Justin Reid Bio
Justin Quintin Reid is an American professional football safety for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Stanford Cardinal and was selected by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2018 NFL draft. Known for his strong defensive skills, Reid has achieved notable milestones in his career, including winning two Super Bowls and being recognized as a first-team All-Pac-12 performer.
Across his NFL career, Reid has built a reputation as a reliable defensive back with strong ball skills and the versatility to contribute on special teams. He has intercepted 11 passes, recorded 6.5 sacks, and scored two defensive touchdowns, while also serving as an emergency kicker at times during his career.
Early Life and Background
Justin Quintin Reid was born on February 15, 1997, in Prairieville, Louisiana. He grew up in the surrounding Ascension Parish area and developed an early passion for football in a region known for producing talented athletes. As a young player, he showed the size, speed, and instincts that would later define his professional career.
Reid attended Dutchtown High School in Geismar, Louisiana, where he starred as a defensive back and attracted attention from college recruiters across the country. His performance on the field helped him earn a scholarship offer from Stanford University, one of the top academic and athletic programs in the country. The decision to commit to Stanford reflected his commitment to balancing high-level football with a strong education.
During his time at Dutchtown, Reid refined the coverage and tackling skills that would later translate to the professional level. His family also played a role in his development, as football was a familiar pursuit in the household. This strong foundation prepared him for the next stage of his career in college football.
Path to American Football
Reid committed to Stanford University and joined the Cardinal football program, where he quickly established himself as a playmaker in the secondary. He played at Stanford from 2015 to 2017, appearing in games against some of the top competition in the Pac-12 Conference. During his college career, he recorded 170 tackles, six interceptions, and one sack, demonstrating his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
After his junior season in 2017, Reid made the decision to forgo his senior year and enter the 2018 NFL draft. He announced his choice on Twitter on January 9, 2018, and went on to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine, where he was a top performer among safeties. He finished second among safeties in the 40-yard dash, third in the short shuttle and three-cone drill, fifth in the broad jump, eighth in the vertical jump, and 11th in the bench press.
Reid was projected to be a first or second round pick and was ranked as the top free safety prospect in the draft by DraftScout.com. He was also ranked as the third best safety in the draft by Scouts Inc. and Sports Illustrated, setting high expectations for his professional career.
Justin Reid Career
Early Career (2018–2021)
The Houston Texans selected Reid in the third round, 68th overall, of the 2018 NFL draft, making him the fifth safety drafted that year. He signed a four-year, $4.06 million contract with the Texans that included a signing bonus of $1.03 million. During his rookie season, he earned the starting free safety role and finished with 88 combined tackles, ten pass deflections, three interceptions, and one touchdown in 16 games and 12 starts. He also scored a memorable 101-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Washington Redskins.
In his later seasons with Houston, Reid continued to develop as a leader in the secondary. He recorded 77 combined tackles in 2019, helped the Texans reach the divisional round of the playoffs, and started 13 games in 2020 before a hand injury ended his season. In 2021, he finished with 66 combined tackles and two interceptions before entering free agency.
Kansas City Chiefs Era (2022–2024)
On May 14, 2022, Reid signed a three-year, $31.50 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs that included $20.48 million guaranteed and a $10.50 million signing bonus. He was named the starting free safety alongside Juan Thornhill and started all 17 regular season games in his first year with the team. That season, he recorded 83 combined tackles, seven pass deflections, and one sack while also filling in as an emergency kicker during a Week 1 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
Reid’s time with the Chiefs included two Super Bowl championships. He started in Super Bowl LVII on February 12, 2023, and helped Kansas City defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 38–35 to earn his first Super Bowl ring. The following year, he started in Super Bowl LVIII on February 11, 2024, and made five combined tackles and was credited with half a sack as the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 25–22.
In 2024, Reid started 16 games and recorded 87 combined tackles, nine pass deflections, and two interceptions. He received an overall grade of 78.2 from Pro Football Focus, which ranked 10th among all qualifying safeties. He started in Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025, but the Chiefs lost 40–22 to the Philadelphia Eagles.
New Orleans Saints Era (2025–Present)
On March 12, 2025, Reid signed with the New Orleans Saints on a three-year, $31.50 million contract that includes $22.25 million guaranteed upon signing. The deal marked a new chapter in his career as he joined a team looking to strengthen its secondary. He has already made an immediate impact in New Orleans.
In a Week 12 game against the Atlanta Falcons, Reid intercepted a Kirk Cousins pass that ricocheted off of Kyle Pitts’ hands and returned the ball 49 yards for a touchdown. The pick-six was the first Saints interception returned for a touchdown since Tyrann Mathieu accomplished the feat on October 8, 2023, signaling Reid’s growing role in the New Orleans defense.
Reid has continued to provide veteran leadership and strong coverage skills for the Saints, helping to stabilize a defensive backfield in transition. His experience and championship pedigree have made him a key piece of the team’s plans moving forward.
Driving Style and Strengths
Reid is known for his strong coverage skills, ball-hawking instincts, and versatility in the secondary. He excels in both deep zone coverage and run support, and he has shown the ability to contribute on special teams, including as an emergency kicker. His football intelligence and preparation have allowed him to remain a reliable starter throughout his NFL career.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Reid’s most memorable moments came in his rookie season when he returned an interception 101 yards for a touchdown against the Washington Redskins. He has also won two Super Bowl championships with the Kansas City Chiefs, started in three Super Bowls, and earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors during his junior season at Stanford in 2017.
Justin Reid Career Wins
Justin Quintin Reid has compiled a strong record of team success across his NFL career, highlighted by two Super Bowl championships with the Kansas City Chiefs. He has also contributed to multiple playoff runs, including trips to the AFC Championship Game and the Divisional Round with the Houston Texans. While Reid is recognized more for his individual defensive production than for headline statistics, his consistency and leadership have helped his teams compete at the highest level.
Kansas City Chiefs Highlights
Reid helped the Kansas City Chiefs win back-to-back Super Bowls, earning rings following Super Bowl LVII in February 2023 and Super Bowl LVIII in February 2024. He started in all three Super Bowls during his time in Kansas City, including Super Bowl LIX in February 2025. His most recent win came during the 2024 AFC Championship Game, when the Chiefs defeated the Buffalo Bills 32–29 to advance to the Super Bowl.
Other Wins and Performances
Earlier in his career, Reid was part of the Houston Texans team that finished atop the AFC South with an 11–5 record in 2019 and advanced to the Divisional Round of the playoffs. He also earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors during the 2017 college season at Stanford, recognizing his standout performance at the collegiate level.
Justin Reid Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Reid comes from a football family, as his older brother, Eric Reid, also played safety in the NFL. Growing up in a household with a professional athlete helped shape Justin’s understanding of the game and the work required to succeed at the highest level. The brothers share a deep connection through the sport, and Eric’s career served as an important reference point for Justin as he developed as a player.
Personal Life
Outside of football, Reid is known for his passion for chess. He is a two-time champion of the Chess.com BlitzChamps tournaments, defeating NFL quarterback Kyler Murray in the grand final match of each event. Reid has also received chess coaching from James Canty, reflecting his dedication to the mental side of competition.
2025 Season Performance
Reid’s 2025 season has been defined by his transition to the New Orleans Saints and his immediate impact on the team’s secondary. Signed to a three-year contract in March 2025, he quickly became a key contributor on defense. His interception return for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 12 was a defining moment, marking the first Saints pick-six since 2023 and energizing the New Orleans defense.
Throughout the season, Reid has provided veteran leadership and consistent play in coverage, helping to anchor a secondary that has featured several younger players. His experience from multiple Super Bowl runs with the Kansas City Chiefs has translated well to his role with the Saints, and he has continued to produce tackles, pass deflections, and takeaways at a steady rate.
Looking ahead, Reid is expected to remain a central part of the Saints’ defensive plans as the team continues to build around his skill set. With his contract running through 2028, he is positioned to be a long-term fixture in the New Orleans secondary and a mentor for the next generation of Saints defenders.
