New Seahawks owner's unexpected ‘betrayal’ leaves fans in shock

Vinod Khosla has only just taken control of the Seattle Seahawks , but his first days as owner have already produced an unexpected controversy that has little to do with football operations.

Khosla , who completed a $9.6 billion purchase of the franchise with his family, surprised supporters during his introductory press conference by revealing that he remains a longtime Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

“I also happened to come to this country in ’76 when the Steelers were winning Super Bowls,” Khosla said. “So actually I was originally and still am a big Steelers fan.”

He then added: “Also, little known fact, but I still watch all the Steelers games, too.”

The admission quickly raised eyebrows in Seattle, particularly because the Steelers are responsible for one of the most painful defeats in Seahawks history.

Pittsburgh beat Seattle in Super Bowl XL, a loss that remains a sore point for some fans because of the officiating controversies that surrounded the game.

Khosla ’s connection to Pittsburgh, however, goes back decades. He moved from India to the United States in 1976 to attend Carnegie Mellon University, arriving at a time when the Steelers were dominating the NFL.

Pittsburgh won four Super Bowls in six seasons during that era, with Terry Bradshaw leading one of the most successful teams in league history.

Seahawks fans question Khosla’s Steelers loyalty

That background did little to stop the reaction. “Ehhh. I get it but I feel like that’s something you keep a secret,” one fan wrote on X. Another said: “He probably should have kept that to himself.”

Khosla ’s NFL history isn't limited to the Steelers either. Before buying the Seahawks , he held a minority stake in the San Francisco 49ers , one of Seattle’s biggest NFC West rivals. That stake must be sold as he takes control of the Seahawks .

Still, there is no indication Khosla ’s previous allegiances will affect his commitment to Seattle. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell publicly backed the new ownership group after the sale was approved.

“They know our league well,” Goodell said. “They understand the passion of the NFL, they understand the 12s, they understand this Seattle community and the NFL.”

Khosla pushes back after comments cause stir

Khosla later responded to the criticism himself, arguing that his remarks had been blown out of proportion.

“What’s wrong with admitting my 1976-78 period in Pittsburgh (CMU) got me excited about the NFL?” Khosla wrote on X.

He also made clear where his priorities now lie, saying that continuing to watch Pittsburgh doesn't mean he won't “unconditionally ALWAYS as owner, want the Seahawks to win and have every edge up, EVERY TIME over every other team!!!!”

That may ultimately matter more than any old rooting interest. Seattle enters Khosla ’s ownership era as the reigning Super Bowl champion, creating immediate expectations for the new regime.

“The task ahead is actually pretty simple,” Khosla said. “Keep the winning streak alive. Get another Super Bowl.”

If Seattle continues winning, his Steelers fandom will probably become little more than an amusing footnote. If things go badly, though, Seahawks fans may not forget the admission quite so easily.