$1.4M total. To have luck like this, download the app @shots and wear “TMT” clothing from http://t.co/10hmysOZRS pic.twitter.com/vp6cjvYpkD
— Floyd Mayweather (@FloydMayweather) October 12, 2014
Although not his biggest bet, the $815,000 that Floyd Mayweather Jnr placed on the Denver Broncos is more than many of us will ever see in our lifetimes.
It was back in 2014 that the Broncos were facing the New York Jets, and Mayweather Jnr thought they would cover the 7.5 point spread to win.
Even at the super short odds of -130, which is 10/13 or around 1.77 in decimal, he stood to win $626,293 if the bet came in.
And it did.
Mayweather Jnr was rather fond of posting images of his bet receipts online during this period, probably just to show off, and it was no different on this occasion.
The bet was also confirmed by a spokesman for CG Technology, the company running the sportsbook at M Resort where the bet was placed.
Jason Simbal, CG Technology’s vice president of sports and race at the time, said:
“Floyd didn’t watch the game here, but he certainly showed up shortly thereafter to cash.”
I hope it goes without saying that I don’t condone the message in his tweet!
A Close Shave
Although Floyd’s bet was ultimately successful, it very nearly wasn’t.
The Broncos were the favourites it’s true, but their opponents, the New York Jets, had more in the tank than many had bargained for.
The game was closer than would have been comfortable with $815k on the line, especially since the Jets went into the 2nd quarter 7-3 ahead. That lead wouldn’t last long, with Denver hitting back with two touchdowns during the second, then another in the 3rd, during which New York could only add another 3 points to their tally.
Going into the 4th and final quarter then, the score was 24-10 and Floyd’s bet was looking like a winner, but another touchdown from the Jets half way through the 4th closed that gap, and kept the score at 24-17 until the final 15 seconds of the game.
Although the Broncos had a 7 point lead, it was not enough to win the bet as they had not covered the 7.5 point spread.
Then, Aquib Talib came to Mayweather’s rescue with an interception resulting in a 22 yard touchdown, plus an extra point added by McManus, for a final score of 31-17, covering the spread almost twice over.
Floyd Mayweather Jnr was over $600k richer.