For the second consecutive year, Justin Reid has proven he’s not just a formidable safety on the football field, but also a savvy strategist off it. In a thrilling finale at the Blitzchamps chess tournament—an event bringing together both current and former NFL players—Reid defeated Kyler Murray, adding another title to his growing résumé. This year’s tournament featured a diverse group of competitors, including notable names like Justin Herbert, Mack Hollins, Richard Sherman, Rashawn Slater, AJ Dillon, and Harrison Phillips.
Reid’s victory makes him the first player to win the tournament twice, and he attributes much of his success on the chessboard to the mental similarities between chess and football. “I love [chess]. I’m obsessed with it. I play it almost every day,” Reid shared. It’s fascinating to hear how he channels the preparation mindset he uses for NFL games into his chess strategy. “Whenever we’re getting ready to play a game and you start to get excited because you know that moment is coming where you’re about to go into combat with your brothers,” he explained, “I play one or two games to calm myself down and bring myself back to peace because I play my best when I’m calm and thinking clearly, rather than when I’m jacked up on emotion.”
This perspective reflects a profound understanding of both games. Just like in football, staying calm under pressure can mean the difference between a winning move and a critical blunder. “Sometimes, you can see what your opponent is about to do before they do it,” Reid noted, drawing an insightful parallel between anticipating a quarterback’s movements and predicting an opponent’s chess strategy. It’s all about maintaining composure and making the right decisions when it counts.
Adding an impactful layer to his win, Reid’s chess triumph comes with a $30,000 donation to his foundation, JReid Indeed, which aims to provide opportunities for disadvantaged youth in Houston and Kansas City—where he has played during his NFL career—as well as in his hometown of Baton Rouge. After forging a path with the Texans and the Chiefs, Reid is now heading back to Louisiana after signing with the Saints this offseason, where he will undoubtedly continue to inspire the next generation both on and off the field.
As Reid has shown, the game of chess serves as a great metaphor for football. Whether it’s making critical plays or strategizing for success, both require mental acuity, foresight, and the ability to thrive under pressure. Watching how he applies his chess successes to his NFL career will be intriguing as the upcoming season unfolds.
