Retired? Not really. NFL players are betting on Bitcoin

The Bitcoin MENA conference in Abu Dhabi on Monday hosted a panel featuring four former NFL (National Football League) players—Mohamed Sanu, Matt Barkley, Russell Okung, and Antonio Brown. Known for their accomplishments on the American football field, these athletes are now embracing cryptocurrency and blockchain, using their platforms to advocate for innovation, financial literacy, and community impact.

Mohamed Sanu, a wide receiver who played for the Miami Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers, remains active in football but has also become a successful entrepreneur. He owns Legacy Sports Complex in Georgia, US, a state-of-the-art facility catering to athletes of all ages, from toddlers to seniors.

Sanu’s vision extends beyond sports, focusing on holistic well-being. “When you realize that your wealth is your health, you start to act differently,” he said. His next potential venture involves exploring Bitcoin mining, leveraging unused land and renewable energy to create new economic opportunities.

Matt Barkley, a quarterback who most recently played for the Atlanta Falcons, has transitioned into wealth management while keeping the door open for football. Reflecting on the need to redefine oneself after an NFL career, he shared, “This is my first year without football since 2000.”

Barkley explained how Bitcoin plays a key role in building a lasting legacy, especially for players who peak early in their careers. “A lot of our clients think [crypto] is too risky. I think it’s riskier not having crypto,” he said, emphasizing his belief in its potential for financial security.

Russell Okung, who officially retired in 2023 after playing as an offensive lineman—most recently for the Carolina Panthers in 2020—has become a vocal advocate for Bitcoin and holistic wellness. He spoke candidly about the physical toll of professional football, calling it a “brutal and traumatic sport.”

For Okung, Bitcoin represents financial freedom and a way to prioritize family time. “You can leave a legacy behind you with Bitcoin,” he explained, connecting the idea of digital assets to long-term impact and entrepreneurship.

Antonio Brown, a former wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is now focused on podcasting with his show CTESPN, where he discusses trauma and resilience. Brown hasn’t officially retired from football but is passionate about using crypto to empower individuals.

Drawing on his experience with teamwork and strategy in football, he likened Bitcoin to a team effort, emphasizing its role in reshaping the future of money: "Digital money is the future."

For Brown, crypto offers a way to store wealth, send money easily, and maintain financial independence.

Connecting greatness and crypto

Throughout the discussion, the players reflected on their definitions of greatness and legacy, tying their experiences in football to their current pursuits. Sanu spoke of his desire to create lasting impact: “I want to leave a legacy bigger than me. I want to change the world holistically—keep the community stronger, and that’s what Bitcoin is doing.”

Barkley shared a similar sentiment, explaining that legacy isn’t about statistics but about character. “Bitcoin plays an important role in legacy,” he said, emphasizing its potential to create stability for future generations.

Okung challenged his fellow panelists to define greatness, sparking a rich discussion. Brown described it as “a commitment to excellence,” while Sanu emphasized “being consistent about what you do.” The panelists agreed that qualities like resilience, focus, and discipline—honed during their football careers—are equally essential in navigating the world of cryptocurrency.

A future beyond the NFL

These former NFL players are proving that the skills and values developed during their time in professional sports—teamwork, perseverance, and strategic thinking—can translate into success in entirely new fields. For them, Bitcoin and blockchain are more than financial tools; they’re vehicles for empowerment and innovation.

Whether through entrepreneurship, wealth management, or advocacy, these athletes are redefining what it means to leave a legacy. Their journeys illustrate that life after football can be just as impactful, with crypto offering a powerful avenue for creating lasting change.