Report: Panthers' Okung becomes 1st player to be paid in Bitcoin

Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Russell Okung made history Tuesday when he became the first NFL player to receive part of his salary in Bitcoin, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Okung, 32, will receive half of his $13-million salary in the cryptocurrency. The agreement comes in partnership with Zap, a Bitcoin startup, which allows for the conversion of traditional currency.

The 11-year NFL veteran will become the first player from any major U.S. sports league to be paid in Bitcoin, according to William Foxley of Coindesk. Okung lobbied to be paid in this manner over the past two seasons as a member of both the Panthers and Los Angeles Chargers.

Jack Mallers, founder of Zap's Strike application, which enables the conversion of paychecks, has mentioned that other unnamed pro athletes have begun onboarding to the program. Mallers said the NFL and players' association were involved in the deal's approval.

Okung has long been frustrated with a perceived lack of economic power that professional athletes currently hold. He views Bitcoin as a means of regaining financial independence. Okung also launched an advocacy project to spread more awareness about the topic.

"The next decade will be about Bitcoin's mass adoption," Okung said Tuesday.