Former NFL player Russell Okung made history by taking half of his $13 million salary in Bitcoin, becoming the first player in NFL history to do so. At the time, Okung converted about $6.5 million into Bitcoin.

This bold move was met with skepticism from many in the sports community, including teammates and financial advisors.

Fast forward to November 2024, and Okung’s gamble has paid off significantly. The value of Bitcoin has surged, and his holdings are now worth $20 million. When Okung received the Bitcoin, the cryptocurrency was valued at around $27,000.