An offseason of movement raised many concerns about the direction the Seattle Seahawks were headed. But almost all of their moves this season panned out perfectly, from the elevation of Jaxon Smith-Njigba or the trade to bring in dynamic punt returner Rashid Shaheed.
Add in the chance they took on Sam Darnold, and this was a deserving team to lift the Vic Lombardi Trophy. However, the story in the NFL never fades away quickly, and right after their Super Bowl win, the focus is now shifting to a potential sale that could be in the works with owner Jody Allen.
Seahawks Sale Centers Around Jody Allen
Taking over from Paul Allen, longtime Seahawks owner and Microsoft co-founder, Jody became the executive chair of a team owned by the Paul G. Allen Trust. Initially buying the team in 1997, he remained in charge for over 20 years.
However, a long battle with lymphoma led to his demise, with his sister taking over the role of ownership for the franchise. Since then, she’s rebuilt a championship contender, with shrewd moves and an active hand in the process.
Now that Seattle has lifted its first Super Bowl since the mid-2010s, another tough decision comes her way. As part of his directives when handing over the reins to Jody, Paul made it clear that he wanted the team sold off eventually.
That due date is approaching fast, as it should happen after Super Bowl 60. With a dominant victory to secure the championship, the hope for the Seahawks has to be that it can further incentivize the prize.
However, after completing their season on such a high note, there was legitimate doubt about their willingness to start a sale for a franchise they have controlled for close to three decades.
But Jody hasn’t shied away from honoring her brother’s wishes, with reports last week coming out in spades that the sale was indeed going to happen. Even after their win, the current owner hasn’t said anything to disparage those ideas.
The number for that sale remains in doubt. However, it is essentially guaranteed to make history with early estimates suggesting a first-ever sale upwards of $7 billion. But with their victory in the Big Game, that number could rise even higher and even reach the $11 billion ballpark.
While fans in Seattle prepare for a new reality under a new ownership group, the success the Allens have brought to the city and the franchise is commendable. And if there was ever a time to go out on a high, then a victory in the Super Bowl might be the perfect end to that story.
