An NFL Rookie Scores a $514,000 Jackpot in Las Vegas Los Angeles Rams running back Ronnie Rivers sat down to play 3-card poker and left a half million dollars richer.

By Jonathan Small

Los Angeles Rams running back Ronnie Rivers is sprinting all the way to the bank — on his birthday no less.

Over the weekend, the NFL rookie hit the "Mega Progressive Jackpot" at a 3-card poker table at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, winning a cool $514,837.

Rivers, an undrafted player from Fresno State, was in town celebrating his and his mom's birthday, according to Fox5 Vegas. His luck at the poker table earned him almost 70% of his first-year salary, which was $705,000.

A video of the moment it happened was posted on Twitter.

A man can be heard shouting, "Ronnie!" as a stunned Rivers jumps up from his seat and paces around the table.

Later, Rivers took to Twitter to thank the man upstairs for his good fortune.
Jonathan Small

BIZ Experiences Staff

Founder, Strike Fire Productions

Jonathan Small is a bestselling author, journalist, producer, and podcast host. For 25 years, he has worked as a sought-after storyteller for top media companies such as The New York Times, Hearst, BIZ Experiences, and Condé Nast. He has held executive roles at Glamour, Fitness, and BIZ Experiences and regularly contributes to The New York Times, TV Guide, Cosmo, Details, Maxim, and Good Housekeeping. He is the former “Jake” advice columnist for Glamour magazine and the “Guy Guru” at Cosmo.

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