It’s hard to imagine anyone having a better weekend than that of Los Angeles Rams rookie running back Ronnie Rivers.
Rivers, an undrafted free agent out of Fresno State, hit the “Mega Progressive Jackpot” at a three-card poker table at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. According to KVVU Fox5, Rivers celebrated his and his mom’s birthday on Saturday, Feb. 4. He plans on buying a home with his winnings of $514,837.
.@CaesarsRewards guest and @RamsNFL player Ronnie Rivers hit the Mega Progressive Jackpot this weekend winning $514,837 on 3-card poker!
21+. Gambling problem? Call 800-522-4700. pic.twitter.com/EVjQISUiUG
— Caesars Palace (@CaesarsPalace) February 6, 2023
Spotrac estimated Rivers’ career earnings at $515,670, which included a $9,000 signing bonus from the Arizona Cardinals. In one weekend on the strip, Rivers nearly made what he did during his entire rookie campaign. Right now, he’s projected to make $870,000 during his sophomore season in the NFL.
Rivers is now with the Rams after spending time with the Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks in 2022. Los Angeles signed the Fresno State product to its practice squad in September, before he was promoted to the active roster in November. In eight games with the Rams, Rivers had 21 rushing yards on nine attempts, while recording five receptions for 29 receiving yards.
Rivers was part of a running back by committee, which was among the league’s worst rushing attacks in 2022. The Rams’ running backs accounted for 1,661 rushing yards on 411 attempts. Los Angeles’ mere four yards per carry was the fifth worst in the NFL last season.
While Rivers is under contract for next season, his roster spot isn’t guaranteed for 2023. What is guaranteed, though, is those jackpot winnings, which’ll certainly be beneficial for an undrafted player in the NFL.
