At the time, it was a curious decision, and it may yet be one — athletes started getting paid in Bitcoin, whether it was portions of their salaries or payments from endorsements.
But now, some of those athletes are laughing last on social media with the continued explosion of the price in cryptocurrency. We’ll see long-term if that pays off, but for now, they’re celebrating especially now that it feels like crypto will be more of a free-for-all?
So which athletes are getting paid in crypto, at least that we know about? Here’s a partial list of them that we found:
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 24: Russell Okung #76 of the Carolina Panthers waits between drills during a training camp session at Bank of America Stadium on August 24, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Aug 17, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) throws the football before preseason game against the Washington Commanders at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
A question he asked on X (formerly Twitter): “Soooo who said taking my Rams salary in bitcoin was dumb again?”
Sep 29, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) on the sideline during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Nov 1, 2014; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Bud Sasser (21) is congratulated by tight end Sean Culkin (80) after Sasser scores during the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) walks off the field against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 10: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs with the ball during the third quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
He announced in 2021 that he was going to take income from endorsements and invest in Bitcoin.
