Ex-Chiefs star defends rising DB after Week 1: 'I’ve seen firsthand what this kid can do'

The Kansas City Chiefs were dominated by the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1, and the defending AFC champions' defense was largely ineffective against star quarterback Justin Herbert.

Kansas City's secondary allowed Herbert to throw for 313 yards and three touchdowns in the season-opener and failed to force a turnover against the Chargers.

Second-year defensive back Jaden Hicks, who was expected to be a spark plug for the Chiefs this season, tallied four combined tackles in the game but couldn't manage to make a big play to turn the tide in Kansas City's Week 1 loss.

Former Chiefs safety Justin Reid, who won two Super Bowls with Kansas City between 2022 and 2024, took to Twitter after Friday's game to assure fans of Hicks' potential.

Jaden Hicks is a star in this league. I’ve seen firsthand what this kid can do.

One game does not define any player, coach or team. There are a ton of plays for a bunch of players on both sides of the ball to learn from.— Justin Reid (@JustinqReid) September 6, 2025

Hicks is listed behind Bryan Cook on the Chiefs' unofficial depth chart, but should continue to get opportunities to develop into a playmaker for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Ex-Chiefs star defends Jaden Hicks after KC's Week 1 loss to Chargers