Seahawks, Blazers owner Paul Allen dies at 65

3:02 pm | October 15, 2018 | Go to Source | Author:

6:59 PM ET

Brady HendersonESPN

Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft and owner of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks and the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers, has died from complications of non-Hodgkins lymphoma, his family announced. He was 65.

Allen had announced earlier this month that the disease, which he had been treated for in 2009, had returned.

Allen’s sister, Jody Allen, wrote in a statement: “My brother was a remarkable individual on every level. While most knew Paul Allen as a technologist and philanthropist, for us he was a much loved brother and uncle, and an exceptional friend.”

Allen, who co-founded Microsoft with his childhood friend Bill Gates, had owned the Seahawks since 1997 and the Blazers since 1988. He’s also the co-owner of the MLS’ Seattle Sounders FC.

We miss you.
We thank you.
We love you. pic.twitter.com/rxkn1IjJ0R

— Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) October 15, 2018

Allen’s purchase of the Seahawks from previous owner Ken Behring saved the team from a relocation. Under his ownership, the Seahawks reached the Super Bowls three times, including a victory in Super Bowl XLVIII over the Denver Broncos.

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll was among many current and former Seahawks who tweeted their condolences and shared fond memories of Allen on Monday.

Deeply saddened by the passing of @PaulGAllen. I’ll miss him greatly. His gracious leadership and tremendous inspiration will never be forgotten.

The world is a better place because of Paul’s passion, commitment, and selflessness. His legacy will live on forever.

— Pete Carroll (@PeteCarroll) October 15, 2018

“Paul Allen was the ultimate trail blazer – in business, philanthropy and in sports,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “As one of the longest-tenured owners in the NBA, Paul brought a sense of discovery and vision to every league matter large and small. He was generous with his time on committee work, and his expertise helped lay the foundation for the league’s growth internationally and our embrace of new technologies. He was a valued voice who challenged assumptions and conventional wisdom and one we will deeply miss as we start a new season without him. Our condolences go to his family, friends and the entire Trail Blazers organization.”