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An Unheard Story About Phil Mickelson Casually Pocketing Half a Million Courtesy of the NFL and MLB

Published 07/21/2022, 7:00 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

It is a popular phenomenon that there is no better connection than Phil Mickelson and betting. The golfer has shared an enormous number of gambling stories in which he has won big time while in others, he got be bested. Today, we look back to 2001, when an underdog bet from Mickelson won him nearly half a million.

Lefty loves placing bets whether it’s while playing golf, watching golf, or even on other sports. The golfer’s addiction to gambling has resulted in him losing more than $40 million.

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However, in 2001, a Super Bowl win by Baltimore Ravens and a World Series win by Arizona Diamondbacks won Mickelson a healthy six-figure amount. Moreover, he made sure his friends and family too got some share from the winning slips.

Phil Mickelson hits the right underdog bet

Before the 2001 season, both teams were struggling to get a taste of success in their respective sports. Arizona Diamondbacks similar to Baltimore Ravens, failed to make the playoffs in the previous season of their respective leagues.

via Reuters

However, within a year, both franchises decided to undergo several changes and bring in the right players. But the changes were still not satisfying for many analysts, except the 6-time Major champion.

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When asked what did he see in the Ravens to place a bet on them, Mickelson simply replied, “A Super Bowl champion”. He further added, “The best defense in the history of the game, and a running offense that runs the clock out and doesn’t turn the ball over.”

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Mickelson’s $20,000 bet later turned into a winning amount of $440,000. He went to collect the winning slip to Las Vegas with his family. While collecting the amount in Vegas, Lefty said, “We’re definitely going to do it again.”

The now 52-year-old stayed loyal to his words. Later that same year, he placed another $20k on Arizona Diamondbacks before the start of the 2001 MLB season. The Diamondbacks went on to win their maiden World Series title against the New York Yankees, handing Mickelson another winning bet.

Mickelson has since placed several bets over the years. However, we hardly hear of any newly placed bets from the LIV Golf player.

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Watch This Story: Rory McIlroy Joins Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in Golf’s History Books

 

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Written by:

Abdul Bari Khan

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Abdul Bari is a Golf writer at EssentiallySports. Having completed his Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Abdul is currently pursuing his Master’s in the same. With great affection for the world of sports, this avid golf lover turned to the course at a young age.
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Edited by:

Manaal Siddiqui

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