Shannon Sharpe Signs with AbsolutePoker

CBS Sports NFL Today Commentator and Former NFL Standout Shannon Sharpe Signs with AbsolutePoker to Compete at the World Series of Poker

Sharpe is Training with WSOP Front-Runner Poker Pro Mark Seif

San Jose, Costa Rica (June 29, 2005) – 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.. 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.

About Shannon Sharpe

Shannon Sharpe entered the NFL in 1990 as the Denver Broncos seventh-round selection (192nd overall) out of Savannah State. He played 12 years with the Broncos and two years with the Ravens. He is the NFL's all-time leader in receptions (815) and yards (10,060) by a tight end, eclipsing Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome during the 2001 season. He is the NFL's all-time leader in touchdowns (62) and 50-catch seasons (11) by a tight end. Sharpe was voted to eight Pro Bowls (1992-98, 2001), as well as the NFL's All-Decade team for the 1990s (first team). Sharpe is one of only four tight ends in the NFL annals to post more than one 1,000-yard receiving season (1994, 1,010 yards; 1996, 1,062 yards; 1997, 1,107 yards) and one of four to amass 6,000 receiving yards. He produced 19 career 100-yard games and a Denver Broncos franchise-record seven straight 50-catch seasons (1992-98) during which he was selected to seven straight Pro Bowls.

A three-time Super Bowl champion, back-to-back with the Broncos (1997, 1998) and the Ravens (2000), Sharpe holds the NFL record for most receptions in a post-season contest (13) along with Kellen Winslow (1981) and Thurman Thomas (1989). He also holds the NFL post-season record for longest reception, a 96-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown at Oakland in the 2000 AFC Championship Game (1/14/01). Sharpe played in 12 post-season contests as a Bronco - all starts - and ranks No. 1 in franchise playoff history in receptions (47) and No. 3 in receiving yards (505).

About Absolute Poker

Absolute Poker with thousands of active players at all times is the World's fourth largest online poker destination. Driven by proprietary software, Absolute Poker was created to offer the most comprehensive, interactive online poker room, while always delivering superior customer service and a personal touch to each online poker player. Players Worldwide can access an Absolute Poker online poker game 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and experience the best multi-player online poker the industry has to offer. Established in 2003, Absolute Poker is licensed and regulated in Canada.