Football, just like gambling, requires skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. It’s no wonder then that some NFL players love to hit the casinos whenever they have a chance. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at five NFL icons who love all forms of gambling, from table classics to playing poker. From legendary quarterbacks to flashy receivers, these players have been known to make big bets and take even bigger risks both on and off the field.
Since the boom of the smartphone in the late 2000s, the gambling industry has received a new lease of life. Gone are the days of having to head to your local casino or bookmakers in order to place a bet. Nowadays, digital platforms allow you to play online jackpots for real money from the comfort of your own home. And it isn’t just jackpots they provide, with roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and a whole host of other casino favorites are available on site, which are suited for beginner and professional players alike. The rise of at-home, online gambling options attract many bettors, boosting the popularity of the industry even more, as platforms expand their odds boards and innovative in-game features.
NFL players live high-risk, high-reward lives on the field, so it makes sense that many would seek out that same thrill off the field through gambling. The fast-paced action and big money of casino games mirror the excitement and stakes of professional football. For players with competitive fire and an appetite for adrenaline, gambling can be an enjoyable hobby and social activity, so without further ado, let’s take a look at five NFL icons who love to dabble in the casino.
1. Brett Favre
Our first entry is the legendary Brett Favre, one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, who regularly featured for the Green Bay Packers and secured a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Famer. While Favre’s football accomplishments are impressive, his passion for high-stakes poker is equally fascinating. He was known to play poker frequently, and he once won over $75,000 in a single tournament, reflecting his skills on the felt.
Some even speculate that his exit from the NFL was partly due to his desire to spend more time playing poker. However, it was not always smooth sailing for Favre, as he publically admitted to having a gambling addiction in the past and sought help for it. Despite this, he remains an inspirational figure and an excellent example of a successful figure overcoming problems.
2. Antonio Brown
Former wide receiver for well-known NFL teams like the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers, Antonio Brown, earned a reputation as one of the greatest in the league. His on-field accomplishments, however, have lately been overshadowed by his antics off the field. One of these off-field interests includes his love for gambling, particularly in high-stakes poker games that feature famous personalities such as Phil Hellmuth.
Though Antonio has shown great poker-playing skills, his gambling behavior has raised concerns – reports suggest that Antonio has lost millions of dollars in a single night. With Antonio’s enthusiastic participation in poker tournaments and his winning streak, it is natural that public attention is turning to his gambling habits.
3. Tony Romo
Tony Romo, a former quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys and current NFL analyst, has a deep love for poker. He played in multiple World Series of Poker tournaments and won more than $100,000 in a tournament in 2012. Romo has excelled on the football field and at the poker table thanks to his ability to assess defenses and anticipate plays.
He has developed into a formidable player by making wise decisions by observing his opponents’ actions and interpreting their facial expressions. Even better, Romo has been known to utilize his poker expertise to his advantage by predicting plays before they occur on the field, which always confounds his opponents. He likes to play poker with other NFL players during the off-season so he can practice his abilities against some of the finest players in the world.
4. Richard Seymour
Former defensive tackle for the Oakland Raiders and New England Patriots Richard Seymour has established himself as a dangerous foe both on the field and on the felt. He has taken part in numerous World Series of Poker tournaments and has amassed prize money totaling over $700,000. Seymour once famously finished in the top 200 players in the Main Event of the coveted event, outlasting thousands of other participants and even made him consider pursuing a career in professional poker after retiring from the NFL.
5. Jerome Bettis
Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis might seem like an odd gambler. But in his spare time, he’s been seen to like playing poker. In fact, Bettis has taken part in a number of charity poker tournaments, winning $40,000 for his organization in one of them. He has also participated often in the World Series of Poker, with his greatest result coming in 2004 when he won almost $7,000 in actual cash.
