Diehard Seahawks fan trying to raise $5M to keep Russell Wilson in Seattle
May 26, 2015, 1:04 PM | Updated: 1:40 pm
A California resident is fighting to keep Russell Wilson in Seattle and says fans need to raise $5 million to do it. (AP)
(AP)
A California resident is fighting to keep Russell Wilson in Seattle and says fans need to raise $5 million to do it.
Tim Pennoyer started a gofundmen.com fundraising page so people can donate to a cause that Pennoyer hopes will keep the starting quarterback in the Northwest.
“The goal is to disrupt the notion of the salary cap by circumventing it in creative ways,” Pennoyer said.
The Seahawks can’t lose Wilson because of lack of money, Pennoyer wrote on the gofundme.com page.
Wilson is under contract for 2015, scheduled to earn a base salary of about $1.5 million in the final year of his rookie deal.
By raising money for Wilson’s salary, it would guarantee the popular quarterback stays with the Seahawks and possibly free up some money for the team, according to Pennoyer. But in order to make an impact, fans have to reach a lofty goal.
“Anything less and I don’t think it would make a dent,” Pennoyer said of the $5 million goal. “We had to reach for the stars on this one.”
If the campaign makes even $1 million, for example, Pennoyer expects he will have to hire a lawyer for advice.
If Wilson refuses the money, Pennoyer said the plan is to donate to Seattle Children’s Hospital. Funds may be used to design and execute a “token of appreciation to Wilson for his participation,” according to the gofundme.com page.
Pennoyer said he wants to be transparent about the process.
But what is a California resident doing supporting the Seahawks?
Pennoyer is originally from Snohomish County. He moved to California to attend school and now lives in Glendale, Calif.
