Key Points
- Odell Beckham Jr. chose to receive his 2021-2022 NFL salary in Bitcoin, partnering with Square CashApp.
- Several other NFL players have also shown interest in cryptocurrencies, with some even converting portions of their salaries.
NFL player Odell Beckham Jr. made a significant financial decision in 2021.
Instead of receiving traditional payment, he opted to accept his entire $4.25 million salary from the Los Angeles Rams in Bitcoin (BTC).
Beckham’s Crypto Endeavors
Beckham Jr. made this choice when Bitcoin was valued at a solid $57,400.
Despite skepticism, he saw it as the dawn of a new era.
In celebration of his decision and his move to the Rams, he pledged to distribute $1 million in Bitcoin to fans via a social media platform.
The announcement led to an outpouring of gratitude from his followers.
Beckham Jr. is not the only NFL player to embrace the world of cryptocurrency.
He is part of a growing list of NFL players who are interested in trading traditional money for digital currency.
Other NFL Players in Crypto
Russell Okung, an offensive tackle, made headlines in 2020 when he converted half of his $13 million salary into Bitcoin while playing for the Carolina Panthers.
His decision to be “Paid in Bitcoin” went viral, positioning him as a pioneer in the NFL’s crypto space.
Despite opposition, Okung went ahead with his decision and is now a founder of Bitball, a sports league that pays athletes in cryptocurrency.
Sean Culkin, a tight end for the Los Angeles Chargers and Baltimore Ravens, became the first NFL player to convert his entire salary into Bitcoin in 2021 when he joined the Kansas City Chiefs.
He expressed his belief in Bitcoin as the future of finance and wanted to demonstrate his commitment.
Trevor Lawrence, a former No. 1 draft pick, signed with Blockfolio, a cryptocurrency portfolio tracking app, in 2021.
Contrary to reports, his signing bonus was separate from his $24 million NFL deal, and his NFL earnings were not affected by the crypto market crash.
Other NFL players like Aaron Rodgers, Saquon Barkley, and Demario Davis have also shown interest in Bitcoin.
Rodgers chose to receive part of his NFL salary in Bitcoin in 2021, and Barkley announced his decision to convert all his off-field income into Bitcoin.
Davis has expressed interest in Bitcoin, calling it “the future of money”.
Risks of Crypto Salaries
While these NFL stars have made news with their Bitcoin salaries, the timing has not always been ideal.
Bitcoin has had its highs, but also experienced a significant drop after November 2021.
By mid-2022, Bitcoin’s value had fallen below $20,000, highlighting the risks of volatile investments, especially for those accepting crypto salaries.
