Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks ensured that his teammate, wide receiver David Moore, earned a $100,000 bonus on Sunday.
The 32-year-old made a last-minute play change so that the 25-year-old could cash in on a six-figure performance bonus before the team advanced to the playoffs, according to Seahawks.com.
Russell Wilson is a great quarterback, but even better teammate. This flip pass at the end of the game to David Moore marked his 35th reception this season, earning a bonus $100,000. #Seahawks
pic.twitter.com/8XUZvfL8Ke— Larissa Liska (@LarissaLiska) January 4, 2021
In the final play of the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers, Wilson, with permission from Austin Davis, the team’s quarterback coach, ran a pass instead of lining up in victory formation and taking a knee. With 22 seconds on the clock and a three-point lead over the 49ers, Wilson tossed a pass to the wide receiver who ran five yards out of bounds – stopping the clock. The site reported that that sports announcers and viewers were confused by the play.
After Moore’s money-making catch, the Seahawks took a knee. During a press conference after the game, Wilson explained the revised play.
“We called that play because David had $100,000 if he gets that catch,” Wilson said. “It’s a blessing to be able to help the family, his daughter, and all that stuff. So we wanted to get him that catch, and we were able to dial that up for him that last play.”
During the interview, the team captain disclosed that he knew going into the final game of the season that Moore needed the catch to secure the bonus. But plays to Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf prevented the receiver from hitting his goal. Wilson knew he had to devise a plan to help his teammate win the extra dough.
“I tried to get one to him earlier, but they kind of covered it, so it was, ‘Ah, shoot, OK,’” Wilson said.
“And then it was the last drive we got the ball back, and we’re in the huddle, and I was like, ‘Hold on, let’s get this call here,’” he continued. “So we were able to do that. Austin and I were talking about it on the sideline as well, so we were able to get that in, and he got that catch. It’s pretty cool, it’s a blessing, and he’s worked so hard this year, so he definitely earned it.”
Wilson’s act of leadership earned Moore, a married father, 11 percent more than his $900,000 salary for the 2020 NFL season, according to the Tacoma News Tribune.