NFL Cover Zero: Going to the Draft? Saints Safety Justin Reid
KSR Podcast | iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)
Episode Date: April 9, 2026
Hosts: Drew Franklin, Billy Rutledge, Matt Jones
Special Guest: Justin Reid (New Orleans Saints Safety, two-time Super Bowl Champion)
Episode Overview
This episode of NFL Cover Zero combines fan-driven NFL Draft chat with an in-depth conversation featuring Justin Reid, safety for the New Orleans Saints and former Kansas City Chief and Houston Texan. The hosts discuss draft experiences, speculation surrounding the top draft picks, and the evolving spectacle of the NFL Draft itself. Justin Reid shares his perspective on building a culture with the Saints, reflections on his championship years with the Chiefs, the infectiousness of Kansas City’s team-first mentality, and his remarkably unique locker room chess tradition. The episode also touches on topics like fatherhood, returning to play near his hometown, and New Orleans culture.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The NFL Draft—Tradition, Changes, and the Spectacle
[02:42–10:31]
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Draft Experience and Missing Out:
- The crew laments missing the draft in Pittsburgh, remembering the unforgettable sea of people at past events (notably, Nashville). Obligations (babies, wedding showers) keep Drew, Billy, and Matt away this year.
- [03:48] Billy Rutledge: "It does. One of the coolest experiences I had was Nashville for the draft. That was just sea of people. A fun multi day event..."
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Top Pick Opts to Stay Home:
- Consensus No. 1 pick, Fernando Mendoza, is skipping the draft event for a private family celebration. The hosts debate the merits and drama of "green room" moments vs. home celebrations.
- [04:47] Drew Franklin: "...it's a big deal when you're in that first round, especially pick one to go up on stage and shake the commission's hand... it's looking like he might sit it out as well."
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Draft Memories and Awkward Moments:
- Recapping the COVID-era draft—memorable personal glimpses and viral moments.
- The pain and fame brought by players dropping in the green room (Will Levis, Geno Smith, Lamar Jackson).
- [09:23] Billy Rutledge: "...his family's all around him. Right. And you know, that happens, you know, quite more often than we think."
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First Round Focus:
- The hosts discuss viewing habits, storylines, and how the spectacle transcends simple player selection.
- [08:47] Drew Franklin: “...I get why some guys are starting to have their own parties...but I love watching them all in the green room...it's just, it's part of it. And I hope we don't get too far away..."
Interview: Justin Reid—Saints Safety, Super Bowl Champion
Background and Joining the Saints
[14:26–15:53]
- Personal Connection: Reid signed with the Saints, calling it “a full circle moment” since he grew up in Baton Rouge rooting for the team. He anticipated growing pains with a new culture and staff, but chemistry came faster than expected due to the emergence of QB Tyler Shuck.
- [15:17] Justin Reid: "One was it's full circle moment for me to come back and play for the team that I grew up watching."
Tyler Shuck’s Emergence
[15:53–16:45]
- Charisma and Leadership: Despite being a rival Louisville alum, Shuck earned Reid’s respect for his charisma, wit, and “seasoning”—invited “to the cookout.” Offensively, he energized the team, sparking their late-season surge.
- [16:15] Justin Reid: "Yeah, he's absolutely 100% invited to the cookout...he's a cool dude...he's fearless when he throws the ball...the offense just had a little bit more energy and juice behind it..."
Championship Culture with the Chiefs
[16:45–18:38]
Fatherhood and Advice for New Dads
[18:38–19:22]
- Sleep Training Caution:
- Justin candidly explains the hardest part was sleep, humorously urging host Drew (soon to be a girl dad) to have a plan.
- [18:44] Justin Reid: "I thought that I didn't need a sleep trainer and I paid the price for that. My daughter didn't sleep through the night until 10 months... just have a plan for that. And then, man, honestly, just enjoy it, bro..."
Winning the Super Bowl—Feels Even Better the Second Time
[19:23–20:18]
- Joy in Experience and Expectation:
- The thrill amplified with each Super Bowl; the first is surreal, the second more immediately joyful due to anticipation.
