If you think National Football League (NFL) players only dominate the football field, think again. Some of its biggest names have turned their competitive drive toward horse racing. Several NFL players are either full-time owners, part-time investors, or simply fans of the sport.  

You might wonder what draws these gridiron giants to invest in the “Sport of Kings.” Let’s explore the reason for this crossover and find out who’s been trading their cleats for a day at the stables.

The Appeal of Horse Racing for NFL Players

It’s easy for football legends to bring their competitive mindset and strategic thinking to the world of thoroughbred racing. There are remarkable similarities between the two: both require strategy, split-second decisions, and the thrill of competition.

Success depends on teamwork, coaching, and conditioning. Just like a football team needs great coaches and talented players, a racehorse needs expert right race horse trainers, jockeys, and caretakers to perform at its best. Plus, there’s nothing quite like watching your horse thunder down the homestretch toward victory.

NFL Stars Who Have Invested in Racehorses

These NFL star athletes and coaches are investing in thoroughbreds that are making their presence felt at elite tracks across the country:  

1. Travis Kelce

Travis Kelce is one of the most dominant tight ends in NFL history, known for his playmaking ability, charisma, and championship mentality. But beyond football, Kelce has also stepped into the horse racing industry as a racehorse owner.

The Kansas City Chiefs tight end recently made headlines when he became a racehorse owner with “Swift Delivery“—a clever name that many interpreted as a nod to his relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift. Kelce shares ownership with the Zoldan Family, who runs giant pyrotechnic retailer Phantom Fireworks.

The horse garnered significant attention not just for its name but also for Kelce’s entrance into the thoroughbred racing world. Fans of the pop megastar are wondering whether Swift will join him at the track for a stakes race someday.

2. Wes Welker

Former New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker was known for his speed and agility. However, he’s also made a name for himself in horse racing. A passionate owner, Welker is a staple at major events like the Kentucky Derby, where one of his horses, Undrafted, made headlines.

Undrafted, a gelding named after Welker’s own experience of going undrafted in the NFL, proved that heart and determination can lead to victory. The horse won the prestigious Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2015, cementing Welker’s reputation as more than just a casual racehorse owner.

3. Terry Bradshaw

Famed Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw is no stranger to competition. After leading his team to four Super Bowl titles, he transitioned to a successful broadcasting career. But he also found a love for horse breeding and racing.

Bradshaw owns a horse farm in Oklahoma, where he breeds quarter horses and thoroughbreds. His farm has produced several competitive horses over the years. His passion for horse racing and breeding is another example of how former NFL stars stay connected to the thrill of competition.

4. Bill Parcells

Hall of Fame NFL coach Bill Parcells is best known for leading the New York Giants to two Super Bowl victories. But after retiring from football, he shifted his competitive focus to horse racing. Parcells owns August Dawn Farm, which has produced some successful racehorses, including Mind Control, a multiple graded stakes winner.

Parcels became a thoroughbred owner in 2011. As of 2023, he’s had 59 victories from 353 starts and more than USD$4.5 million in earnings, according to trainermagazine.com.

Parcells takes horse racing seriously, working with some of the best racehorse trainers in the business. He’s a hands-on owner, often attending races and keeping a close eye on the development of his horses. His deep understanding of strategy and team management translates well into the racing world, where planning and preparation are key.

5. Sam Huff

NFL Hall of Famer Sam Huff wasn’t just a dominant linebacker for the New York Giants and Washington Redskins Football Team. He was also a major figure in horse racing. After his football career, Huff developed a deep passion for thoroughbred racing, eventually becoming a successful owner and promoter of the sport.

Huff’s most notable contribution to horse racing was the West Virginia Breeders Classic, an event he co-founded in 1987. His goal was to boost the prominence of West Virginia-bred horses and give them a platform to compete at a high level. Over the years, this event has grown into a respected annual fixture in the racing calendar. Huff sadly died in 2021 at the age of 87.

Other Notable NFL Figures in Horse Racing   

Several football players—some of whom might play for your favorite NFL teams—are known horse racing enthusiasts but don’t own a racehorse: