In the high-stakes world of the NFL, players and coaches are no strangers to adrenaline, strategy, and competition — all qualities that carry over surprisingly well to another realm: horse racing. From casual fans to dedicated owners, several NFL figures have found themselves captivated by the speed and spectacle of the sport of kings.
Whether attending prestigious events like the Kentucky Derby or investing in racehorses, if you’re looking for any more reasons to watch and bet on Irish Grand National 2025 or any of the other massive events this summer, these athletes prove that the thrill of competition doesn’t end at the goal line.
Tom Brady: The Kentucky Derby Regular
When it comes to star power, few shine brighter than Tom Brady. The seven-time Super Bowl champion isn’t just a legend on the field; he’s also a familiar face at Churchill Downs. Brady has made multiple appearances at the Kentucky Derby, often bringing along teammates to soak in the pageantry of one of America’s most iconic sporting events. His Derby visits have become a tradition, blending fashion, fun, and a shared appreciation for elite competition.
Rob Gronkowski: From Touchdowns to Thoroughbreds
Rob Gronkowski’s larger-than-life persona makes him a perfect match for the flamboyant world of horse racing. The former Patriots and Buccaneers tight end went a step further than most fans — he invested in a thoroughbred named after himself. Gronkowski the horse made headlines with a thrilling second-place finish in the 2018 Belmont Stakes, proving that the name carries weight in more than just football circles.
Wes Welker: Winning at Royal Ascot
Another former Patriot, Wes Welker, is not just a fan — he’s a bona fide horse racing success story. Welker co-owns Undrafted, a gelding that defied odds to win the Grade 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes at the prestigious Royal Ascot meet in 2015. That win cemented Welker’s place not just as a serious owner, but as a transatlantic player in the sport. His involvement highlights the thoughtful, competitive approach many NFL veterans bring to their post-football pursuits.
Travis Kelce: Teaming Up with Swift… Delivery
Kansas City Chiefs tight end and two-time Super Bowl champ Travis Kelce recently made waves by acquiring a stake in a racehorse named Swift Delivery. The name drew even more buzz given his high-profile relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift, but Kelce has made clear that his interest in racing is no passing fad. He called the move “a no-brainer,” and it’s clear Kelce is joining a growing list of players who see racing as a fun and strategic outlet beyond the gridiron.
Jacob Tamme: Building a Racing Operation
Former tight end Jacob Tamme has taken his racing ambitions even further by partnering in Hat Creek Racing. With runners like Con Te Partiro — who won the Sandringham Handicap at Royal Ascot in 2017 — Tamme’s stable has notched major victories on the international stage. His involvement underscores the deep commitment some players develop for breeding and racing at the highest levels.
Vince Wilfork: Muscle in the Winner’s Circle
Defensive linemen are known for strength and grit — traits that Vince Wilfork brought with him from the NFL to the racetrack. The two-time Super Bowl winner with the Patriots owns Great Minds, a horse that won the Grade 3 Texas Mile at Lone Star Park in 2016. For Wilfork, horse racing offers a competitive outlet that’s just as exhilarating, albeit with a different kind of horsepower.
Bill Parcells: Coaching Champions of a Different Kind
Legendary coach Bill Parcells has also embraced the sport. Through his operation, August Dawn Farm, Parcells has overseen successful runners like Saratoga Snacks. Known for his eye for talent on the football field, Parcells applies the same meticulous approach to training and selecting racehorses — and the results speak for themselves.
Lamar Jackson: A New Breed of Owner
Baltimore Ravens quarterback and two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson recently joined the National Thoroughbred League as a team owner, adding a fresh layer of star power and youth to the industry. Jackson’s involvement signals a new generation of NFL talent becoming active participants in shaping the future of horse racing, bringing energy, fans, and innovation with them.
Quick Recap
For many of these NFL stars, horse racing is more than a hobby — it’s a new kind of competitive arena where passion, preparation, and performance reign supreme. Whether cheering from the grandstand or leading a horse into the winner’s circle, their presence enriches the sport and bridges the worlds of football and racing in a uniquely thrilling way.
As the lines between sports and entertainment continue to blur, the bond between the NFL and horse racing seems destined to grow — powered by the same heart, hustle, and high stakes that make both so compelling.
