Tunsil Turns Embarrassing Draft Moment into Charitable NFT

Houston Texans offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil has repurposed an embarrassing moment into one that could help change lives. 

Tunsil has minted a one-of-one NFT of his “infamous gas mask video” from the 2016 NFL Draft — and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Last Prisoner Project, a nonprofit mission dedicated to criminal justice reform for cannabis-related offenses.

The two-time Pro Bowl tackle — selected by the Miami Dolphins with the 13th overall pick — had posted a video of him smoking marijuana through a gas mask on his personal Twitter account just prior to the start of the draft. Initially projected as a top pick, Tunsil saw his stock fall. 

“Probably one of the worst feelings I ever experienced in my life,” Tunsil told Complex. “I don’t wish that situation, that experience on nobody else.”

The former Ole Miss Rebel attributed the release of the video to a hack of his account.

The 27-year-old has since rebounded from that moment. Tunsil was eventually traded to the Texans in 2019 in a deal that included two first-round picks, then negotiated his own contract — a three-year, $66 million extension including $50 million in guaranteed money.