Odell Beckham Jr. is proving that bold financial moves can pay off big—especially when they involve Bitcoin. Almost four years after opting to take his $750,000 NFL salary in crypto, OBJ’s decision has turned into a highly profitable investment.
Let’s break down the journey, what made it risky, how it turned around, and what this means for athletes—and average investors—going forward.
The Bold Move: Taking an NFL Salary in Bitcoin
In November 2021, Beckham Jr.—then with the Los Angeles Rams—announced that he would take his entire $750,000 base salary in Bitcoin. The move was part of a broader endorsement deal with Cash App, a mobile payment platform that supports Bitcoin purchases.
At the time, Bitcoin was riding high, trading around $60,000 per coin. But while some applauded OBJ for embracing digital finance, others criticized the decision as reckless, pointing out the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies.
Sooooo bitcoin is at an ALL TIME high today…safe to say we still happy with our decision 😏✌️✌️🚀
— Odell Beckham Jr (@obj) July 14, 2025
Lets see what crypto week talkin about 👀 pic.twitter.com/5I0uNV5zao
The Crypto Crash: OBJ’s Investment Takes a Hit
OBJ’s gamble quickly turned into a nightmare—at least temporarily.
In 2022, the crypto market was hit with a “crypto winter,” a sharp and painful decline in asset values. Bitcoin fell to below $17,000, wiping out billions in market value. The collapse of major platforms like FTX shook investor confidence.
OBJ’s Bitcoin holdings, which had been worth $750,000, dropped dramatically in value. Critics jumped in, saying the wide receiver’s move was a classic example of hype-driven investing gone wrong.
The Turnaround: Bitcoin Roars Back
Fast forward to mid-2025, and the story has changed dramatically.
Bitcoin has rebounded thanks to several key developments:
- The U.S. SEC approved Spot Bitcoin ETFs in 2023, allowing traditional investors easier access to Bitcoin.
- Corporate adoption soared, with major firms reportedly preparing to add $15 billion worth of Bitcoin to their treasuries.
- By July 2025, Bitcoin surged past $120,000, hitting a new all-time high.
OBJ himself celebrated on social media, tweeting:
“Sooooo Bitcoin is at an ALL TIME high today…safe to say we still happy with our decision.”
Breaking Down the Numbers: How Much Did OBJ Make?
Let’s do the math.
- Original salary: $750,000 (paid in Bitcoin)
- Value of Bitcoin now: Around $118,000 per coin
- Estimated value of OBJ’s Bitcoin today: Just under $1.5 million
After factoring in taxes—which likely took around 49.3% of the original salary—he’d have received about $380,000 worth of Bitcoin in hand. Even with that, his current Bitcoin holdings are estimated to be worth over $1.1 million, nearly tripling his net after-tax earnings.
That’s a remarkable turnaround.
What Helped Bitcoin Surge Again?
Several major factors contributed to the crypto comeback:
1. Approval of Spot Bitcoin ETFs
These ETFs allowed mainstream investors to buy Bitcoin like stocks, boosting demand significantly.
2. Corporate Bitcoin Treasuries
Companies are now treating Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset, much like gold. These entities are buying with no intention to sell, reducing supply and pushing prices higher.
3. Growing Market Confidence
With regulation becoming clearer and infrastructure improving, more institutions are embracing crypto—not just retail traders.
What’s Next for Bitcoin and Investors?
Experts believe the rally isn’t over. According to Jeff Park of Bitwise and Mas Nakachi of XBTO, the price of Bitcoin could hit $200,000 by the end of 2025.
Park explained that upcoming corporate treasury purchases—worth billions—could trigger a supply shock in Q3 2025, especially around September or October. With supply tightening and demand growing, the price could skyrocket.
“We’re going to hit $200,000 by the end of the year. I think that’s a low-hanging fruit,” Park said.
Lessons for Athletes and Everyday Investors
OBJ’s story isn’t just about luck—it’s about vision, timing, and risk tolerance. While Bitcoin’s volatility makes it a risky bet, this case shows that long-term conviction can pay off.
But it’s important to remember:
- Don’t invest more than you can afford to lose.
- Diversify—crypto can be part of a broader portfolio, not the whole thing.
- Stay informed. The crypto world moves fast, and so do regulations.
Odell Beckham Jr.’s decision to accept his NFL salary in Bitcoin once seemed reckless—but now, it looks genius. From weathering a crypto crash to riding the 2025 bull market, OBJ’s story highlights the power of smart, strategic risk-taking in a changing financial world.
As Bitcoin continues its climb, more athletes, celebrities, and even businesses are expected to follow in his footsteps. The question is: Will you be ready when the next opportunity comes?
