In 2021, NFL star Odell Beckham Jr. took a significant step in shaping his financial future. Instead of focusing solely on traditional forms of payment, he became captivated by Bitcoin. Partnering with Square CashApp, he proudly announced that he would receive his entire $4.25 million salary for the 2021-2022 season in Bitcoin (BTC). This move sparked both excitement and skepticism among the public. Skeptics scoffed as Bitcoin was trading at a respectable $57,400 in November 2021, considering it a risky and unproven choice. But for Beckham Jr., it was a sign of entering a "new era." See below for more details.

It's a NEW ERA and Giving Back

To kick off this new era and give back to his fans, Beckham Jr. announced that he would take his new salary in Bitcoin thanks to @CashApp. He was excited to share this opportunity with his fans and showed his gratitude by giving away a total of $1M in BTC. He encouraged his fans to drop their $cashtag with #OBJBTC and follow @CashApp. The response was overwhelming, with a flood of "thank you" tweets from followers who were thrilled by their newfound digital riches.

Beckham Jr.'s Crypto Journey

Beckham Jr. wasn't the only one to embrace cryptocurrency. He joined a growing list of NFL players who saw the potential of digital assets. Russell Okung, an offensive tackle, made headlines in 2020 when he converted half of his $13 million salary into Bitcoin. His announcement went viral, positioning him as the NFL's crypto pioneer. Despite the initial resistance from NFL executives and his mother, Okung's insistence paid off. Today, he is one of the founders of Bitball, a sports league venture that pays participating athletes in crypto.

Sean Culkin's Crypto Move

In 2021, Sean Culkin, a tight end with the Los Angeles Chargers and Baltimore Ravens, became the first NFL player to convert his entire NFL salary into Bitcoin upon joining the Kansas City Chiefs. He firmly believed that Bitcoin was the future of finance and wanted to prove his commitment. He wasn't just looking for a quick profit; he saw Bitcoin as a long-term investment. In March, he tweeted a shoutout to fellow crypto-bull Okung, showing his support for the crypto community.

Trevor Lawrence's Crypto Connection

The former No. 1 draft pick, Trevor Lawrence, quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars, signed with Blockfolio, a cryptocurrency portfolio tracking app, in 2021. There were rumors that his signing bonus was paid entirely in cryptocurrency, but in reality, it was separate from his $24 million NFL deal. The misreporting led to speculation about his financial situation, but in reality, his NFL earnings remained untouched by the blockchain drama.

Aaron Rodgers, Saquon Barkley, and Demario Davis

Before joining the New York Jets, Aaron Rodgers partnered with Cash App and chose to receive part of his NFL salary in Bitcoin. Saquon Barkley, the New York Giants running back, also made a bold move by announcing that he would convert all his off-field income into Bitcoin, emphasizing the importance of long-term wealth preservation. Demario Davis, a linebacker with the New Orleans Saints, expressed interest in Bitcoin, calling it "the future of money." Although he didn't accept his NFL contract in Bitcoin, his words showed his awareness of the potential of digital currencies.

Crypto's Volatile Journey

While these NFL stars made headlines with their Bitcoin paydays, the timing couldn't have been more challenging. Bitcoin was enjoying all-time highs in 2021 but then experienced a sharp nosedive. After hitting a peak of nearly $69,000, rising interest rates, market over-speculation, and high-profile crypto crises like TerraUSD's collapse and FTX's bankruptcy led to a significant decline in its value. By mid-2022, Bitcoin's value had fallen below $20,000, highlighting the risks associated with volatile investments, especially for those like NFL stars who had embraced crypto salaries.