Russell Wilson has developed a reputation for giving back to the Seattle Seahawks. This time, he is paying for one of his teammates, helping David Moore reach a milestone at the end of Sunday’s victory over the San Francisco 49ers, which gives the wide receiver a significant bonus in his contract.
The Seahawks signed a $ 825,000 one-year contract with Moore, which included a $ 100,000 bonus if Moore reached 35 catches in the season. Wilson ensured that Moore reached the mark of 35 receptions in the final minute of the game, although the wideout was maintained without reception in the first 59 minutes.
With 22 seconds remaining and Seattle in victory formation, Wilson changed the game on the scrimmage line when Moore started moving and completed a short five-yard pass to reach the 35-reception limit. Although the move confused the Fox broadcast team calling the game, it was armed by Wilson – who told Seahawks quarterback coach Austin Davis Moore, who was close to reaching 35 this season. Davis set up a move to give Moore the reception before the clock hit zero.
“It is a blessing to be able to help the family, their daughter and all these things. We wanted to give him this capture and we were able to adjust that for him in the last move,” said Wilson, through Seahawks team reporter John Boyle. “Austin (Davis) said, ‘Hey, let’s do this, let’s do this right here.’ So we ended up calling. I said, ‘David, you’re going to get the ball here, here we go’, and I winked at him. It was very cool.
Wilson knew Moore was a reception away during the game, but the Seahawks went through a period in the attack that resulted in 10 plays for -17 yards on four possessions before scoring a touchdown on three consecutive units in victory. Obviously, Moore did not appear on those drives, which is why Wilson wanted to arm him for the final seconds.
Moore ended the regular season with 35 receptions for 417 yards and six touchdowns.
“It’s really cool, it’s a blessing,” said Wilson. “And he worked so hard this year, so he definitely deserved it.”