Russell Wilson calls for Seattle Sonics' NBA return

SEATTLE, May 4 (UPI) -- Newly engaged Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson proposed to Seattle Tuesday.

Wilson willed for the city to bring back the Supersonics.

The Sonics left Seattle after the 2007 season and became the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Wilson, 27, has roots in the city after spending the last four years under center and leading the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2013. He used his pull to make his second proposal this year, following his March vow to singer Ciara.

"Baffling this amazing city doesn't have the #SuperSonics Bring them back! Seattle Loves Basketball! Seattle deserves a @NBA team," Wilson tweeted.

Wilson also tried to rally fans behind the cause.

"Seattle, Lets stand up & fight to get our team back! The stadium would sell out every game! Let's start a petition Seattle! @NBA #WhyNotUs," Wilson tweeted.

But Wilson's request wasn't random. The Seattle City Council rejected a request Monday to control portions of Occidental Avenue South, making way for a new arena and a possible NBA expansion team or an existing franchise to move to the city. The Seattle Times' Geoff Baker reported the council voted 5-4 to reject the plan, which would have made way to "build a half-billion-dollar arena in Sodo in hopes of reviving the Sonics."

There are several Facebook groups calling for the return of the Sonics. A Change.org petition from three years ago reached more than 93,000 supporters.

The @BringBackSonics Twitter handle has nearly 20,000 followers.