Justin Herbert, quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers, has recently taken a serious interest in the world of chess, turning a friendly rivalry with teammate Rashawn Slater into a competitive journey. His growing passion for chess developed after a team trip to Carolina, where Slater easily defeated him, motivating Herbert to laser-focus on improving his game.
From Casual to Competitive: How a Team Trip Sparked Herbert’s Drive
During a week-long team trip to Carolina, Herbert and other teammates engaged in various board games, including chess. Slater’s overwhelming victory against Herbert sparked a competitive fire in the quarterback.
“Slater was like, ‘I don’t wanna play you again, I feel bad.’ It was kind of disrespectful to me. (Smiles) I was like, ‘Okay, now I know what I’m gonna do. I gotta spend the next year preparing and getting better so I can beat him,’”
Herbert said.
Herbert’s Rapid Improvement Yields a Satisfying Rematch Win
Determined to improve, Herbert dedicated himself to learning chess through online lessons and practice on Chess.com, skillfully enhancing his abilities until he was able to beat Slater in their rematch.
“And I have [beat him]. I got on chess.com, took all the lessons, went through everything just so that when I played him again, it was gonna go a different way,”
Herbert shared with a laugh.
Herbert’s Success in the BlitzChamps Chess Tournament Highlights His Growth
Herbert’s chess talents extend beyond casual gameplay. He placed third in this year’s BlitzChamps tournament, an event featuring eight current or former <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL players competing in intense chess matches. The tournament’s participants included notable names like Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, former cornerback Richard Sherman, Saints safety Justin Reid, and Slater, who finished seventh. Herbert earned a $15,000 prize for Para Los Niños, an L.A.-based youth organization.
The Intellectual Side of Herbert: Balancing Sports and Academics
Herbert’s affinity for chess reflects a broader intellectual capacity that has long distinguished him. Unlike many of his peers, he prioritized education alongside athletics by staying at the University of Oregon for an extra year instead of entering the NFL Draft early. During this time, he completed his biology degree with an impressive 4.01 GPA and even served as a teaching assistant, highlighting his dedication to mental discipline as well as physical achievement.
Why Herbert’s Chess Competition Matters Beyond the Board
The Justin Herbert chess competition journey exemplifies how athletes like Herbert channel passion, focus, and strategy into areas beyond their primary sport, showcasing their mental agility and competitive spirit. This rivalry with Rashawn Slater not only propelled Herbert’s chess skills but also exemplifies how challenge and rivalry can drive personal development. As his chess prowess grows, Herbert continues to build a well-rounded persona that combines sharp mental skills with elite athletic performance, inspiring others in the NFL and beyond.