5 Pittsburgh Steelers Players Who Would Dominate The WSOP Poker Tables

Pittsburgh Steelers fans are used to seeing their gridiron heroes grind out wins in high-pressure situations, read opponents like open books, and stay composed under fire. However, what if those very skills—honed on the football field—could transfer to a completely different kind of arena: the World Series of Poker?

In the poker world, success isn’t about brute strength or physical dominance. It’s about mental fortitude, bluffing mastery, emotional control, and strategic risk-taking. Sound familiar? These are the very same qualities that define elite NFL players, especially those who wear the black and gold. The discipline to follow game plans, the ability to remain calm in chaotic moments, and the instinct to read subtle cues could make some Steelers dangerous in a poker room, not just in a huddle.

So, we decided to imagine which five past and present Pittsburgh Steelers players would fare best at the WSOP. Not just as casual players—but as real threats to the poker elite. To take it a step further, we matched each with a poker icon whose style, personality, or approach would make the perfect mentor. 

1. T.J. Watt (Present) – The Relentless Reader (Mentor: Phil Ivey)

T.J. Watt is a quarterback's worst nightmare, known for dissecting offensive schemes like a chess grandmaster on defense. That same analytical prowess and explosive decision-making would serve him perfectly in high-stakes poker. Watt’s ability to study film, react in split seconds, and anticipate movement mirrors the exact skills top poker pros use when reading their table opponents. His cool-headed aggression on the field could easily translate into selective, tactical aggression at the poker table as well as it is right now around the contract negotiation table. 

But what really puts Watt in elite poker company is his stamina and focus. In tournaments like the WSOP Main Event, where long hours and mental fatigue weed out the weak, Watt’s NFL-conditioned endurance would shine. He wouldn't be rattled by bad beats or long dry spells. He’d keep grinding, adapting, and waiting for the right time to strike.

His ideal mentor? Phil Ivey, the poker legend nicknamed “The Tiger Woods of Poker.” Ivey’s icy demeanor, relentless reads, and mastery of pressure situations align perfectly with Watt’s on-field style. With Ivey’s mentorship, Watt could learn to balance patience with sudden aggression—something he already does on the football field every Sunday.

Put Watt in a hoodie, sunglasses, and a WSOP seat, and you've got a problem.

2. Minkah Fitzpatrick (Past) – The Intellectual Assassin (Mentor: Chris Moneymaker)

Minkah Fitzpatrick doesn’t just play defense—he orchestrates it. A cerebral free safety with a knack for being exactly where he needs to be, Fitzpatrick thrives on pre-snap reads, baiting quarterbacks, and creating game-changing turnovers. At the poker table, these same abilities would make him a monster.

Poker is a mental sport, and Fitzpatrick has a mind built for deception, discipline, and precise timing. He knows how to control a game without revealing too much, a skill essential when you’re bluffing with air or slow-playing pocket aces. His elite football IQ would allow him to quickly spot patterns in other players’ betting behavior—something that separates decent players from great ones.

Enter his poker world mentor: Chris Moneymaker, the former accountant turned poker icon who won the 2003 WSOP Main Event. Moneymaker is all about making smart decisions, staying humble under pressure, and using unconventional wisdom to outplay “better” opponents. That mirrors Fitzpatrick’s rise—underestimated early on, but now indispensable.

As a current Americas Cardroom poker pro, Moneymaker’s guidance on how to turn strategy into stacks, Fitzpatrick could evolve into the kind of player who doesn’t need the best cards to win—just the best timing and instincts.

3. Kenny Pickett (Past) – The Calm Competitor (Mentor: Daniel Negreanu)

The young quarterback, Kenny Pickett has been thrown into pressure cooker situations from the get-go. Now with the Cleveland Browns, he's shown poise beyond his years, staying collected even as chaos breaks loose in the pocket. That unflappable demeanor would serve him beautifully in the emotionally volatile world of high-stakes poker.

Pickett’s greatest poker asset might be his temperament. Poker is a psychological battle, and players who tilt or lose focus often self-destruct. Pickett, by contrast, thrives under tension. He doesn’t let mistakes snowball, and he knows how to reset—essential traits for any tournament grinder looking to survive long hours at the table.

His poker mentor? Daniel Negreanu, arguably the most emotionally intelligent poker pro in the world. “Kid Poker” is famous not just for his reads and table talk, but also for his ability to stay upbeat, adapt to new trends, and connect with players at any level. Like Negreanu, Pickett is media savvy and grounded, with a focus on long-term improvement.

Together, they’d make a killer team: the cool-headed quarterback mentored by the king of composure and people-reading. With Negreanu’s tools and Pickett’s natural calm, the poker room might feel less like a gamble—and more like game day.

4. Najee Harris (Past) – The Calculated Bulldozer (Mentor: Mike Sexton, posthumous)

Najee Harris, now with the Los Angeles Chargers, combines raw power with vision. He’s not your typical power back—he thinks through each run, patiently waits for holes, and uses leverage like a physics professor in cleats. This mix of patience and force would translate beautifully to poker, where knowing when to hold back—and when to push all-in—is everything.

Harris also brings something rare to poker: balance. He doesn’t panic under pressure, doesn’t overreact when things go sideways, and he plays a smart long game—always looking to wear down defenses the same way a poker pro grinds down chip stacks. His ability to stay focused on process rather than flash fits the mold of a disciplined tournament grinder.

His poker inspiration? Mike Sexton, the late great ambassador of the game. Sexton was known for his class, calculated play, and love of the sport. Like Harris, he didn’t rely on drama or volatility—just consistency and focus. While they come from different worlds, both share a workmanlike approach that turns fundamentals into long-term wins.

With a “Sexton-esque” mindset and a bulldozing chip-stack mentality, Harris would be the kind of poker player who never chases—he waits, and then he dominates.

5. Cam Heyward (Present) – The Table General (Mentor: Doyle Brunson, posthumous)

Cam Heyward is the emotional and tactical anchor of the Steelers’ defense. A veteran with high football IQ and unmatched leadership, Heyward doesn’t just make plays—he sets the tone and he's a team player. In poker, that’s the guy you fear the most: the one who dictates table tempo and commands respect just by sitting down.

What makes Heyward a poker natural is his command presence. He’d know when to talk, when to stay silent, when to apply pressure, and when to let others implode. His ability to stay unreadable, control his emotions, and read subtle shifts in momentum is exactly what separates poker legends from the rest.

His poker soulmate? Doyle Brunson, the late “Godfather of Poker.” Brunson, like Heyward, was a larger-than-life figure with a quiet but undeniable authority. He played fearless, yet measured. He adapted over decades, remaining relevant long after others faded. Heyward could follow in those footsteps, using wisdom, strength, and timing to dismantle opponents without ever needing to be flashy.

Pairing Heyward’s veteran savvy with Brunson’s time-tested approach would be a masterclass in controlled dominance. He wouldn't just play the game—he'd own the room.

Could the Steelers Cash at the WSOP?

The leap from the football field to the poker felt might seem like a big one, but for these five Steelers, it’s not far-fetched. They already possess the core traits of world-class poker players: discipline, mental toughness, strategic insight, and a hunger to win. With mentorship from poker icons like Chris Moneymaker, Phil Ivey, and Daniel Negreanu, the transition could be smoother than you'd expect.

So don’t be surprised if one day you see T.J. Watt bluffing on the river or Minkah Fitzpatrick staring down a final table opponent under the bright lights of the WSOP. After all, the same qualities that win Super Bowls can win bracelets too.