Justin Quintin 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 and versatility, Reid has achieved notable milestones in his career, including winning two Super Bowls and being recognized as a first-team All-Pac-12 performer during his college years.
Early Life and Background
Justin Quintin Reid was born on February 15, 1997, in Prairieville, Louisiana, USA. He attended Dutchtown High School in Geismar, Louisiana, where he developed his skills as a defensive player. His athletic abilities were evident from an early age, setting the foundation for his future football career. Reid’s older brother, Eric Reid, also pursued a career in the NFL as a safety, providing a family legacy in professional football that influenced Justin’s development and aspirations.
During his high school years at Dutchtown, Reid distinguished himself as a talented defensive back, attracting attention from college programs across the country. His performance on the field earned him the opportunity to continue his football career at the collegiate level, ultimately choosing to attend Stanford University, one of the most prestigious academic and athletic programs in the nation.
Path to the NFL
Reid committed to Stanford University to play college football, following in the footsteps of other notable defensive players who had successfully transitioned from high school to the competitive Pac-12 Conference. At Stanford, he played for the Cardinal from 2015 to 2017, developing his craft under the college program’s coaching staff and competing against some of the top talent in the country.
After his junior season in 2017, Reid made the decision to forgo his senior year and enter the 2018 NFL draft. His decision came after establishing himself as one of the top safety prospects in the country. During his collegiate career at Stanford, he recorded 170 tackles, six interceptions, and one sack, demonstrating his ability to make plays in both run support and pass coverage.
Reid attended the NFL Scouting Combine and performed exceptionally well, finishing 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. He was ranked as the top free safety prospect in the draft by DraftScout.com and was ranked as the third best safety in the draft by Scouts Inc. and Sports Illustrated. His pre-draft process included private workouts with teams including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions, and Philadelphia Eagles.
Justin Quintin Reid Career
Houston Texans (2018-2021)
The Houston Texans selected Reid in the third round (68th overall) of the 2018 NFL draft. He was the fifth safety drafted in 2018 and unexpectedly fell from the first or second round projections, making him one of the top steals of the 2018 NFL Draft. On June 10, 2018, the Texans signed Reid to a four-year, $4.06 million contract that included a signing bonus of $1.03 million.
Reid made his professional regular season debut on September 9, 2018, in the Texans’ season-opener against the New England Patriots. He earned his first career start the following week and quickly established himself as a playmaker. In Week 6, he recorded his first career interception off a pass by Dak Prescott in a win over the Dallas Cowboys. In November 2018, Reid scored his first career touchdown, intercepting a pass by Alex Smith and returning it 101 yards for a score against the Washington Redskins. He finished his rookie season with 88 combined tackles, ten pass deflections, three interceptions, and one touchdown in 16 games with 12 starts.
During the 2019 season, Reid continued to develop as a key member of the Texans’ secondary, finishing with 77 combined tackles, five pass deflections, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery in 15 games with 15 starts. The Texans finished atop the AFC South with an 11-5 record, and Reid started his first postseason appearance in the Wildcard Game against the Buffalo Bills. He was later diagnosed with a torn labrum in his shoulder, an injury he had been managing throughout the season.
In 2020, Reid returned as the starting free safety and recorded 83 combined tackles, four pass deflections, and two sacks in 13 games with 13 starts. He underwent wrist surgery during the offseason to repair what was described as mild wear and tear. The 2021 season saw Reid record 66 combined tackles, four pass deflections, and two interceptions in 13 games with 13 starts for the Texans.
Kansas City Chiefs (2022-2024)
On May 14, 2022, Reid signed with the Kansas City Chiefs on a three-year, $31.50 million contract that included $20.48 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $10.50 million. The Chiefs signed Reid following the departures of Tyrann Mathieu and Daniel Sorensen, projecting him to earn the role as the starting free safety. In his debut season with the Chiefs, Reid started all 17 regular season games and finished with 83 combined tackles, seven pass deflections, and one sack. He also filled in as the kicker in the season-opener against the Arizona Cardinals after kicker Harrison Butker was injured.
The Chiefs finished the 2022 season atop the AFC West with a 14-3 record and earned a first-round bye in the playoffs. Reid started in the AFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl LVIII, recording seven combined tackles in the Chiefs’ 38-35 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles. This win earned Reid his first Super Bowl championship ring as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Reid returned as the starting free safety in 2023 and finished the season with 95 combined tackles, seven pass deflections, three sacks, and one interception in 16 games with 16 starts. The Chiefs finished the 2023 season first in the AFC West with an 11-6 record and advanced to Super Bowl LVIII. In that game, Reid made five combined tackles and was credited with half a sack as the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 25-22, earning Reid his second consecutive Super Bowl championship.
In the 2024 season, Reid started in 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. The Chiefs finished the 2024 season atop the AFC West with a 15-2 record to clinch a first-round bye. In the playoffs, Reid contributed to the Chiefs’ run that included a victory in Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles.
