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Odell Beckham Jr. has no regrets with going against the grain. Decision To Accept Bitcoin In 2021 As AFROTECH™ previously told you, Beckham made the decision in 2021 to accept bitcoin as the form of payment for his contract at the time with the Los Angeles Rams, in partnership with Cash App. In doing so, he followed in the footsteps of Russell Okung, who was the first player in the NFL to be paid in bitcoin. In fact, Okung reportedly agreed to receive half of his $13 million salary at the time ($6.5 million) in the form of bitcoin, which was later worth $20 million by 2024, according to Bleacher Report. As for Beckham’s investment, he reportedly received a $750,000 payout from the Rams, which was converted into bitcoin, a separate article from the Bleacher Report mentions. To commemorate the announcement, Beckham Jr. also gave money to his fans in the form of bitcoin. “It’s a NEW ERA and to kick that off I’m hyped to announce that I’m taking my new salary in Bitcoin thanks to Cash...
Former Carolina Panther player Mike Rucker filed a lawsuit against his financial advisor, Jon Kubler, claiming that Kubler mismanaged nearly $3 million of his earnings. Rucker and his wife, Kristina, filed a lawsuit in a North Carolina Business Court in March, alleging that they had unknowingly invested in a Ponzi scheme. The couple, who met Kubler while Rucker was playing football for the University of Nebraska, claims that Kubler persuaded them to invest in his Nebraska commercial real estate company Aksarben in 2009, according to The Charlotte Observer. They say the investment was a failure and that Kubler did not return their funds or money from other investors. Of the $5.6 million Kubler and his companies — including Steelpool Inc. and Capital Synergy Partners — had raised for commercial real estate companies, only 4% of the funds were reportedly invested in the ventures. Kubler had been the Ruckers’ financial advisor for 21 years and in the early 2000s had “integrated himself...
What used to be a cluster of forgotten lots in the uptown section of Harrisburg, PA, is now a fully realized vision of hope and housing, thanks to NFL veteran and hometown son LeSean “Shady” McCoy. The former Philadelphia Eagles star returned to his old neighborhood not to bask in past glory but to plant seeds for the future, according to PennLive. On North Sixth Street, 41 brand-new affordable housing units now stand where blight once lived, anchored by a community center and a sense of pride that can be felt in the air. JMB Gardens, the $16.7 million project, is named after McCoy’s late grandparents, James and Maryann Branch. At the June 24 ribbon-cutting ceremony, McCoy described the initiative as a response to the conditions he witnessed growing up. View this post on Instagram A post shared by LeSean McCoy (@shadymccoy) “In some of these areas, it was drug-infested. It was abandoned buildings,” he said via WGAL. “Now, the purpose is bringing $17 million affordable housing. So,...
NFL player Sauce Gardner has partnered with a company that is improving player safety. According to a press release shared with AFROTECH™, New York Jets cornerback Gardner is teaming up with Q30 Innovations, a company within the medical equipment manufacturing industry that has released Q-Collar, “the first and only FDA-cleared device to reduce traumatic brain injury.” This followed more than a decade of work, which included 25 pre-clinical and clinical studies with design and production occurring alongside neuroscientists, physicians, independent researchers, and engineers before it was cleared by the FDA in 2021, its website mentions. Photo Credit: Q30 Innovations The device creates light pressure to the neck to increase the blood volume inside the head, which helps reduce the brain’s movement if it receives a direct blow. That movement is often the main cause of brain injury, per the company’s website. Gardner purchased the device because he was in search of preventative measures...
Colin Kaepernick hasn’t taken an NFL snap since 2017, but he’s never been idle. While the league may have shut its doors, Kaepernick has been steadily opening new ones, quietly constructing an empire grounded in justice, creativity, and economic power. His path since leaving the NFL hasn’t just been one of resistance. It’s been one of reinvention. Kaepernick’s legacy began to shift in 2016 when he took a knee to protest police brutality and racial injustice while playing for the San Francisco 49ers. The moment cost him a job in the NFL, but it cemented his voice as one of the most powerful in American public life. And instead of retreating, he leaned in, turning his influence into a platform for economic change and cultural ownership. Kaepernick has proven that social activism and wealth-building aren’t mutually exclusive through a broad portfolio of business ventures, investments, and creative initiatives. They can be mutually reinforcing. Colin Kaepernick’s Storytelling Journey...
