Popular NFL Stars Who Love Poker

Michael James January 26, 2019
NFL players are best known their achievements on the field, but the fans also take pride in knowing what their favorite players like to do in their free time. There are flamboyant players like Odell Beckham Jr. of the New York Giants, who is known as much for his hair as he is for his playing prowess. Quarterback Eli Manning is a player who really seems to stay focused on the game, but his famous friendly yet competitive rivalry with his brother Peyton (that has been used in many commercials) is part of what makes his persona attractive to fans.

Then, there are the popular NFL stars who like to enjoy a hand of poker every now and then. Some have even been featured on television poker championships as they play for charities. To that end, here are some popular NFL players who love playing poker.

Sammy Watkins

Sammy Watkins apparently loves poker so much he almost got into trouble because of it. Professional athletes are signed to million-dollar contracts with the expectation that they will perform well on the field. To do so, they are expected to do a lot of practicing. That includes workouts in the offseason, where NFL players are expected to show up at team facilities, where they meet with their coaches, discuss game strategies, and bond with other players. In 2016, Sammy Watkins had other plans. Instead of attending workouts for the Buffalo Bills, Watkins actually was spending time in North Carolina playing poker with one of his college teammates. Things might not have been so bad for Watkins if it were for the fact that he decided to humblebrag about his propensity for poker on social media.

Emmitt Smith

Emmitt Smith crushed so many records during his time in the league, including the all-time record for career rushing yards, that he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010. Emmitt Smith was unstoppable during his years with the Dallas Cowboys. Although he was small for a running back, his determination and tenacity helped him score points and win games for his team. Now that he is retired and super rich, he has taken up poker as one of his pastimes. Mr. Smith is also no stranger to cameras. Having participated in more than one major competitive poker event, the former NFL star seemed to be holding his own pretty well.

Richard Seymour

Richard Seymour is another retired NFL star who seems to be enjoying a second career, thanks to his poker playing skills. Seymour is best described as a ‘gentle giant,’ standing 6”6 and weighing over 300 pounds during his playing days. His impressive size helped him stand out on the field as a defensive lineman. Today, he is a formidable foe in the professional poker playing circuit. It wouldn’t be surprising to learn that Seymour and other NFL stars practice their skills at Japanese online casino Wunderino. Seymour has been in a good number of tournaments and he has walked away with a very respectable amount of prize money.

NFL stars might like poker because the game is a bit flashy. There are high stakes tournaments, and the lure of winning huge cash prizes. However, it is also a relaxed type of casino game that you can enjoy with friends and perfect strangers. Keep an eye on the performance of these current and former NFL players at the poker tables to see how they improve their game.

About

Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.

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