Seahawks fans flood downtown for Super Bowl celebration

This week, the 12th Man was louder and prouder than ever.

Roughly 1 million people packed together along Seattle’s streets Wednesday. From Lumen Field to Seattle Center, Seahawks fans rallied to celebrate the Super Bowl LX victory against the Patriots, their East Coast rival.

Despite formidable competition by the Patriots, the Seahawks ultimately prevailed, thanks in large part to a dominant defense that consistently pressured the offensive line and forced turnovers.

This marks not only Seattle’s fourth Super Bowl but an opportunity at redemption for one of the most painful points in their 50-year history: 2015’s Super Bowl XLIX. Who could forget the infamous game-sealing interception that secured the Patriots’ victory in those final seconds? Certainly no Seahawks fan.

This time, by the fourth quarter, the highly anticipated rematch became a beatdown that fans will savor until these two NFL dynasties meet again.

What’s next for Seattle’s championship team? In a perfect world, their sights would be set on another rematch for Super Bowl LXI. This time, redemption for the 2006 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. As gratifying as that would be, realistically, the team’s future may soon involve major reorganization.

Before last week’s game, rumors circulated that the Paul G. Allen estate might put the franchise up for sale after the postseason.

Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, owned the Seahawks and Lumen Field from 1997 until his death in 2018. Since then, his sister, Jody Allen, has served as executor of the estate and owner of the Seahawks.

The Paul G. Allen estate says, “We do not comment on rumors and speculation, and the team is not for sale.” While denying any current plans to sell, the statement notably did not address its intentions beyond the postseason.

It is not a question of if, but when, the $20 billion estate will sell the Seahawks. Paul Allen’s will directs that it, and other franchises like the Portland Trail Blazers, be sold, with the proceeds going to charity. If the decision comes down to timing, it is difficult to imagine a more auspicious moment to seek a buyer. Still, according to Jody Allen, “Until then, my focus—and that of our teams—is on winning.”

Time will tell what the estate’s plans for the franchise may be and what changes might come with new ownership. For now, Seattle and its fans can simply continue to revel in the glory of a well-earned championship.