New Orleans Saints (2025-Present)
On March 12, 2025, Reid signed with the New Orleans Saints on a three-year, $31.50 million contract that included $22.25 million guaranteed upon signing. The move brought Reid back to his home state of Louisiana, where he began his football journey. In Week 12 of the 2025 season against the Atlanta Falcons, Reid intercepted a Kirk Cousins pass that ricocheted off Kyle Pitts’ hands, returning the ball 49 yards for a touchdown. This pick-six was the first Saints interception returned for a touchdown since Tyrann Mathieu accomplished the feat on October 8, 2023.
Playing Style and Strengths
Reid is known for his versatility and football intelligence, capable of playing both safety positions and contributing in various defensive roles. His combination of speed, tackling ability, and coverage skills has made him a valuable asset for every team he has played for. He demonstrates strong instincts in reading quarterbacks and breaking on passes, while also showing willingness and effectiveness in run support. His experience playing in multiple defensive systems under different coordinators has allowed him to adapt his game to various schemes and team needs.
Notable Events and Milestones
Reid’s career has been highlighted by significant achievements, including his selection in the 2018 NFL draft and his subsequent rise to becoming a consistent starter in the NFL. His two Super Bowl victories with the Kansas City Chiefs represent the pinnacle of his professional accomplishments. His defensive touchdown against the Washington Redskins in 2018, which saw him return an interception 101 yards for a score, remains one of the most memorable plays of his early career. Additionally, his interception return for a touchdown with the Saints in 2025 demonstrated his continued ability to make game-changing plays.
Justin Quintin Reid Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Justin Reid has established himself as a reliable and productive defensive player across multiple teams. His career statistics as of the 2025 season include 652 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 52 pass deflections, 11 interceptions, and 2 defensive touchdowns. His consistency and durability have allowed him to remain a starting-caliber player throughout his career.
Kansas City Chiefs Highlights
Reid’s time with the Kansas City Chiefs from 2022 to 2024 represented the most successful period of his career. He appeared in 49 regular season games, starting all of them, and recorded 265 combined tackles during his three seasons with the team. His contributions were instrumental in the Chiefs winning Super Bowl LVII in 2023 and Super Bowl LVIII in 2024. In those two playoff runs combined, Reid recorded 19 tackles and 0.5 sacks across three postseason games, including both Super Bowl victories. His ability to perform at a high level during the most important games of the season solidified his reputation as a clutch performer.
Other Career Highlights
Beyond his time with the Chiefs, Reid has accumulated notable statistics throughout his career. His rookie season with the Texans saw him record 88 tackles, three interceptions, and his first career defensive touchdown. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated consistent tackle production, averaging approximately 75-95 tackles per season when healthy. His ability to create turnovers is evidenced by his career total of 11 interceptions and his multiple forced fumbles.
| Category | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Total Tackles | 652 |
| Sacks | 6.5 |
| Interceptions | 11 |
| Pass Deflections | 52 |
| Defensive Touchdowns | 2 |
Justin Quintin Reid Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Justin Reid comes from a family with deep roots in professional football. His older brother, Eric Reid, also played safety in the NFL, following a similar career path that included playing college football and being selected in the NFL draft. The Reid brothers represent one of the notable football families in Louisiana, with both brothers having achieved the dream of playing at the highest level of American football. This family legacy provided Justin with guidance and mentorship throughout his development as a player.
Personal Life
Beyond his football career, Reid has demonstrated a passion for chess, becoming a two-time champion of the Chess.com BlitzChamps tournaments. He defeated Kyler Murray in the grand final match of each event to claim these titles. Reid received chess coaching from James Canty, and he has spoken about how the strategic thinking required in chess has translated to his football performance. His intellectual approach to the game of football reflects the same calculated decision-making skills he demonstrates on the chess board.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a new chapter in Justin Reid’s career as he joins the New Orleans Saints following his successful stint with the Kansas City Chiefs. Signed in March 2025 to a lucrative three-year contract, Reid returned to his home state of Louisiana with the goal of making an immediate impact with his new team. The Saints’ defense has benefited from his experience and leadership, as he brings a championship pedigree and extensive knowledge of defensive schemes to the secondary.
Throughout the 2025 season, Reid has continued to demonstrate the skills that made him a valuable player throughout his career. His interception return for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 12 showcased his playmaking ability and his capacity to change the momentum of games. This play connected him to the Saints’ recent history, as it was the first interception returned for a touchdown by a Saints player since Tyrann Mathieu accomplished the feat in 2023. His performance has helped strengthen the Saints’ secondary and provided stability at the safety position.
The outlook for Reid with the Saints remains positive as he continues to establish himself within the team’s defensive system. At 28 years old, he is in the prime of his career and possesses the experience needed to be a leader in the locker room and on the field. His ability to contribute in both coverage and run support makes him a versatile piece for the Saints’ defensive coordinator to utilize effectively throughout the season and beyond.