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Now, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid is dealing with the same loss today, with his son Garrett being found dead in his hotel room at Eagles camp. The 29 year old Garrett had battled with drugs in previous years, including a stint in prison, although no cause of death - or any suspicion of illicit drug use - has been speculated in this case.
Joe Philbin was hired by the Dolphins a week after MIchael's death. Andy Reid is expected to return to the Eagles' practices as early as Monday. Both men, just like most athletes (such as Michael Jordan after the murder of his father) and coaches, will use the football field as their escape from reality, a way to deal with the grief and sorrow of having lost a child.
Philbin released a statement tonight about the worst situation a parent can ever face, exactly what Andy and Tammy Reid are dealing with right now:
"The loss of a child and a sibling is absolutely devastating to a family," Philbin stated in the statement released through the Dolphins. "Our hearts go out to Andy and Tammy Reid as they mourn the loss of their precious son, Garrett. We will keep them and their other children, Britt, Spencer, Crosby and Drew Ann, in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time."
Rest in peace Garrett, and all of our thoughts and/or prayers go out to you, the Reid family, the Philadelphia Eagles organization, and the entire Eagles fan base as they try to make sense of this situation.
You can head over to SB Nation's Philadelphia Eagles blog, Bleeding Green Nation, for more on the story or to express your sympathies.