Antoine Winfield watched an unknown accountant win $2.5 million for winning a poker tournament in 2003. Since that moment, the former Vikings standout cornerback has believed, "If he can win it, so can I!"

Thirteen years later, Winfield was one of 764 players competing in the World Series of Poker $10,000 Main Event in Las Vegas.

Winfield, who retired in 2013 after 15 years in the NFL and nine with the Vikings, spends a lot of his free time coaching his three sons. When he's not coaching, his hobbies include poker and chess.

"It's fun. I love it. I love the competition and I love meeting all the guys," Winfield told the Casino City Times. "I've been competitive all my life, and this is no different."

The 39-year-old who lives in Houston lost on the first day of the $10,000 tournament, but won $2,391 after finishing in 231st place in the $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em event.

JASON GONZALEZ