- [19:40] Justin Reid: "...the first time you don't know what to expect...the second one, as soon as the clock hit zero, you immediately had that rush of feeling. You're back on top of the mountain. It's incredible."
Andy Reid’s Uniqueness as a Leader
[20:18–21:10]
- "Grandfather" Figure:
- Universally beloved for his wisdom, high standards, and ability to let players express themselves.
- [20:26] Justin Reid: "He's like your old wise grandfather that you hate to disappoint...He allows guys to show their personality...When we're on the field, it's time to work. But when we're off the field, let your personality show and have some fun."
The NFL’s Secret Chess Masters
[21:10–23:37]
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Back-to-Back Blitz Chess Champion:
- Justin is a two-time NFL Blitz Chess champion, learning out of competitiveness and furthering his skills with a grandmaster coach. Brought the tradition to the locker room, making chess a Saturday staple among the Chiefs.
- [21:18] Justin Reed: "Back to back. Yeah. I was winning Super Bowls and chess competitions. You know what I mean? Back to back."
- [21:44] Justin Reed: "Yeah, it was. It was a tradition. Every Saturday...We just round robin on the board. Chess games."
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Learning Curve, Teammates, and Trash Talk:
- His chess journey began trying to bond with a teammate in Houston. Bests the rest of the NFL, but admits there’s always an old-timer in the park who’s a formidable foe.
New Orleans, Homecoming, and the Importance of Football
[23:37–25:47]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Tyler Shuck’s impact:
- [16:19] Justin Reed: "Stamped, Stamped. Certified stamped...he's a cool dude and...he's fearless when he throws the ball, he makes the running plays when he needs to."
- On the Chiefs’ culture:
- [16:56] Justin Reed: "The thing that made the Chiefs special is nobody cared who got the credit...it was about...did we win or did we lose?"
- On the Taylor Swift NFL wave:
- [18:17] Justin Reed: "I have a daughter now. Like, how many girls were now watching football?... that's just the coolest thing."
- On Super Bowl joy (second vs. first):
- [19:29] Justin Reed: "Even better the second time...the first time you don't know what to expect...the second one, as soon as the clock hit zero, you immediately had that rush of feeling."
- On Andy Reid as a coach:
- [20:26] Justin Reed: "He's like your grandfather...he allows guys to show their personality. He doesn't hold you back from that."
- On chess in the NFL locker room:
- [21:44] Justin Reed: "It was a tradition. Every Saturday...We just round robin on the board. Chess games."
- On Louisiana’s football obsession:
- [23:50] Justin Reed: "It's God and football...if LSU and the Saints both lose, it's a doom and gloom day in the state of Louisiana."
Timestamps for Key Segments
- NFL Draft expectations, missing out on Pittsburgh, top pick skipping draft: [02:42–06:46]
- Debate on the spectacle, TV coverage, awkward ‘green room’ moments: [06:47–09:54]
- Transition to Justin Reid interview: [10:31]
- Justin Reid on joining Saints and team momentum: [14:26–15:53]
- Tyler Shuck’s personality and impact: [15:53–16:45]
- Comparing Saints/Chiefs cultures, importance of selflessness: [16:45–18:09]
- Taylor Swift/Kelce NFL phenomenon: [18:09–18:38]
- Fatherhood tips: [18:38–19:22]
- Super Bowl experiences: [19:23–20:18]
- Andy Reid’s leadership style: [20:18–21:10]
- Locker room chess tradition: [21:10–23:37]
- Living and playing in rabid fan culture in New Orleans, food and family: [23:37–25:47]
Episode Tone & Style
Upbeat, informed, and relatable. Drew, Billy, and Matt balance die-hard NFL analysis with humor and personal asides. Justin Reid is candid, good-natured, and thoughtful—sharing locker room insights and life lessons with the conversational ease of a natural storyteller.
Summary
This episode blends lighthearted NFL Draft banter with a fascinating, personality-filled discussion with Justin Reid. The KSR crew takes listeners inside the culture shifts of pro football, whether in Kansas City’s championship locker room or New Orleans’ community-obsessed stands. With stories of chess supremacy, insights on parenting, and the social impact of football in Louisiana, this episode offers a vibrant behind-the-scenes look for NFL fans and casual listeners alike.