Russell Wilson Launches 'Pass The Peace' Campaign To Help Domestic Violence Victims

Russell Wilson has thrown plenty of passes for touchdowns. Now he's ready to a throw a pass for something more important.

The Seattle Seahawks' Super Bowl-winning quarterback introduced the "Pass The Peace" campaign to raise awareness and funds for victims of domestic violence on Thursday. In a personal essay posted at The Players Tribune, Wilson outlined his vision for the campaign associated with his Why Not You Foundation and challenged people to donate to the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

"I want us to Pass the Peace to support victims of domestic violence," wrote Wilson at The Players Tribune. "The idea behind Pass the Peace is simple: It’s a promise. I’m sharing my love for you. I want to take care of you. I am here for you."

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To get it all started, Wilson announced he was passing the peace to recently retired New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter and pop star Justin Timberlake during an appearance on HuffPost Live. Jeter unveiled The Players Tribune website, aiming to connect athletes and fans, on Wednesday and Wilson was named as a senior editor earlier on Thursday.

Just as the Ice Bucket Challenge that became a viral sensation raised funds to combat ALS, Wilson's Pass For Peace initiative calls on participants to challenge others to join in and donate. Wilson's campaign arrives with NFL mired in domestic violence scandals, with players, teams and league executive facing intense scrutiny.

"This issue is much bigger than NFL suspensions. Domestic violence isn’t going to disappear tomorrow or the next day. But the more that we choose not to talk about it, the more we shy away from the issue, the more we lose," wrote Wilson. "I can’t fix the world. I can’t fix the NFL. I can’t change the guys around me. The only person I can change is the one in the mirror."