From the Board to the Field: How the Ravens Are Developing Strategic Athletes

Queenside Ventures recently had the honor of leading a dynamic chess-based leadership session for the Baltimore Ravens' rookie class - a group stepping into the NFL with raw talent and untapped potential. Our goal? To strengthen their ability to think like champions - strategically, confidently, and under pressure.

Titled “Adapting Your Playbook,” the session focused on how the principles of chess translate directly to football performance and leadership:

Mental Agility: Chess trains players to think multiple moves ahead, just like reading defenses or adjusting to a blitz in real time.
Strategic Confidence: Rookies learned how to make bold decisions grounded in analysis, not impulse.
Resilience: Like losing a key piece in chess, setbacks on the field don’t define you—how you respond does.
Situational Awareness: Football is fast, but the best players pause to read the board. Strategy requires vision.

Each player reflected on what “piece” they are on the field - whether it’s the bishop’s diagonal disruption, the rook’s anchoring strength, or the queen’s versatility. This exercise helped athletes connect personal strengths to their roles on the team and deepen their understanding of what it means to lead with purpose.

The rookies tackled puzzles, broke down position strategy, and learned how to play chess, not checkers - a reminder that success in the NFL isn’t just physical. It’s mental, emotional, and deeply strategic.

We’re proud to help build the next generation of football leaders - starting not with a playbook, but with a chessboard.

Interested in bringing chess-powered leadership to your athletes or team?