Tag: Justin Reid

Chiefs’ Justin Reid, Trent McDuffie visited Negro Leagues Baseball Museum for Juneteenth

A pair of new #Chiefs celebrated #Juneteenth by taking a trip to @NLBMuseumKC with over a dozen football players from Lincoln College Preparatory Academy.

June 19th (commonly referred to as Juneteenth) is a federal holiday that commemorates the official end of slavery in the United States. To celebrate the holiday this past weekend, a pair of new Kansas City Chiefs were out in the community, educating and being educated at the historic Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) in Kansas City, Missouri.

Joined by the president of the NLBM, Bob Kendrick, and over a dozen football players from Lincoln College Preparatory Academy, Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie and S Justin Reid learned about the history and importance of the Negro Leagues.

“I don’t care what sport you might play,” Kendrick said. “All roads lead to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.”

Both Reid and McDuffie had never been to the NLBM before. They had the opportunity to learn about how many of the athletes who played in this league were pioneers for professional sports as we currently know them. Both players had some revelations from their experience at the museum.

“America’s game was baseball at the time,” Reid said. “So, a lot of the greatest athletes played in this league. Their love and passion for playing their sport bled into culture and ended up making revolutionary changes in society.”

“One thing that I really found interesting was that at the Negro League games, the crowd was not segregated,” McDuffie said. “Everybody sat together. Compared to other Major League Baseball games at that time — they were segregated. To me, that was really cool, because you never really hear about that and those certain things that morphed society into what it is today.”

Kendrick emphasized that the story of the Negro Leagues teaches us about overcoming adversity. That’s a good lesson for both McDuffie and Reid to be reminded of ahead of the start of the season. It also served as an opportunity for both players to learn a bit about their new home and those who came before them.

“For me, Kansas City now is home,” McDuffie said. “Just being able to come here and feel like I’m a part of the community is special.”

McDuffie spoke at length to Chiefs team reporter Matt McMullen from the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum for the “Defending the Kingdom” podcast. You can watch that interview here. To find out more about the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, you can visit their website here.

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WATCH: Chiefs premiere Episode 1 of ‘Work to Win’

The #Chiefs’ new behind-the-scenes series “Work to Win” premieres now, with the first episode titled “Free Agency.”

The premiere of the Kansas City Chiefs’ new behind-the-scenes documentary series “Work to Win” is underway, debuting Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. CT.

This particular episode is titled, “Free Agency.” It’s the first of three episodes and based on the trailer it’ll provide the team with a behind-the-scenes look at the free agency process. That includes insight into why players like Justin Reid, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Ronald Jones and Marquez Valdes-Scantling chose to join the Chiefs.

Below is the description of tonight’s episode, via the team’s YouTube channel:

“From the signings of S Justin Reid, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling & RB Ronald Jones to the trade of WR Tyreek Hill, we look back at the moves the Chiefs made in the 2022 free agency period while looking ahead to the NFL Draft.”

You can watch the premiere at the top of the page live or check out the video afterward. You can also view it over on the Chiefs’ official YouTube channel.

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Chiefs S Justin Reid is enjoying Steve Spagnuolo’s defense at OTAs

#Chiefs S Justin Reid is loving Steve Spagnuolo’s defense for its versatility and the depth of the playbook. | from @EdEastonJr

The second day of OTAs showcased more talent from the Kansas City Chiefs roster as the coaching staff got an up-close look at some new additions.

One of the prized free-agent signings this offseason was safety Justin Reid who begins his tenure in Kansas City after spending the past four seasons with the Houston Texans. He’s joining a defensive system that’s unlike anything he had experienced in Houston. Steve Spagnuolo’s formations and style seem quick-fitting for Reid, as he discussed during Thursday’s press conference after Day 2 at OTAs.

“I think it’s because the defense is so versatile,” Reid said. “And not only do we have like 100 plays that we’re able to just game plan and pick and choose which weapons we want to use against opponents coming into the future, but also taking advantage of opportunities like this, where we get to play against our offense, which is not undoubtedly one of the most firepower set offenses in the league. So we get to play against those guys every day. Iron sharpening iron, it makes the whole team better.”

Reid started all 13 games he played last season for the Texans finishing with 75 tackles and two sacks. After just a short period of time, Reid feels he’s connecting with this new defensive system on a different level than any previous system he’d been in.

