Bitcoin has definitely surged a lot during the past few months, leading to a lot of people making massive gains. Among those who did was former Carolina Panthers star Russell Okung as he earned more than he did during his time in the NFL.
After a standout collegiate career at Oklahoma State University, where he earned accolades including unanimous All-American honors, Okung was selected sixth overall in the 2010 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. This marked a significant milestone, making him one of the highest-drafted players from Oklahoma State and the second offensive lineman from the school to achieve this.
During his time with the Seahawks, Okung quickly established himself as a key player on the offensive line. He started in 12 games during his second season and contributed to the team’s success in reaching Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014, where they secured a dominant victory over the Denver Broncos. His performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection in 2012 and solidified his reputation as one of the league’s top left tackles.
In 2016, Okung transitioned to the Denver Broncos, where he signed a one-year contract that highlighted his confidence in his abilities, as he negotiated the deal without an agent. He continued to excel, starting all 16 games that season. His journey took him next to the Los Angeles Chargers, where he earned a second Pro Bowl nod in 2018 and faced health challenges, including a pulmonary embolism in 2019.
Okung’s final NFL stop was with the Carolina Panthers in 2020, where injuries limited his playing time. After a distinguished career spanning over a decade, he announced his retirement in 2023. Beyond football, Okung is known for his entrepreneurial ventures and advocacy for financial literacy, particularly in the realms of technology and cryptocurrency.
Former Carolina Panthers Star Russell Okung’s Bitcoin Salary Goes Viral
Recently, Okung revealed he made a lot of money by investing in Bitcoin. This can be seen in an article written by Adam Wells for Bleacher Report.
Russell Okung’s bet on Bitcoin four years ago when he was a member of the Carolina Panthers is paying off handsomely.
Per Amit Kumar Jha of Essentially Sports, the former offensive tackle turned his $6.5 million salary in 2020 into $20 million today by being paid in the cryptocurrency.
Okung’s salary in 2020 was $13 million, which he requested half of to be paid in Bitcoin.
In 2020, Okung made headlines as the first NFL player to receive part of his salary in bitcoin, opting for half of his $13 million contract with the Carolina Panthers. This innovative decision involved converting $6.5 million into bitcoin, resulting in 240 coins at the time. As the value of bitcoin surged from around $27,000 to nearly $90,000, Okung’s initial investment has now potentially grown to over $20 million.
His bold move not only showcases the potential of cryptocurrency but also serves as a statement against traditional financial systems. Okung continues to advocate for bitcoin as a means of achieving generational wealth.
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