Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson has accomplished a lot in the NFL—he has made five Pro Bowls and started in two Super Bowls, including XLVIII, which he won in 2013. Yet until now, his salary wasn’t reflective of his success. Instead, he was compensated similarly to an average quarterback.
Now Wilson is the highest-paid player in the league.
Wilson, 30, signed a four-year contract with the Seahawks worth $140 million. It includes a record $65 million signing bonus and a guarantee of $107 million, reports Celebrity Net Worth. It also includes a no-trade clause.
Wilson’s 2013 Super Bowl victory is the only one in franchise history. He also led his team to a winning record in every single one of his seven seasons.
After completing a four-year, $87.6 million deal, Wilson was set to be a free agent next offseason, but the Seahawks opted to keep him through 2023.
Wilson announced the deal on Twitter while snuggling with his wife, Ciara, in bed. “Hey Seattle, we got a deal,” he told fans.
The athlete is also sharing the wealth. He is giving the Seahawks offensive line $12,000 each in Amazon stock. With 13 offensive linemen, that equals $156,000, reports TMZ.
Wilson wrote a letter to them, explaining why he was making the gift:
“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 added that he wants his teammates to be financially secure after their football careers end, and the Amazon stock is one way to help them on their paths.
“When I sat down to think of ways to honour your dedication a dozen different ideas came to mind. 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.”
“You have invested in my life … this is my investment into yours.”
The Seahawks’ first regular game of the season takes place on Sept. 8.
