Absolute Poker Signs on Shannon Sharpe

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica – (PRESS RELEASE) -- Absolute Poker, the fourth largest online poker destination has drafted CBS Sports NFL Today Commentator and former NFL standout Shannon Sharpe to play at the largest sporting event in the world - the 36th annual World Series of Poker. Known as "The Greatest Tight End to ever play the game," Sharpe signed with Team AbsolutePoker to play in the tournament's Main Event starting July 7 Las Vegas at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino. He is training with WSOP leader and AbsolutePoker's resident pro Mark Seif.

The WSOP is touted as the largest sporting event in the world with an estimated $100 million in prize money and the 36th annual is the largest in history with an expected 23,000 registrations from 45 nations around the globe by the time the main event starts July 7. Seif became the first person at this year's WSOP to win two championships this year, placing him second in the money and first in the running for the WSOP's "Player of the Year" award. He is also currently ranked 10th in the World according to CardPlayer

Sharpe, who has only played poker for five months said, "I'm approaching this like I would football or any other competition. It's all about being focused and prepared. I've started training with Mark and I'm getting better every day. If I get beat, it will be because the other players outplayed me or had a better hand. I'll be looking out for the aces and kings to make my job a lot easier."

According to Seif, "Shannon's contributions to the NFL are legendary and we feel honored to have him join Team AbsolutePoker at our Super Bowl - the World Series of Poker. When you take a look as his illustrious football career, Shannon consistently proved he was a champion and we look forward to helping him fulfill his potential and be a standout poker player, too."

Sharpe, who played 12 years for the Broncos and two years with the Baltimore Ravens before retiring in 2004, now commentates for CBS Sports NFL Today and co-hosts a weekly shows on SIRIUS NFL radio. He also posts a weekly column for NFL.com.