SEATTLE — Paul Allen has been described as the man who saved NFL football in Seattle. Thursday night his name was etched permanently into the facade at CenturyLink Field.
The Seahawks’ late owner became the 12th member of the Seahawks Ring of Honor as he was inducted prior to Thursday night’s game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Allen’s name was unveiled during a ceremony that included other Ring of Honor members and a video showing Allen’s contributions to the team. His name is located at the center of the Ring of Honor on the west side of the stadium, between Curt Warner and Jacob Green.
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Allen, a Seattle native and Microsoft co-founder, bought the Seahawks in 1997 from Ken Behring, who was threatening to move the franchise. The move kept the Seahawks in Seattle.
Under Allen’s ownership the Seahawks experienced levels of success never before seen in Seattle. In the Seahawks’ first 22 years of existence the team made four playoff appearances and won one division title. During the ensuing 21 years under Allen’s stewardship Seattle made 13 playoff appearances, won nine division titles and reached three Super Bowls. One of the franchise’s iconic images is of Allen lifting the Vince Lombardi Trophy following the Seahawks’ victory in Super Bowl XLVIII.
Allen passed away last October due to complications from non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He was 65.
Allen became the 12th member of the Ring of Honor, as well as the first executive — the other 11 members include nine player, one coach and one broadcaster.
Allen’s sister Jody, who took over as the Seahawks’ Chair, raised the 12 Flag prior to opening kickoff.
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