JACKSONVILLE, Fla.–—In another sign that cryptocurrency is moving mainstream, the number-one pick in this year’s National Football League draft has chosen to take his first payment of cryptocurrency—and could take additional payments in crypto, as well.
Trevor Lawrence, the former Clemson quarterback who will most likely be calling plays next season for the Jacksonville Jaguars, took his signing his signing bonus—an estimated $22,630,055—in crypto.
Lawrence is partnering with a global cryptocurrency investment app called Blockfolio and will place his signing bonus into an account with the company USA Today reported.
Lawrence’s portfolio includes mainstream cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. He’s also invested in Solana, a lesser-known blockchain.
Payout Rises in Value
According to the New York Times, the first payment was made exclusively in crypto tokens transferred directly into his Blockfolio account.”
While the company did not disclose the terms of the agreement, a spokesman noted that Lawrence’s signing bonus “was already worth more on Sunday than when it was deposited on Friday night.”
The publication added that “Future payments will be made in whatever combination of dollars and crypto Lawrence chooses.”
Lawrence is expected to sign a four-year contract in the range of $36.7 million with a fifth-year option available.