“I love it, man. It’s electric, his defense,” Reid said. “We’ve got guys coming from all over the place. Coverage spinning in different directions. This is undoubtedly going to be the most fun defense that I’ve played in so far.”

Entering his fifth NFL season, Reid accepts the responsibility of being a veteran in the room. He knows that he is someone that young players will lean on, especially when it comes to learning the playbook.

“The playbook here is very deep,” Reid said. “And it was deeper than what it was when I was a rookie back in Houston. And those guys are coming along really well with it. The culture here is really good in the DB room. Guys ask questions. We’re not afraid to go and help each other. The unity is there. And like I said, Trent (McDuffie), Josh (Williams), Bryan(Cook), all those guys are doing a great job.”

The Chiefs will need to have their new acquisitions up to speed in the secondary quickly to help solidify an area that gave up big plays last year. Reid will have a big role in the success of that group by executing plays and leading by example for the rookies.

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What are the Chiefs seeing in Texans defensive backs that Houston isn’t?

The Kansas City Chiefs believe they can get something out of Houston Texans defensive backs that the club clearly can’t.

It started with Tyrann Mathieu. The former Arizona Cardinals 2013 third-round safety had a bounce back year with the Houston Texans in 2018, was well liked, loved the city himself, but signed a three-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs.

The “Honey Badger” earned two Pro Bowl appearances and two first-team All-Pro selections. Coming to Houston was the rejuvenation Mathieu needed to get his career back on track.

Then, the Chiefs signed Justin Reid to a three-year deal in free agency.

Then, Kansas City traded for cornerback-turned-safety-then-back-again Lonnie Johnson.

What exactly do the Chiefs see in Texans defensive backs? How are they able to get better production out of them compared to when they were in Houston?

According to Chiefs general manager Brett Veach, the club had their eye on Johnson after the Texans drafted him in the second round from Kentucky in 2019. Kansas City also had Johnson’s former defensive coordinator at Kentucky on staff in Matt House.

The Chiefs were monitoring Johnson’s constant yo-yoing between cornerback and safety with great interest.

“We just kind of make a note of all those conversations and (Lonnie Johnson) was a guy that his name had gotten brought up,” Veach said. “We did have some experience with him. Coach House was here. We went through the process with Lonnie coming out. He was with him at Kentucky and obviously, Justin played with him in Houston. So we were able to talk to both people.

“I think Lonnie was in a situation where he was bouncing around from corner to safety and back to corner, back to safety. I just said, ‘Look we’re pretty good here at safety.’ We have some corners we like, but we also like big, long, press corners. We know he can press, we know he’s physical and we think he’ll come in here and compete.”

In other words, the Chiefs have specific plans for the players they acquire.

The shifting of Johnson between safety and cornerback roles would not be such a problem if not for the fact Houston squandered a second-round talent. Players taken in the top-100 of a draft need to be solid starters for a club throughout their rookie contract, and Johnson was curtailed by having to learn multiple roles. Kansas City knows what they want out of Johnson, and don’t be surprised if he starts to play better than he did while in Houston.

Lonnie Johnson discusses role with Chiefs, reunion with Justin Reid

New #Chiefs CB Lonnie Johnson commented on his role in Kansas City and reuniting with his “Evil Twin” Justin Reid.

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The Kansas City Chiefs have a new cornerback on the roster after acquiring Lonnie Johnson Jr. in a trade from the Houston Texans.

While speaking with Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson, Johnson revealed that he will play cornerback in Kansas City after three seasons of playing a hybrid role in Houston. The veteran is excited to have a single and secure role for a change.

“Man, I think they’re going to be able to use me the right way, go out there, be physical and have me lock down one position,” Johnson said. “To set a foundation with a team and position, I’m just overall happy and blessed”

While there were multiple factors leading to Johnson’s departure from the Texans, he mostly felt it was time for both sides to part ways. He was appreciative of them for drafting him, supporting him and trading him to a “winning team.” He was most thankful for being reunited with his former Texans teammate, Justin Reid, who Kansas City signed as a free agent this offseason.

“Man, it’s amazing, bro,” Johnson told Wilson. “(Reid), that’s my Evil Twin. I’m just glad to be in the situation that I’m. in just happy. I’m overwhelmed it’s crazy.”

It’s safe to say that the feeling is mutual between Johnson and Reid.

Between free agency, the 2022 NFL draft and this post-draft trade, the defensive secondary in Kansas City is beginning to take shape. It’s looking as competitive as it has ever been and should make for a good storyline as the offseason progresses.

