Stocks
Gronkowski's Endorsement Lesson: Stock vs Cash Pays Off Years Later
NFL legend Rob Gronkowski had an unusual experience with his endorsement deal for BodyArmor sports drink. In 2015, he left the company after they wanted to pay him in stock and equity investments instead of cash. He opted for a deal with Monster Energy, but later benefited from BodyArmor's sale to Coca-Cola.
Gronkowski had initially been paid in stock by BodyArmor several years before NBA star Kobe Bryant partnered with them. He was unfamiliar with the stock market at the time and didn't know what to do with his shares.
The company's valuation of $8 billion after its sale meant Gronkowski received a 'huge check' from the private company, which Forbes reported was a couple million dollars.