Super Bowl champion Marshawn Lynch has invested in another Seattle, WA, team. As AFROTECH™ previously told you, he secured a stake in the NHL’s Seattle Kraken back in 2022. The investment marks a return home, as he also once represented Seattle’s NFL team, the Seattle Seahawks. “This is something I never would have imagined,” Lynch expressed at the time. “I always dreamed of playing on a professional team but owning one is something special. As I look back on some of my accomplishments — I retired before I was 30 and now being an owner of a professional club at the age of 35 – I’m gonna continue to count my blessings.” According to a press release, per CBS 42, Lynch also holds stakes in teams such as Oakland Roots SC of the United Soccer League, the Professional Fight League, the Beasts in the Fan Controlled Football League, and the Bay Area Panthers of the Indoor Football League. He has now added Major League Rugby team Seattle Seawolves to his portfolio, the release states. Lynch...
Will Packer knows a thing or two about spotting a good story. With films like “Ride Along,” “Think Like a Man,” and “Stomp the Yard,” he’s turned everyday moments into box-office gold, built characters we root for, and created cultural blueprints that stick. But when the call came offering a confidential shot at owning a piece of an NFL team — no details, no guarantees — this wasn’t a plot twist in a film. This was real life. And it didn’t come with a pitch deck or press release. It came with a non-disclosure agreement and the vaguest of possibilities. “I said, NFL? National Food League?” Packer joked. “Because I know the NFL doesn’t just let people in.” The terms? Mysterious. The team? Unknown. The risk? High. But Packer signed the NDA anyway. That moment — unflashy, uncertain, but undeniably bold — set off a chain of events that would lead him not just into the NFL ownership circle but into a growing movement to rewrite what power and equity look like in professional sports. Fast...
When the New England Patriots inked Stefon Diggs to a four-year, $69 million deal, $25 million of it guaranteed, it didn’t just make headlines; it marked a directional shift. A franchise long defined by systematic precision and conservative spending is finally reaching a new identity: one shaped around adaptability, controlled risk, and cultural recalibration. Betting On Diggs Production In A Post-Prime Window Diggs is 31 years old, and he’s coming off a torn ACL that sidelined him in Week 8 of the 2024 season. And yet, his numbers from those eight games with the Houston Texans weren’t symbolic—they were substantial. According to ESPN, he tallied 47 receptions for 496 yards and three touchdowns, ranking seventh in total receptions at the time and averaging 62.0 yards per game. C.J. Stroud posted a 104 passer rating and a 73% completion rate when targeting him, evidence of Diggs’ continued ability to elevate a quarterback’s efficiency. Even if the explosiveness has dulled slightly,...
From breaking records on the field to securing lucrative endorsements, DK Metcalf has established himself as a wide receiver to watch in the NFL. Since being drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2019, he has quickly risen to elite status, becoming one of the league’s most dominant offensive weapons. Known for his rare combination of size, speed and athleticism, Metcalf has delivered performances that showcase his stamina and strength, cementing his reputation as a game-changing playmaker. Off the field, the 27-year-old has successfully transformed his football stardom into financial success . His endorsements include partnerships with major companies such as Nike, Gatorade and Beats by Dre, further boosting his income and public profile. Additionally, he has ventured into business, capitalizing on opportunities in industries ranging from fitness to fashion. With a keen eye for branding and entrepreneurship, he has positioned himself as more than just an athlete – he’s a savvy...
Myles Garrett has signed a historic deal to remain with the Cleveland Browns. Garrett joined the league in 2017 as the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, notes Yahoo Sports. He was chosen by the Cleveland Browns and has remained there for eight seasons. While his achievements include stats such as 352 total tackles in 117 games and securing titles such as first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors multiple times, he has yet to earn a coveted Super Bowl ring. As a result, the defensive end expressed interest in being traded to another team. “It’s not a decision I take lightly,” Garrett told sports commentator Rich Eisen, according to Cleveland.com. “It took time and lots of conversation, but just looking at the trajectory of the team, talking to some of the higher-ups… I have a lot of respect for them, but I just don’t think we’re aligned on where the team is going in the near future. I feel like the window for us as athletes is only so broad and only continues to close as years go by with...
