In 2020, NFL star Russell Okung made a bold move that raised eyebrows: he took half his $13 million salary in Bitcoin (BTC), a volatile currency that few believed in at the time. Fast forward to today, that $6.5 million has ballooned into an impressive $45 million. Okung’s journey illustrates a central lesson for early Bitcoin adopters—the power of patience. His story resonates with a growing community who, despite constant skepticism, saw BTC’s potential as a groundbreaking asset.

Bitcoin’s path has been anything but easy. Over the years, critics have doubted its viability, arguing it could never maintain value or earn investors a substantial return. Despite the skepticism, Bitcoin believers have remained unfazed. Bitcoin’s climb—from the early days when it was worth a mere few thousand dollars to its current all-time high over $87,000—demonstrates this resilience. The journey hasn’t been without its dips; major pullbacks of 50% or more have been commonplace. Yet, for those like Okung, each dip represented an opportunity to double down rather than retreat.

The sports world has seen more athletes join Okung’s ranks, including Trevor Lawrence, all of whom are betting on Bitcoin’s potential to shape a new financial future. This movement isn’t for the faint-hearted. Watching Bitcoin’s value tumble and your net worth along with it can be daunting. Yet, it’s this exact discipline—the ability to “buy the dip” and resist panic-selling—that defines successful BTC investors.

Okung’s success story is a testament to holding firm amid volatility and ignoring naysayers. As Bitcoin’s price soars, there’s a takeaway for anyone still on the sidelines: it’s not too late. The early adopters have shown that while Bitcoin’s road may be bumpy, for those with patience and conviction, the journey can be incredibly rewarding. So, whether you’re just getting started or considering your next investment, remember the words of those who’ve been there: trust the process, hold on, and let the haters stay silent.