Russell Okung was being stopped by NFL managers and financial advisors. Even his own family, Dorthy, was concerned. It was too soon.
The two-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman now had a commitment to turning half of his$ 13 million pay into bitcoin with the Carolina Panthers in 2020. He faced skepticism and widespread mockery from his and others ‘ peers and fellow citizens, but now that bitcoin has soared past$ 90,000 for the first time since Donald J. Trump’s victory in the presidential election, he is having the last laugh.
It was n’t easy for Okung. He had to make up his own mind while navigating the collective bargaining agreement’s regulations. The$ 6.5 million that was rescued from a trust with the aid of Jack Mallers ‘ bitcoin investment platform Zap is now worth more than triple what it was in the past.
” I’m enjoying the success lap”, he said in a movie meeting. ” It’s been amazing schedule and an incredible account”.
Okung wo n’t make any cash outs. In reality, he also is picking up more bitcoin. ” I did n’t get paid in bitcoin to trade it for dollars”, he said. ” I did it to alter my mother’s potential”.
Okung, 36, has held cryptocurrency since 2017, studying the up-and-down processes. The 11-year NFL veteran thinks his bitcoin works are more about “raising awareness” and highlighting the opportunities that online resources have while challenging the status quo.
The original NFLPA executive council member, who has earned more than$ 108 million during his career, is the first NFL player to effectively exchange a part of his income for bitcoin. Aaron Rodgers, the quarterback for the New York Jets and Odell Beckham Jr., the receiver for the Miami Dolphins, both of whom just reacted to criticism of the move, took to X to clap back at critics.
Okung, who has n’t played since 2020, is doubling down on his crypto bullishness and mixing it with sports.
This past month, he launched Bitball, a sports club opportunity that will give participating athletes in cryptocurrency. Symbol soccer is the brand’s first sport, with the goal of expanding to other activities as well. Around 20 current and former professional football players, including Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown, will play in the opening 7-on-7 match on December 10 at Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Following the competition, participants may soon receive payment in bitcoin.
The highly anticipated Bitcoin MENA event is wrapping up that time, with all meeting ticket holders receiving free exposure to the game. The NFL is using symbol football’s rise in popularity as part of its globalization approach, which will be incorporated into the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, to make the most of the new digital-focused sports group.
” Could you imagine a group where players make bitcoin and fans stake their money in real-world games while communities build wealth? My response is yes”, Okung said. ” It’s an evolution. The goal is to have no more destroyed players. We do n’t lose generational wealth”.
After Okung was mocked and dismissed by team users and group managers for formerly attempting to get more crypto-friendly speech into the CBA during the last conversations while he served as vice president, the idea of Bitball was born out of stress. The original Super Bowl champion hopes Bitball will be the catalyst for encouraging sports teams to offer their players alternative means of payment via blockchain. She is also one of the most outspoken crypto activists in the sport.
” People thought it was cool when I got bitcoin ( returns ) in that one day”, he said. Think 24 men receiving their first bitcoin on the same day.