Seahawks owner Jody Allen isn't a placeholder and is an essential leader

Jody Allen, executor of Paul Allen's estate, has guided the Seattle Seahawks back to Super Bowl 60 and is credited with key decisions such as the 2022 Russell Wilson trade and coaching changes. Reports note the franchise may be sold eventually as the estate is wound down, a process Allen has said could take years.

Jody Allen leads the Seattle Seahawks while serving as executor of her brother Paul Allen's estate. The team is playing in Super Bowl 60 and has been described by coaches and executives as guided by clear, demanding leadership. Allen has approved major personnel moves, and those choices are credited with helping rebuild the roster into a championship contender. League rules and rival owners have raised questions about a trust owning a franchise, and reports have circulated about a possible future sale of the team. Key facts: - Allen is the executor of Paul Allen's estate, and the estate's terms call for eventual distribution of proceeds to charity. - The Seahawks are playing in Super Bowl 60 and have been described by staff as a young team with a long championship window. - In 2022 Allen approved the trade of quarterback Russell Wilson, a move cited as central to acquiring assets that rebuilt the roster. - She removed Pete Carroll from the coaching role, elevated John Schneider to president of football operations, and supported the hiring of Mike Macdonald as head coach. - Since 2018 the Seahawks have a reported 82-51 regular-season record and recorded one losing season (7-10 in 2021). - Reports say the franchise could be listed for sale after the Super Bowl and might fetch more than $7 billion; Allen has said winding down the estate could take years. Summary: Allen's stewardship is presented as a hands-on form of leadership that has shaped the Seahawks' recent resurgence on the field. The team's performance and roster decisions are tied to choices she made as executor and owner-operator. The longer-term ownership status is linked to the estate process and reported sale discussions. Undetermined at this time.