The Kansas City Chiefs, despite their impressive 13-1 record, continue to face skepticism. Safety Justin Reid, however, welcomes the doubters, seeing their negativity as fuel for the team's playoff drive. "Thanks for the motivation," Reid shared in a recent interview. "We appreciate it. Even with two consecutive championships, people still doubt us. It fires us up." Reid emphasized the team's focus on proving their critics wrong, stating, "They don’t ever have to learn. We’ll just keep showing up."

Beyond football, Reid has another championship title under his belt: the Chess.com BlitzChamps title. His interest in chess, which grew after joining the NFL, has become a pre-game ritual in the Chiefs' locker room. "We play every night before the game," Reid explained. "Win and you stay, lose and you get back in line." This tradition, he added, serves as both a superstition and a way to sharpen their minds before hitting the field.

Reid's chess victory is being documented by NFL Films, highlighting the growing popularity of chess among NFL players. The safety also noted the strategic parallels between chess and football, emphasizing the importance of thinking several steps ahead. Reid believes chess is a valuable tool for connection and strategic thinking, regardless of one's profession.

As the Chiefs approach the playoffs, Reid, a two-time Super Bowl champion, understands what it takes to win. Looking ahead to their upcoming game against his former team, the Houston Texans, Reid stressed the importance of continuous improvement. "We don’t feel like we’ve played our best football yet," he admitted. "It’s about not being satisfied and preparing each week. Mental preparedness is key in high-pressure situations."