The week started with heartbreaking news for both the Portland Trail Blazers and Seattle Seahawks organization, as it was reported Monday that the owner of the said pair of North American pro sports franchises, Paul Allen, has passed away at the age of 65 due to complications of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Immediately after the terrible news hit the headlines, several players from the Trail Blazers and Seahawks families took to their respective channels to express their reactions to the death of Paul Allen.
Here’s Seattle dual-threat quarterback Russell Wilson’s emotional message on Twitter.
We have lost a friend and a giant. Mr. Allen, thank you for your extraordinary vision, your abundant generosity and for believing in all of us. By your example, you made us all better, kinder. May you Rest In Peace. Go Hawks! pic.twitter.com/qcRUt3ko6j
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) October 16, 2018
Wilson was the quarterback of the only Seattle team to take home a Vince Lombardi Trophy when the Seahawks defeated the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 43 back in 2014. Also on that Super Bowl-winning squad was linebacker Bobby Wagner, who also offered his prayers for Allen and his family.
Rest Easy @PaulGAllen Praying 4 your family. Appreciate everything that you did 🙏🏾
— Bobby Wagner (@Bwagz) October 15, 2018
Some more tweets from other Seahawks players.
RIP Paul Allen. Gone way too soon. Thank you so much for your many contributions to society and to the sports world pic.twitter.com/7ITQuHpAMT
— Duane Brown (@DuaneBrown76) October 15, 2018
Rest In Peace Paul Allen. Thank you for everything! You will be missed. My prayers go to the entire Allen family.
— Tyler Lockett (@TDLockett12) October 15, 2018
RIP to the man in charge of it all, Mr. Paul Allen. I hope we sent you out with high praises with our victory yesterday in London. You with the most high now, no more pain required.
— Frank Clark (@TheRealFrankC_) October 15, 2018
RIP Paul Allen pic.twitter.com/NYhkACObUk
— IG MikeDavisRB (@MikeDavisRB) October 15, 2018
RIP Paul Allen🙏🏽
— Rashaad Penny (@pennyhendrixx) October 15, 2018
My statement on one of the greatest persons I have ever had a chance to be around.
RIP, Paul Allen.
Thank you for all you did for my family and my kids. pic.twitter.com/T2wF5pYUh6
— WALTER JONES (@BigWalt71) October 15, 2018
The Seahawks were bought by Paul Allen in 1996 when the team’s previous owner, Ken Behring, was attempting to relocate the franchise to Southern California, and in effect preventing Seattle from losing its beloved football squad.
At the time, Allen was also already the owner of the Trail Blazers, the NBA franchise be purchased in 1988.
Although Allen never saw his team bring home a Larry O’Brien hardware, he always made sure that the team had his full support, reciprocated here by Portland players whose lives were touched by the Microsoft’s co-founder in one way or another.
Paul Allen will never be forgotten. He was a great owner, an amazing leader and a truly wonderful person. I'm forever grateful that we got to share so many great moments together. His passion and dedication will be deeply missed. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
— LaMarcus Aldridge (@aldridge_12) October 15, 2018
Thoughts and prayers to Mr. Allen’s Family.. was a pleasure working for you for 3 years in Portland 🙏🏼 thanks for everything https://t.co/lo9YQlOp0G
— Pat Connaughton (@pconnaughton) October 15, 2018
Just heard the news about the death of Paul Allen. I had the great honor of spending 7 years with him in Porltland. A great man who really loved the game and will be missed. RIP Mister Allen
— Nicolas Batum (@nicolas88batum) October 15, 2018
Thank you MR. Paul Allen for what you brought to the world, being a great person, & great philanthropist. RIP 🙏.
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) October 16, 2018
Although Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade never wore Blazers threads, he still took time to give his condolences to the Allen family.
Just woke up to the sad news about Paul Allen! My family and i deepest condolences goes out to the family and friends of who i heard nothing but great things about. #RIPPaulAllen
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) October 15, 2018
Paul Allen also had a share in the ownership of MLS franchise, Seattle Sounders.