Former NFL player Russell Okung made headlines for investing half of his $13 million salary in Bitcoin back in 2020, a decision that has since grown his investment to an impressive $20 million.

At the time of Okung's investment, Bitcoin was valued at approximately $27,000, but by November 2024, its price has skyrocketed to nearly $90,000.

This savvy move resulted in Okung receiving $6.5 million worth of Bitcoin, translating to about 240 bitcoins at the time of his conversion.

Motivated by a desire to challenge traditional financial systems, Okung has been vocal about advocating for financial independence, famously stating, "no more broke athletes, no more lost generational wealth."

In a December 2020 interview, he emphasized the importance of money, claiming that being paid in Bitcoin allowed him to opt out of a 'corrupt, manipulated economy.'

Market analysts noted that Trump's victory has boosted investor sentiment, leading to increased investments in cryptocurrencies as the market anticipates regulatory changes favoring the industry.

While Okung's Bitcoin holdings have significantly increased in value, the inherent volatility of the cryptocurrency market means the actual amount he holds could vary, leaving uncertainty about whether he has cashed out any of his investments.

Since retiring from professional football in June 2023, Okung has emerged as a strong advocate for Bitcoin, viewing it as a tool for creating generational wealth and combating inflation.

Despite his financial success, Okung has criticized the NFL for not adequately educating players about wealth-building through Bitcoin, despite significant investments in financial literacy programs.

Initially, Okung's decision to receive his salary in Bitcoin was met with skepticism from teammates and financial advisors, but the subsequent surge in Bitcoin's value has vindicated his bold choice.

The recent surge in Bitcoin's price is partly attributed to a favorable political climate for cryptocurrencies, particularly following the election of President-Elect Donald Trump, who has promised to ease regulatory pressures.