As the NFL began its 105th season over the weekend, several players started their contract year.
Notable players in the final year of their current contracts include Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett and wide receivers Keenan Allen of the Bears and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown of the Chiefs.
While fans usually hope these free agents have a standout season, a new element has been added to Broncos outside linebacker Baron Browning’s effort to have a great season leading up to a significant pay raise in 2025.
Browning, in his fourth year and a former Ohio State player, now has fans who are not just emotionally invested but financially as well.
This spring, Browning was featured in a new investment platform where fans could buy and sell shares in the future earnings of professional athletes. His stock will start trading in a few weeks.
So, Browning is listed as No. 5 in your program and his stock ticker is BDBR.
His initial offering as the first athlete on the platform, Vestible, recently closed, raising $656,730 by selling 65,673 shares at $10 each (with a minimum of 10 shares).
If investors keep their shares, they could profit if Browning’s earnings exceed the market valuation of $65 million. Alternatively, they can trade the stock on a secondary market that will open after a 30-day compliance period.
“It’s definitely been enjoyable,” said Browning. “It’s a new way for fans and athletes to connect. Being the first one to do it has been cool, I appreciate them giving me the opportunity.” Browning received 80% of the funds from his IPO, totaling $525,384.
In return, shareholders will get 1% of his on-field earnings for the rest of his NFL career. Investors will receive monthly dividends or can trade Browning’s stock on Vestible’s app once the secondary market opens at the end of September.
Browning is scheduled to make a $3.116 million salary in 2024, the last year of his four-year, $4.79 million contract signed as a third-round draft pick from Ohio State in 2021.
