Andy Reid? Do you use any local products to aid in your persona/appearance?
Coach is 10 years older than me, so I do age myself just a bit. A little gray on the eyebrows, and I enhance my age lines that are very similar to his own. The key to coach is definitely the well-coiffed mustache, and that is all natural, home grown, and trimmed.
When was the moment you knew you were going to be a die-hard Chiefs fan?
In 1977, McDonalds published this first volume of the history of the Super Bowl, and it was that publication that really started my love of the Chiefs and football in general.
What sparked the start of your brand, “Almost Andy Reid?”
My wife had purchased tickets to a Halloween Ball, and I needed a costume. I looked in the mirror, shaved my beard, and decided I could pull off an Andy Reid costume. Being a lifelong fan, I had the wardrobe for it, and had an old headset in my basement.
How often do you get mistaken for the real Andy + what has been your funniest encounter with the general public?
It happens every day — whether at the store shopping for groceries, or at one of my favorite donut shops and fast food restaurants. People come up to me and ask if I “know I look like Andy Reid.” I usually respond with, “You know, people tell me that a lot.”
What are your predictions for the Chiefs the remainder of this season?
I don’t really like to give predictions, as it would be out of Andy’s character. However, if I were asked if we are going to host our fourth straight AFC championship game and go to our third straight Super Bowl, I would respond with, “I would not be surprised.” These guys are a great group in the locker room and out in the community. If anyone can do that, they certainly can. They are experiencing the challenges of what it means to be on top. Even though we have had our struggles this season, I have no doubt they will figure this out and go on a magical stretch that will amaze everyone.
What is your fondest memory thus far as Almost Andy Reid?
Working with Eric Stonestreet — known as Randy Reid. He is one of the kindest, Kansas City-loving people you will ever meet. When he brought me in to be a part of the latest “Randy Reid” video at training camp, it was an absolute blast. Unfortunately, many did not know that it was me in the Hawaiian Tommy Bahama shirt due to the fact I look a lot like coach.
What can we expect next from Almost Andy Reid? Do you have anything in the works for your brand currently to expand?
I work very hard on my Cameo requests. I also have a few social media endorsements from products like the Coldest Water Bottle Company, and brands have been reaching out on a pretty regular basis. You will always see me in the parking lots before games taking pictures with fans and greeting our guests from other teams. I do really appreciate any time someone has an extra ticket and wants to invite me to a game. Overall, I am truly blessed to have so many good friends, a beautiful family, and the greatest football team in all of history to cheer on! Well, that last statement may be a little biased.
