There are times when a winning team running an unnecessary play with the game in hand would be something that falls under the category of poor sportsmanship, but it turns out the Seattle Seahawks had a good reason to do so against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
The Seahawks had the lead and the ball with 22 seconds to play in their 26-23 win over the 49ers, which is a situation where teams would usually kneel on the ball to run out the clock. But they decided instead to run a short five-yard pass play to wide receiver David Moore, which left some observers confused.
After the game, it was revealed the Seahawks ran the play for Moore so he could get a performance bonus of $100,000. Moore's contract stipulates that he gets the bonus for 35 receptions on the season, which is what the pass was able to do (35 catches, 417 yards, six touchdowns).
"It's a blessing to be able to help his family and his daughter, all that stuff," Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson said. "That's part of the game. We wanted to give him that catch."
For some NFL players (like Wilson), $100,000 is a drop in the bucket. But for Moore, who was on a one-year deal worth $875,000, the extra $100,000 will undoubtedly be appreciated.
The Seahawks also made sure to let the 49ers know why they ran the play.
"Russ said after the game that they weren't trying to run up the score," said 49ers safety Jimmie Ward.
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