How chess inspires UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson attributes much of his growth as a player to the strategies he’s learned at a chessboard.
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During spring practice in 2019, in search of an edge, UCLA football coach Chip Kelly brought in Seth Makowsky, a mind-set strategist, to work with the quarterbacks. Makowsky taught them about decision-making under pressure and how to apply chess-board strategies on the field. Other players were curious, and soon, he found himself helping the entire UCLA football team. In particular, Makowsky’s work with quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, then a sophomore, contributed to one of the biggest success stories in recent college football history.