Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow likened early camp drills to a chess match, with long‑snapper William Wagner describing a near‑loss that ended in a stalemate. The unusual battlefield reflects the team’s intensity after missing the playoffs three straight years since the 2021 Super Bowl run.

Center Ted Karras, annoyed by locker‑room spacing, introduced a chessboard to create a gathering spot for offensive linemen. Andrew Coker and Karras played the first game; Burrow and fellow quarterback Joe Flacco watched, adding pressure. Coker used two pawn‑turned‑queens to defeat Karras, noting how spectators react to each move.

Tight end Erick All Jr., a former Michigan teammate of Wagner and cornerback DJ Turner II, is the locker‑room’s top chess talent with an Elo rating around 980. He recalls a college match against coach Jim Harbaugh that delayed a team meeting. All says the games foster camaraderie and smart decision‑making.

Karras plans to add Catan and hide games for lighter days, keeping the chessboard ready for the next battle. The initiative continues to bring players together as the Bengals prepare for a crucial season.