In the sports world there are a few relationships within a team that are extremely important.
In baseball the pitcher relies heavily on the catcher. In basketball the point guard and shooting guard work off each other, and in football the quarterback and the offensive line need to be in sync.
Russell Wilson certainly understands the importance of that relationship, because he gifted his offensive line $12,000 in Amazon stock each. And with 13 linemen receiving the gift, Wilson spent a total of $156,000.
The Seattle Seahawks quarterback also wrote a letter to his offensive line and explained how appreciative he is for the pass protection.
“Every Sunday we go to battle together,” he wrote. “You sacrifice your physical and mental well-being to protect me, which in turn allows me to provide and care for my family. This does not go unnoticed and it is never forgotten.”
Wilson then explained why he chose the Amazon stock as opposed to buying cars, jewelry or something similar.
“When I sat down to think of ways to honor your dedication a dozen different ideas came to mind,” he wrote. “Some were flashy, some were cool, but I wanted to give you something that had a lasting impact. Something that would affect the lives of you, your family and your children.”
Ciara‘s husband of nearly three years then explained that he’s constantly preparing for his post-football career, and one way he does that is by investing in companies that he believes will change the world. And that’s why he chose Amazon.
The gift comes after Wilson signed a $140 million contract with the Seahawks for four years, which makes him the highest-paid player in the NFL.
As far as the Seahawks’ offensive line, they were ranked No. 17 in the NFL by the site ProFootballFocus in the area of pass protection for the 2018 season. Russell was also sacked a total of 51 times during that season, the most of his career.
But that didn’t stop him from showing major appreciation to his linemen, which his fans praised him for on social media.
“What you do for those 13 men who make it happen on the field for you was/is Amazing,” someone wrote on his Instagram page. “Investing in those u care about is a clear example of seed time and harvest. One person can make the difference! Thanks for being a difference maker. 🎉”
