The NFL and gambling have had a long, troubled history. Although wagering on NFL games is expressly prohibited by league rule, many players—both current and former—have not been able to fight the temptation of gambling's excitement, whether at casinos, card tables, or even, for some, taking a chance on sports wagers with their careers hanging in the balance. Following are ten NFL greats whose gambling affections have been plastered in the news for good or ill.
1. Tom Brady
The seven-time Super Bowl champion is as competitive off the field as he is on it. Brady has a highly publicized affinity for high-stakes poker and has been spotted at casino tables and in poker advertisements. He's even discussed casino development in Florida and enjoys the mental aspect poker brings, which is the same intensity and strategy he brings to football.
2. Richard Sherman
Sherman, the star cornerback, is a big casino game and poker fan. During his Stanford years, he even famously wagered $15,000 on an NCAA hoops contest. The teammates are all too familiar with Sherman's addiction to gambling, and he himself has talked extensively about enjoying the risk and competitive nature of big-stakes games.
3. Peyton Manning
One of the greatest NFL quarterbacks of all time, Manning is a poker and casino game fan who enjoys playing with relatives and friends. He's renowned for his analytical approach to gambling, much like he would prepare for a game. Manning's competitiveness also serves him well at the card table, and he's even been known to encourage others to join in.
4. Emmitt Smith
The Hall of Fame running back has discussed playing poker and blackjack. Smith sees gambling as part of his competitive nature, using strategy and mental toughness in trying to win at the tables. He's been open about the appeal of randomness and risk, the same that defined his playing style.
5. Shannon Sharpe
The former tight end and sports analyst is no stranger to gambling. Sharpe often discusses odds and wagers on the air and is known to make friendly bets with colleagues. He's a student of statistics, using his vast sport knowledge to make informed predictions and enjoy the thrill of a wager.
6. Michael Vick
Vick's gambling past is complex. While he's most notorious for his involvement with illegal dogfighting, he's also spoken about enjoying gambling—especially poker—avidly. Vick has spoken about how he wishes to keep his passion for strategy games distant from his past transgressions, yet his name remains synonymous with risky business on and off the field.
7. Sammy Watkins
Watkins, a talented wide receiver, is not bashful regarding his love for casinos and gambling. He has shared stories of both significant winnings and losses, embracing the excitement and danger that come with betting. Watkins likened questioning his instincts on the field to questioning them at the game tables.
8. Paul Hornung
The Green Bay Packers legend was suspended for the 1963 season after betting on NFL games. Hornung restarted his football career in spite of the scandal and was eventually placed in the Hall of Fame. His case is one of the earliest and most high-profile examples of the NFL's hard-line stance on gambling.
9. Alex Karras
Like Hornung, Karras was suspended in 1963 for betting on NFL games. The defensive tackle with the Detroit Lions had a highly publicized gambling addiction, and his suspension served as a warning to future generations. Karras did come back to the league and went on to have a successful post-football career as a broadcaster and actor.
10. Calvin Ridley
The Falcons wide receiver was suspended for the entire 2022 season after it was found that he wagered on NFL games while away from the team. Ridley forfeited his $11.2 million salary for the season, and his case became a modern example of how gambling can derail a promising career.
The NFL's Gambling Tightrope
Although the league continues to have strict policies in place to protect the integrity of the sport, the allure of gambling remains strong for players. As sports betting becomes more popular, the NFL continues to balance giving players their freedom with transparency and trust. For these ten players, the thrill of the bet—whether in the casino or on the game—has become part of their legacy, for worse or better.
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