The Best WSOP Runs by NFL Players

The NFL and the World Series of Poker have a long history together. Players are allowed to take part in the event, though the NFL has said they can not be used in any way to promote it. Thus, you often find that many players fly under the radar. They can get quite far into the tournament without the public even realizing they are playing. Below, we dive into the best WSOP runs by NFL players.  

Richard Seymour’s 69k Win

Richard Seymour was a former defensive tackle. He played for both the New England Patriots and Oakland Raiders, after a college season in the Georgia Bulldogs. His accolades are numerous, having played in Pro Bowls with three Super Bowl wins for the Patriots.  

When his career ended, he took up playing poker as a hobby. In the 2019 WSOP, he came 131st, and 284th in 2023. However, the former run was arguably his most lucrative. From a $10,000 entry fee, he managed to walk away with $59,295 in winnings. His exit was prompted by a fold on a pair of 10s. His opponent was gunning for a straight and went all in.  

So far, it is unknown if he will appear in the WSOP 2025. Poker news sites will be covering all the latest about WSOP 2025, and will provide updates in the build up and throughout the competition when it unfolds later this year. Taking place in Las Vegas for its fourth consecutive year, it will be one of the most fearsome tournaments yet. Attracting professionals and amateurs, the popularity of poker is at its zenith meaning the cream of the crop will be vying for one of the 100 WSOP bracelets on offer.

Calais Campbell

Source: Pexels

Calais Campbell is another defensive tackle. He currently plays for the Miami Dolphins but has also had stints in the Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, and before that the Miami Hurricanes. And his credentials don’t stop there. He has a degree in sociology from the University of Miami and has set up scholarships for defensive linemen. He has also taken part in television shows, giving numerous appearances.  

Campbell has also played numerous charity poker events, and taken part in the WSOP. In 2016 he went up against the main event champion Ryan Riess. Holding pocket kings, he called an all-in from Reiss, who only had an ace and a king. Unfortunately, he was not able to progress into the top tier that paid the top 101 finishers, despite taking out a champion.  

Eric Stocz 

Fans of NFL and poker may have even witnessed the time Richard Seymour sat across the table from Eric Stocz, also a former NFL player. A former tight end, he had previously played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, and Detroit Lions. When his career ended, in 2010 he began to play poker professionally.  

Stocz has reached the main event at the WSOP multiple times, making him one of the more well-known former NFL players on the circuit. In 2011 he made a table and walked away with $30,974. However, this is small compared to his win at the Heartland Poker tour which saw him bag $117,000. 

No doubt 2025 will bring a whole new batch of athletes to the table. For fans of poker, it is the equivalent of the Superbowl. Tune in and watch the action unfold, and you may spot your favorite NFL players.