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Chiefs defenders got together in Arizona for offseason workouts

Patrick Mahomes wasn’t the only member of the #Chiefs getting together with teammates for offseason workouts.

Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes and his offensive teammates weren’t the only players on the team who got together of their own volition during the offseason to get some work in.

Speaking to the media to kick off the team’s offseason workout program, Chiefs LB Nick Bolton informed local reporters of what he’s been up to this offseason. He stopped by the team facility for workouts when he was in town, he linked up with fellow LB Willie Gay Jr. for workouts and he also met up with a few defenders (and one receiver) who were in Arizona for offseason training.

“Yeah, there’s been a couple of times when I work out at the facility, there have been a couple of guys there. I’ve worked out with Willie (Gay). I know Jermaine (Carter) got in today. Also, Elijah Lee got in today. I’m looking forward to working out with those guys. In the offseason, I was actually in Arizona. Justin Reid was down there. We had a couple of guys down there. Cornell Powell, Juan (Thornhill) was down there. We all get work in, we don’t really post to social media, but we’re all getting work in together trying to improve and trying to reach the goal at the end of the year to hoist up the trophy.”

It’s important for players on the defensive side of the ball to get together and build some chemistry too. As much change as there has been at the receiver position, there’s been perhaps an equal amount of change on the defensive side of the ball.

With veteran linebacker Anthony Hitchens no longer on the team, many expect Bolton to take up a leadership role for that position group. He doesn’t necessarily feel the pressure to pick up that mantle and expects a collective effort from his defensive teammates when it comes to leadership.

“I feel like going into this year, it’s collective, it’s not just me,” Bolton said. “We’ve got a lot of new faces. I got older guys, our D-Line is kind of the vets of our defense right now. We’re going to rely on those guys as the season goes on. Us, being linebackers, we’ve just got to be vocal, make sure that everybody is on the same page, communicating. Make sure that everyone is comfortable with each other. That will come as the season goes on, guys coming in the next couple of weeks, we’ll build the foundation now so that we can go in during phase two and hit the field with trust.”

As for the foundation they’re putting together right now, there hasn’t been any specific discussion or roles as they’re still very early in the offseason. They’re still feeling things out in the linebacker room as they welcome some new players and get used to having a new position coach (former defensive line coach Brendan Daly) after having Matt House as their linebacker coach for the past three seasons.

“Most conversations are just on how we can improve as a unit,” Bolton said. “How can we be better athletes, that’s really what we’re working on. We haven’t really got into football, so we haven’t really discussed the logistics of positions and stuff like that. We’re just laying the groundwork, communicating and getting to know each other, stuff like that. We’ve got a brand new coach (Brendan Daly), so we’re communicating with him as well with the other linebackers, just introducing ourselves. That’s where we’re at right now, but we’re excited by what we’ve got going forward.”

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6 takeaways from Chiefs S Justin Reid’s intro press conference

Here are six things that we’re taking away from new #Chiefs S Justin Reid’s introductory press conference:

The Kansas City Chiefs have officially announced the signing of former Houston Texans S Justin Reid.

Reid spoke to local media members for the first time since joining the team on Friday and he continued to say all the right things. He began his press conference relaying the immense excitement he had for joining the franchise.

“I am so excited to be here in Kansas City,” Reid began. “I can’t tell you all the emotions that were going on through my head when the pen hit the paper. To be a part of the organization and everything we have going on in Kansas City is really exciting for me, it’s really exciting for my family. I can’t thank the Hunt family enough, (Brett) Veach, (Andy) Reid, Spags (Steve Spagnuolo), the entire organization of the Kansas City Chiefs. I’m excited for this and I can’t wait to get to work.”

What else did we learn about Reid during his introductory press conference? Find out more below:

Chiefs earn ‘C+’ grade for signing of Justin Reid

Our friends at @TheNFLWire handed out their grade for the #Chiefs’ signing of Justin Reid in free agency. It’s not too great:

The Kansas City Chiefs have officially added S Justin Reid on a three-year deal, in what has been their only move to acquire an outside free agent so far.

Most have felt pretty good about the signing because the Chiefs have managed to get younger at the position and didn’t break the bank to do so. Our friends over at Touchdown Wire aren’t too high on the move, though. Mark Schofield and Doug Farrar graded it as a C+ signing for Kansas City, but say that it has the potential to be a B+ signing under one condition: The team must also bring Tyrann Mathieu back.

