In the spirit of Christmas, rookie football quarterback Michael McCorkle “Mac” Jones gifted his teammates Bitcoin (BTC) as he played Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.
Bitcoin as a Christmas Gift
Although the amount he shared was not disclosed, Jones gifted bitcoin to 12 of his teammates, making them Bitcoiners for the first time. The list includes Ted Karras, David Andrews, Trent Brown, Yodny Cajuste, Yasir Durant, James Ferentz, Justin Herron, Shaq Mason, Mike Onwenu, Alex Redmond, Will Sherman, and Isaiah Wynn.
The 23-year-old, who plays for the New England Patriots in the National Football League (NFL), said he has been researching Bitcoin for some time now, so he decided to gift some to his teammates as Christmas presents.
Jones said he used Bitcoin service provider Swan Private to distribute coins, with help from Bitcoin Magazine.
“I have been studying Bitcoin for quite some time now. This year I knew I had to give Bitcoin to my teammates… So I reached out to Bitcoin Magazine and asked for help on how to give Bitcoin as a gift, ”said the Patriots rookie quarterback.
Commenting on the development, Cory Klippsten, CEO of Swan Bitcoin, said:
“Our mission at Swan is to create 10 million new Bitcoiners, not just people who own Bitcoin, but people who understand how important it is. That’s why we’re so focused on education and world class service. Our Swan Private concierge team is very excited to partner with Mac and his squad on their Bitcoin journey.”
Crypto marries sport
Meanwhile, as Bitcoin continues to become mainstream, it is increasingly accepted by sports stars and professionals.
Mac Jones is not the first NFL player or sportsperson to gain interest in Bitcoin. In early November, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers announced that he wished to receive part of his salary in bitcoin by partnering with Cash App.
That same month, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. took a similar step and signed a partnership agreement with Cash App that allows him to receive his entire paycheck in BTC.
