New Seahawks owner Vinod Khosla responds to criticism of his football ties

Vinod Khosla, who heads the incoming new Seattle Seahawks ownership group, has responded to criticism for a comment he made about his history as a football fan.

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After NFL owners approved with a unanimous vote Wednesday the sale of the Seahawks from the Paul G. Allen Estate to Khosla’s group, Khosla told reporters that his football fandom started with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“I was originally and still am a big Steelers fan,” Khosla said. “… Little known fact, but I still watch all the Steelers games, too.”

That comment led to some criticism online as the ownership of the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks shifts to Khosla and his family. On Friday afternoon, Khosla shared a response on social media to provide context to his comment and make it clear his football allegiance now lies with the Seahawks.

“Reporters will make every molehill into a mountain just to get column inches to write or video minutes. What’s wrong with admitting my 1976-78 period in Pittsburgh (CMU) got me excited about the NFL?” Khosla wrote, referring to his time attending Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. “(Stating that) I still watch their games doesn’t mean I won’t unconditionally ALWAYS as owner, want the Seahawks to win and have every edge up, EVERY TIME over every other team!!!! Zero questions!!! At the other end is a set of teams I always want to lose every advantage. But happy to have the sports writer getting more column inches and fill their pages. You are welcome. Apologies in advance for my very transparent style.”

Reporters will make every molehill into a mountain just to get column inches to write or video minutes. What’s wrong with admitting my 1976-78 period in Pittsburgh (CMU) got me excited about the NFL? I still watch their games doesn’t mean I won't unconditionally ALWAYS as… https://t.co/yyWgeJgIts

— Vinod Khosla (@vkhosla) August 28, 2026

The Indian-born Khosla’s move to America in early adulthood went through Pittsburgh, and he eventually found his way to Silicon Valley, where he founded the venture capital firm Khosla Ventures. He has a net worth of $13.8 billion, according to Forbes.

The record $9.612 billion purchase by Khosla’s group is not his first foray into NFL ownership. He joined the NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers as a minority owner last year, though he will have to relinquish that 3.1% ownership stake as the NFL does not allow ownership stakes in multiple teams in the league.

It has been reported that Neeru Khosla, who is married to Vinod, will be named the controlling owner of the Seahawks after the sale, which is expected to close in September. Their son Neal Khosla, the CEO of artificial intelligence company Curai, is expected to have a key role in the Seahawks’ leadership.

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