Linebacker Drue Tranquill – who signed with the Kansas City Chiefs back in March – is known for his versatility as a player, but it appears his skills also extend beyond the football field.
Tranquill won Chess.com's "BlitzChamps II" event over several other current and former NFL players on Friday, earning the right to call himself the league’s best chess player.
"I'm so excited just to be a part of this. I've never really played in a chess tournament at all. I have just enjoyed playing chess throughout my time in the NFL," Tranquill told Chess.com. "This was so cool to get out here and raise some money for charity."
Indeed, Tranquill's efforts garnered a $25,000 donation from Chess.com to a charity of his choice. It was the largest donation from the $100,000 prize fund that was split between the eight competitors, which included former Arizona Cardinals' wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, San Francisco 49ers' defensive lineman Arik Armstead and Cardinals' quarterback Kyler Murray.
Tranquill defeated New York Jets' offensive guard Wes Schweitzer and Jets' linebacker Chazz Surratt as part of the single-elimination tournament before besting Cincinnati Bengals' cornerback Chidobe Awuzie – last year's champion – in the final match.
Tranquill will now look to continue his winning ways as the Chiefs head to training camp next month.