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Seahawks Dismiss “Second Packers” Rumors as Jody Allen Clarifies Succession Plan for Her Three Children

SEATTLE 

Amid growing speculation that the Seattle Seahawks could become “a second Packers” by allowing fans to manage the franchise, team leadership has officially responded, reaffirming its long-term vision after owner Jody Allen clarified the succession plan that will eventually involve her three children: Duncan Patton, Gardner Patton, and Faye Patton.

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The rumors gained traction as conversations around NFL ownership structures resurfaced, with the community-owned model of the Green Bay Packers frequently cited as a unique precedent. However, the Seahawks made it clear that there are no plans to adopt a public ownership model or transition to a fan-managed structure similar to Green Bay’s.

In a statement shared internally and later released to media outlets, the organization emphasized that its succession framework has been carefully structured in alignment with the wishes of late owner Paul Allen. The franchise will remain under family stewardship, with a long-term transition plan centered on Allen’s three children, implemented through a stable and closely guided process.

“The Seahawks are not a social experiment,” Allen stated. “This is an organization built on trust, responsibility, and a deep connection to Seattle. When the time comes for transition, the priority is protecting identity and stability — not chasing trends.”

League observers note that the structural differences between the Seahawks and the Packers are substantial, both legally and historically. The Packers remain the NFL’s only community-owned team, with hundreds of thousands of shareholders, while the Seahawks operate under a traditional private ownership model. Any shift of that magnitude would require league approval and significant legal restructuring — neither of which is currently under consideration in Seattle.

Inside the organization, the clarification has brought reassurance. There are no immediate changes to executive authority or strategic direction. Football operations remain the primary focus, while ownership continuity provides the long-term stability necessary for competitive success.

For fans, the announcement serves as confirmation that the franchise will not pivot toward experimental governance models. The Seahawks remain Seattle’s team — but under the structure that has defined the organization for decades.

In an NFL increasingly shaped by soaring valuations and complex investment structures, the Seahawks have reinforced a simple message: legacy is not a commodity to be restructured. And in Seattle, the future will stay within the family — not on the open market.

Packers Identify First “Must-Have” Candidate on Formal Interview List at NFL Combine
GREEN BAY, Wisconsin – 26/02/2026 The Green Bay Packers may have just revealed their first true priority of draft season. With the NFL’s formal interview limit capped at 45 players per team — each lasting only 18 minutes — every slot is valuable. And when a prospect lands early on a team’s formal interview tracker, it often signals more than casual interest. It signals intent. Multiple draft observers believe Michigan State center Matt Gulbin could be that “must-have” name for Green Bay. Gulbin isn’t just another mid-round projection. The 6-foot-4, 312-pound interior lineman was officially invited to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, a recognition reserved for top-tier prospects. ESPN’s Mel Kiper ranks him as the No. 3 center in the 2026 class behind Auburn’s Connor Lew and Florida’s Jake Slaughter — placing him firmly among the elite interior offensive linemen available. For a Packers team potentially reshaping its offensive line, that matters. Gulbin checks several boxes that align with Green Bay’s long-standing preferences. He is described by Packers Wire (USA Today) as “football-savvy, a natural leader, and a great communicator.” A co-captain at Michigan State in 2025, Gulbin brings 52 games of collegiate experience, including time at Wake Forest before transferring. That level of maturity and versatility fits the Packers’ historical profile for intelligent, position-flexible offensive linemen. Center is quietly emerging as a position of need. The Packers have consistently valued linemen who can process quickly, communicate protections, and anchor the interior. Gulbin’s reputation for leadership and command at the line of scrimmage makes him a logical target. There is also circumstantial evidence suggesting deeper interest. Acme Packing Company reported that Packers scouts visited Michigan State multiple times last season — a detail that rarely goes unnoticed in draft circles. While some evaluators note Gulbin doesn’t perfectly fit the traditional “Packers type,” opinions appear split rather than dismissive. In today’s draft environment, formal interview allocation speaks volumes. Teams do not waste those 45 opportunities. Early or notable interviews are often reserved for prospects considered cultural fits, scheme fits, or priority selections. That makes Gulbin’s connection to Green Bay especially intriguing. Is he the first true “must-have” prospect on the Packers’ board? Nothing is confirmed. But if formal interview trends mean what they traditionally mean, Matt Gulbin may have just moved from mid-round projection to serious contender in Green Bay’s draft plans. And when the Packers show intent this early, history suggests it’s rarely by accident