When Allen did step up, it was a conditional purchase, we had to vote for a new stadium. Along with that, the existing facility, the Kingdome had to be taken down. It seemed like a long shot. After all, the town was divided over the building of Safeco Field and in fact an election to get that field built was unsuccessful. It took the state legislature to reverse the public vote, a move that even today has rubbed nerves. The vote did go the Seahawks way and Allen purchased the team.
Allen got off to a rough start as the record did not improve as rapidly as the fans wanted. Sports journalists wondered if he really cared, you wouldn't see pictures of Allen cheering or showing anguish.
Over the years, that has changed. Three Super Bowl appearances including one championship, two brilliant coaching hires in Mike Holmgren and Pete Carroll, Allen had become the bedrock of the organization. If things were not right, we knew Mr. Allen had the concern and the capital to fix it.
After efforts in this off season to rebuild for the future, not much was expected from the Seahawks this year. Fans have been pleasantly surprised, The team had just won 3 or the last four games. The loss was a close last second defeat by the LA Rams, who seem to be this year's team of destiny.
Fans were celebrating a convincing defeat of the Oakland Raiders in London when the shocking news occurred.
Allen's health battles were no secret, but he always seem to be able to make quick recoveries. It had just been announced that he had suffered a recurrence of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. We as Seahawks fans will always remember Paul Allen.
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