Tracy McGrady has long aspired to team ownership, and now that he’s secured a stake in the NFL, he’s dedicated to increasing representation in the league. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, the basketball icon was announced as a minority owner of the Buffalo Bills in December 2024. He joins his former Toronto Raptors teammate and fellow Florida native, Vince Carter, as part of a group of 10 limited partners, which also includes soccer star Jozy Altidore. This marks the first time the Bills, owned by Terry and Kim Pegula, have expanded their ownership group. “I’ve always wanted to be an owner of a franchise and really didn’t care whether it’s the NBA, a soccer league, whether it’s in the NFL,” McGrady explained in an exclusive interview with AFROTECH™ held at a private reception that was hosted by Diverse Representation and William Morris Endeavor (WME) on Saturday, Dec. 8 to honor Black professionals in sports. Kevell Byrd McGrady also reveals the backstory behind becoming a minority...
Maya Angelou once said, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” Autumn Lockwood’s collegiate and professional journey embodies this spirit of resilience and perseverance. Her story isn’t just about accolades—it’s about the power of persistence to overcome barriers often encountered in a male-dominated industry. From the classroom to the sidelines of football’s grandest stage, Lockwood’s path proves that Black History still happens daily. Lockwood’s Educational Foundation And Academic Journey Autumn Lockwood’s educational journey paved the way for her career in sports performance. According to the Philadelphia Eagles’ official website, she earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise science from the University of Arizona, where she built a strong foundation in athlete development and sports science. She furthered her expertise by completing a master’s degree in sports management at East Tennessee State University, gaining valuable experience and insights that...
The iconic words from Big Sean, “Last night took an L, but tonight I bounce back,” could easily be the anthem for Jalen Hurts’ collegiate journey. His story isn’t just about wins and stats; it’s about resilience, growth, and the kind of determination that doesn’t flinch in the face of adversity. From being benched on the biggest stage in college football to becoming one of the NFL’s brightest stars, Hurts’ path proves that setbacks are just setups for comebacks. Jalen Hurts’Hometown Roots Born and raised in Houston, TX, Hurts grew up with football in his DNA. According to ABC 13, at Channelview High School, he played under the watchful eye of his father, Averion Hurts, who was also the team’s head coach. It was there that Hurts started turning heads with his dual-threat capabilities, proving he could hurt defenses both through the air and on the ground. His high school career was impressive enough to attract offers from top college programs nationwide. Alabama: Early Glory, Tough...
Jalen Hurts’ triumph in Super Bowl LIX isn’t just another notch in the NFL record books — it’s a cultural moment that hits differently. According to Biography, Hurts has become the fourth Black quarterback to secure the coveted title, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with legends like Doug Williams, Russell Wilson, and Patrick Mahomes. This isn’t just about touchdowns and trophies; it’s about breaking barriers, shifting narratives, and showing up unapologetically Black and excellent. Jalen Hurts Takes It Beyond The End Zone Only eight Black quarterbacks have started in a Super Bowl, which speaks volumes about the systemic hurdles not just baked into the game but ingrained in the very making of the league. Hurts’ victory isn’t random; it results from years of grind, grit, and grace. His performance, crowned with the Super Bowl LIX MVP title, wasn’t just about athletic skill — it was a masterclass in leadership, strategy, and keeping cool under pressure. Now, here’s where the 26-year-old...
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says the league has no intention of updating its stance on DEI in the wake of Donald Trump’s return to office. President Trump retracted diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts soon after taking office on Jan. 20, 2025. As a result of his early action, federal employees in DEI roles were placed on paid leave as “the agency takes steps to close/end all DEIA initiatives, offices and programs,” AFROTECH™ previously reported. Prior to and since Trump’s appointment, major companies, such as Target, Walmart, Meta, and Amazon, have severed their ties to DEI commitments. Others, such as JPMorgan Chase, Costco, Apple, and seemingly the NFL, are making it clear they will remain steadfast in their commitment to DEI. “We didn’t get into this because it was a trend,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in December 2024. “And we’re not getting out of it because it’s a trend. We’re in it because it makes the NFL better. And what it is, is to make sure that...
