If Felix Hernandez is the King of Seattle, what is Russell Wilson

It’s official. Felix Hernandez and his $175 million will be a Mariner for the next seven years. He has a no trade deal, not that the Mariners would want to see him go, but Felix wanted to stay in Seattle, and the no trade was just as important as the money.

He really is the King of Mariners, the face of the franchise, maybe the face of the city. As Felix signed his contract he got emotional and stayed that way throughout the press conference. He is 26, has been with the Mariner family since he was 16. He spoke with genuine feeling about how he loved the Mariner organization, the fans, the city, the people who work behind the scenes. He wants to stay, unlike every other athlete who has come through the city.

And Seattle loves Felix.

Félix Hernández of the Seattle Mariners on August 31, 2005. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The moment is giddy, but now they have to win, or the giddiness will ebb and the tide will roll out. And I am not talking Crimson Tide. The King will be great for the franchise if other players see that Seattle is improving, that Seattle is willing to pay those who want to play for the Mariners. Michael Morse, acquired from the Nationals, said he is glad to be back as a Mariner. He wants to change the culture, to show that Seattle is a place to come to. Seattle has two who love the idea of playing here, of wanting to change perception.

So Mariner fans, enjoy the giddiness. If the Mariners can play above .500-and I believe they can-then the good ship Mariner will have been righted.

Felix is the King of spring and summer. Another young man, Russell Wilson, has captured the fancy of Seattleites. He is loved for leadership, his charisma, and his performance this past season. He is not the king, but he is the Prince of fall and winter.

How great it is for sports fans to have two star athletes who are community oriented, team oriented, fan oriented.

Go Hawks! Go Mariners!