NFL Star Russell Okung’s Bitcoin Gamble Pays Off Big as BTC Soars

Former NFL player Russell Okung made headlines in 2020 when he boldly opted to take half of his $13 million salary in Bitcoin. At the time, many critics—including his teammates, agents, and financial advisors—were skeptical, but today, as Bitcoin surges to new all-time highs, Okung’s decision appears visionary.

Bitcoin's Meteoric Rise Since 2024 U.S. Election

With Bitcoin’s recent price explosion following Donald Trump’s 2024 election win, Okung’s investment in BTC has soared in value. This rally is also a victory for Okung, who became the first player in any of the four major U.S. sports leagues to receive part of his salary in cryptocurrency.

Originally announcing his decision with the statement, “Normal is a trap,” Okung has been vocal about his journey with Bitcoin, from his early doubts to his decision to convert a significant part of his NFL earnings into the cryptocurrency. “The NFL teaches us how not to go broke but doesn’t educate us on how to build real wealth,” Okung said, adding, “All I did was buy Bitcoin, and now we’re making history.”

How Okung Made Bitcoin Part of His NFL Salary

Okung initially partnered with the fintech company Zap, using its Strike platform to convert half of his salary into Bitcoin. Although the NFL and Okung’s team, the Carolina Panthers, did not pay him directly in BTC, Zap allowed for 50% of his earnings to be automatically converted.

By the time Okung announced his Bitcoin salary arrangement in December 2020, the cryptocurrency’s price was around $27,370 per BTC. Assuming that $6.5 million of Okung’s $13 million salary was converted to Bitcoin at that price, his earnings would have bought him about 237 BTC. Today, with BTC trading at over $88,000, that Bitcoin portion of his salary could be worth upwards of $21 million.

A Bitcoin Pioneer in the Sports World

Okung’s bold move into crypto set a new trend, showcasing that athletes can diversify their wealth beyond traditional investments. Since his last season in 2020, Okung has continued to champion Bitcoin as a means to escape what he describes as a “corrupt, manipulated economy.” Today, he encourages others to consider Bitcoin but also offers a practical approach, advising followers to prioritize stable income streams alongside their crypto investments.

Though it’s unclear how much Bitcoin Okung holds, his social media presence suggests he has remained loyal to his BTC investment, posting frequently about the cryptocurrency and its potential to transform wealth.

Okung’s Legacy as Bitcoin Advocate

While he may have retired from the field, Okung’s legacy in sports is tied to his trailblazing decision to embrace Bitcoin. In a recent message to fans, Okung summed up his journey with Bitcoin: “Money is more than currency; it’s power. And by taking my salary in Bitcoin, I’ve taken the first step in opting out of a system that doesn’t work for everyone.”