CHAWK TALK: Everything being said about the Seahawks

Paul Allen, Seahawks owner and prolific humanitarian, died Oct. 15 at age 65. Here, we collect all of the most significant reports about one of the greatest philanthropists in the history of America.

We put together a list of tributes from coaches and players who thanked Allen for his inspiration, passion, commitment, vision, generosity, genius, humanity, sacrifices and selflessness.

The 12 flags at VMAC and the stadium both flew at half-staff the week after his death.

In the first game Seattle played without Allen, Carroll dedicated the win to the late owner and said the Hawks will continue to play in his honor. The Lions showed great respect by holding a moment of silence in Detroit. The Seahawks are honoring him with a patch (see below) and the city lit up for him the weekend of the first home game after his death as the team honored him in yet other ways.

Saving the Seahawks from moving was one of Allen’s lesser accomplishments in the big picture, as he devoted much of his life and fortune to — among other things — protecting the planet and wildlife, solving Seattle’s homeless problem, researching the brain and artificial intelligence, funding education and promoting the arts.

Bill Gates, Allen’s Microsoft co-founder who has been friends with Allen since seventh grade, said, “Paul deserved more time in life. He would have made the most of it. I will miss him tremendously.”

Here is a timeline of key events in Allen’s life.

Here’s what others are saying about Allen.

Allen’s estate is so expansive that it will take months to figure out the taxes (yeah, the government steals from rich dead people) and destiny of many of the entities. Allen’s sister Jody was named executor.

Here’s an updated review of how Allen became the Seahawks’ “knight in shining armor.”

Here’s a 2014 story with quotes from Allen about his philosophy as a sports owner.

Pete Carroll said Allen’s “spirit was on everything we were doing” and Carroll’s pursuit of unique attributes in people was “just echoing the kind of way Paul would look at things.”

“You like Frank?” Russell Wilson and Allen bonded over Sinatra.

Here’s how the value of the franchise grew under Allen.

The future of the Seahawks is a big question now:

One report indicated that Jody Allen might want to keep the Seahawks. Another indicated Jody does not want to keep the Seahawks. A report in mid-November clarified that Allen made plans for proceeds from the sale of the team to go to his charity foundation.

Forbes projects the Seahawks to be sold for $2.6 billion in the next year. Tax laws could affect the price.

Vulcan Ventures, Allen’s holding company, said “There are no changes imminent …”

On Oct. 22, Carroll said he was assured by Allen’s top assistant, Bert Kolde, that “everything will continue to carry on as it has.”

It is possible that Allen’s will dictates the Seahawks stay in Seattle, although apparently NFL rules prohibit forcing a buyer to keep a team in its city. The Seahawks’ lease with CenturyLink Field is enough of a dissuasion for now, expiring in 2029 and containing options for 20 more years.

At the fall meetings, NFL owners abolished cross-ownership restrictions, which could open the door for a good potential buyer such as Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, a longtime friend of Allen who has deep Seattle roots based on his 34 years with Microsoft.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones touted Amazon founder (and world’s richest man) Jeff Bezos. Jones said, “I’d carry him piggyback to get him to the NFL.”

If a group were to buy the Hawks, the controlling partner would need to own at least 30 percent, which would mean at least $780 million. (That’s why Ballmer and Bezos make sense.)

The feeling at the meetings was that the Seahawks will be sold but will not move. Jones: “I can’t imagine the Seahawks not being in Seattle.”

 

Forever close to our hearts. 💙 #ThanksPaul pic.twitter.com/xkswf876ip

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) October 26, 2018