St. Joseph Goats Cap Championship Season With Praise From Chiefs Coach Andy Reid

The St. Joseph Goats put together a season to remember, capturing the franchise’s first Arena League championship with a convincing 52-30 win over the Arkansas Diamonds.

The title marked a major step forward for the Goats, who have experienced just about every possible postseason outcome during their first three seasons in The Arena League. After a first-round playoff exit in their inaugural season and missing the postseason the following year, St. Joseph completed the turnaround by finishing this season on top.

Adding to the moment was a familiar face watching from inside Civic Arena.

Photo Credit: St. Joseph Goats

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid attended the championship game while the Chiefs were in St. Joseph for training camp at Missouri Western State University. On an off day from camp, Reid watched the Goats take on the Diamonds from a sideline box inside the downtown arena.

Reid also had the chance to reconnect with Goats wide receiver and former Missouri Tiger D'ionte "Boo" Smith, who previously spent time as a tryout player with the Chiefs.

As Chiefs training camp came to a close Thursday, Reid was asked about his experience at the Goats game and offered plenty of praise for both the team and St. Joseph's local football scene.

"It was fun to watch. Steve Craig I know is a big part of this community and he takes a lot of pride in that team, and I loved the show. It was great," Reid told reporters during his closing press conference.

Reid also congratulated the Goats on bringing a championship back to St. Joseph.

"Congratulations to them for winning the championship. It doesn't matter what level you're at, it's a championship, and they were the best at what they did and my hat goes off to them. It was fun."

For a franchise still building its history in St. Joseph, the championship already gives the Goats their biggest moment yet. Winning it in front of a Super Bowl-winning head coach who has spent more than a decade returning to St. Joseph each summer made the night even more memorable.