Bitcoin, and crypto currencies in general, have received a massive boost in recent weeks with the leap in values largely attributed to the effects of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s re-election in November, 2024. During the election Trump was promoting crypto-friendly policies, unlike the prohibitive stance so often taken by Biden’s administration. That, plus Trump’s association with Elon Musk, a keen advocate of crypto, has seen many digital currencies surge in value.
That upturn in values saw Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. take to social media to happily remind everyone that his 2021 salary was paid in bitcoin. Here’s our round up of NFL players who have been paid in crypto.
Russell Okung
The former NFL offensive lineman played for the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, and Carolina Panthers during his long career.
The two-time Pro Bowler became a Super Bowl champion in 2013, after the Seahawks beat the Denver Broncos 43–8 to earn his one and only Super Bowl ring. Despite an impressive career, Okung may well claim that the best thing he ever did in his career, was to be the first NFL player in history to receive part of his salary in bitcoin.
In 2020, Okung made the pioneering decision to take half his 2020 Carolina Panthers salary in Bitcoin. That $6.5 million is now estimated to be worth around $20million today, and Okung is happy to remind all the doubters about his insightful decision.
Odell Beckham Jr.
During his career, the Miami Dolphins wide receiver was no stranger to featuring amongst the latest NFL MVP odds. However, the Super Bowl champion is also famous for following in the footsteps of Russel Okung, and converting his Los Angeles Rams salary into cryptocurrency. The actual amount he invested remains unclear, but Beckham Jr. went on social media recently to remind people of his good fortune, suggesting he is more than happy with his investment.
Sean Culkin
On February 5, 2021, the former Kansas City Chiefs tight end hit the headlines after he reported that he was converting all of his $920,000 salary for that year into Bitcoin. That would have made him the first NFL player to ever do so, however Culkin was released on May 10, 2021, and retired from the game soon after.
Saquon Barkley
Barkley was the second overall pick in the 2018 draft, joining the New York Giants on a four-year rookie contract worth a guaranteed $31.2 million. He has since gone on to become a two-time Pro Bowler and holder of the NFL record for most receptions by a rookie RB in a single season with 91.
Despite his many achievements on the field, Barkley is also famous for his 2021 decision to convert his annual endorsement money of around $10 million, into Bitcoin. With inflation running high, Barkley considered the use of crypto currency as a good hedge against further inflationary pressures.
The decision came off the back of the running back suffering an ACL tear in 2020 and missing most of the season. Barkley claimed temporarily losing football made him realise that his career could be over at any moment, and inspired him to invest in Bitcoin with the aim of creating generational wealth for his family.
Demario Davis
The New Orleans Saints veteran is a two-time pro bowler who is known not just for his on-field skills, but his contributions off the field too. The linebacker is involved with multiple community and charitable events, and recently came out in favour of the crypto currency Bitcoin, lauding it for its ability to “help solve the inequalities in society”.
Demario announced on his social media that “I believe fiat currency is inherently unfair and corrupted.” He went on to say, “Count me in for #Bitcoin only”.
Aaron Rodgers
The superstar New York Jets quarter back has four MVPs to his name and a Super Bowl ring, which is why his 2021 announcement about Bitcoin hit the headlines. Reporting that Bitcoin would make up a portion of his salary, Rodgers claimed he believed in the crypto currency.
Nobody knows just how much of his annual $22.4 million salary was paid in cryptocurrency, or if Rodgers has made any money on the deal. However, his current contract with the Jets, which averages around $37.5 million per year, is reportedly being paid in good old-fashioned dollars.
Sporting Stars and Crypto Currency
While the NFL has led the way in bitcoin salary payments, other stars from different sports have also become involved in digital currencies, be that part of their salary, marketing endorsements or simply promoting cryptocurrency itself.
Names include soccer superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Two former NBA Golden State Warriors Klay Thompson, Andre Iguadola, and Steph Curry, plus Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham. Los Angeles Dodgers Shohei Ohtani, who in 2023 signed a 10-year, $700 million contract, is an advocate too.
