Russell Wilson Reportedly Gives Fantastic Gift to All 13 Offensive Linemen After Signing Mega Deal
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson became the highest-paid player in the history of his sport last week when he signed a four-year, $140 million contract extension.
The deal includes a record $65 million signing bonus.
This week, Wilson used some of that money to invest in the people who have his back, as well as his front.
Wilson bought each of the Seahawks’ 13 offensive linemen $12,000 in Amazon stock, TMZ Sports and others reported.
Russell Wilson rewarded his offensive linemen with some Amazon stock after signing a $140 million contract extension https://t.co/RG4PKRYjtP
— The MMQB (@theMMQB) April 23, 2019
That comes out to a $156,000 investment.
The gift is a little more forward-thinking than the watches and other items that quarterbacks and running backs typically give their offensive linemen.
Russell Wilson has gifted his offensive linemen $12,000 in Amazon stock (would be equivalent to about seven shares each). How does that rank? Here’s a list of some of the gifts QB’s gave to their pocket protectors. pic.twitter.com/g9qHLSUxuM
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) April 23, 2019
The Amazon stock is a gift that could appreciate in value.
As of Monday, Amazon stock was selling for $1,887.60 per share. Its 52-week average was $1,725.05 per share. So each lineman gets roughly six shares.
In 2009, Amazon stock was selling at about $89 per share, and five years ago shares were selling for about $332. In 2018, they rose about 28 percent, and they’re up 25 percent this year.
As of April 2, Amazon was the fifth-highest-valued stock on the New York Stock exchange.
“You sacrifice your physical and mental well-being to protect me, which in turn allows me to provide and care for my family.”
Russell Wilson gifted 13 offensive linemen on his team $12,000 in Amazon stock, each…
That’s dope. https://t.co/Ey0p5QjkLV
— Vince Valholla (@VinceValholla) April 23, 2019
Wilson expressed his gratitude in a letter to the linemen, and TMZ reported it had a copy.
“Every Sunday we go to battle together,” Wilson wrote, according to the report. “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.”
He said he wanted to give his teammates a gift that will help them prepare for life after football.
“When I sat down to think of ways to honor your dedication a dozen different ideas came to mind,” Wilson 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. You have invested in my life … this is my investment into yours.”
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