Here’s why they’re so low on Reid’s signing outright:

“The C grade is as much about losing Mathieu as it is about Reid’s talent. Last season, in Lovie Smith’s Cover-2/Tampa-2-heavy defense, Reid allowed 13 catches on 19 targets for 278 yards, 104 yards after the catch, three touchdowns, two interceptions, and an opponent passer rating of 111.2.

Say all you want about “LOL Texans,” but Houston was really good in two-deep coverage. No team ran more Cover-2 reps, and the Texans gave up just three touchdowns and had a league-high 10 interceptions in Cover-2. Two-deep was a big part of Kansas City’s defensive improvement in the second half of the 2021 season, as well.”

There’s no denying that Reid had a down year in 2021. He posted a career-low grade at Pro Football Focus with a 50.8 overall grade, but the rest of his career would suggest this was a one-off. He’s a plus-athlete who is more than capable of bouncing back in Kansas City in 2022 and beyond, especially playing for a very solid defensive coaching staff.

Why would a Mathieu return bump this grade up to a B+ for Schofield and Farrar, though? They feel that Reid is at his best as a deep safety. Bringing Mathieu back into the fold would allow Juan Thornhill and Reid to take care of all the deep stuff and allow for Mathieu to play in the box. That might ultimately be the plan, even without a Mathieu return.

Mathieu still hasn’t signed with another team in free agency, so there’s a chance he’s back with the team. That chance might be slim given how the Chiefs have handled Mathieu being a free agent. Until he has signed with another team, there is at least a little bit of hope.

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Contract details for new Chiefs S Justin Reid

The contract details for new #Chiefs S Justin Reid are out and it looks to be a very solid deal for both the team and player.

The Kansas City Chiefs are set to sign S Justin Reid on a three-year contract. While they can’t officially consummate the deal until free agency opens on Wednesday, the contract numbers are already out in the wild and it looks like a very good deal for both Kansas City and Reid.

According to the folks at OverTheCap, Reid’s contract with the Chiefs carries a total of $9.9 million in guaranteed salary over three seasons and a $10.5 million-dollar signing bonus prorated over the life of the contract. His cap hit in 2022 will be an affordable $4.55 million before ballooning to $12.7 million in 2023 and $14.2 million in 2024. The hope for the team is likely that the salary cap continues to balloon with new TV deals around the corner. The key here, however, was keeping that Year 1 cap number as low as possible.

It’s worth noting that if this signing doesn’t work out for whatever reason, Reid carries no guaranteed money in 2024. The Chiefs can release Reid in that year with just $3.5 million in dead money and over $10 million in savings. That’d obviously be a last resort, though.

Overall, this has the feeling of a pretty team-friendly contract. He’s guaranteed in Kansas City for at least two seasons, presumably the full three years if he performs well and the salary cap continues to rise as anticipated.

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Justin Reid thanks Texans, McNair family, fans in social media post

Safety Justin Reid thanked the Houston Texans, their fans, and the McNair family in his farewell message on Instagram.

Justin Reid is moving on.

The former Houston Texans 2018 third-round pick will continue his NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs starting in 2022. Reid signed a three-year contract with the AFC West club that hopes to keep a foothold on the division that it has won every year going back to 2016.

Reid took to Instagram on March 14 to express his gratefulness to the Texans organization and to the McNair family for the past four seasons.

I’m so lucky to have started my career in Houston. I have so many memories I’ll cherish from the football field to the community. Houston has a special place in my heart and there is no better place that I could have come to as a rookie to learn how to be a better pro and a better man.
I’d like to thank the McNair family for believing in me and giving me an opportunity to play the game I love in this incredible city. I’d like to thank all the coaches I’ve had through the years that were able to fine tune my game and take me to the next level. Most of all, I want to thank the fans and my teammates… you’ve all made my journey here absolutely unforgettable and I will cherish all the great memories.

However, the end of one chapter is the beginning of the next! I’m so excited for this next phase and I’ve only got one thing to say.

To my new coaches, teammates, and the city of Kansas City: I’M READY! Let’s get to work and win another SuperBowl 💪🏾 #ChiefsKingdom

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The Texans have made moves to shore up their secondary with the departure of Reid. Terrence Brooks is returning to the club, and the Texans have also signed former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cleveland Browns safety M.J. Stewart.