Seattle Celebrates 52 Years Since NFL Franchise Approval

Fifty-two years ago today, Seattle was officially awarded its own NFL franchise, marking a significant milestone for the Pacific Northwest city. NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle made the announcement that Seattle would join the league as an expansion team in 1976, making it the 28th franchise, alongside the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The name “Seahawks” emerged from a public survey that attracted over 20,365 entries, showcasing the community's enthusiasm for the new team. A tweet from @HawkMania highlights a historical article from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, a long-standing local newspaper known for its iconic globe and eagle emblem atop its downtown Seattle building, which served the community since 1863.

The Seattle Seahawks were officially formed on June 4, 1974, with the franchise name revealed in 1975. A total of 1,741 different name suggestions were submitted, including some unusual entries like Asters Domes and Flying Wedges. In a nod to the future, the article mentions the possibility of the Seahawks drafting Archie Griffin, a celebrated two-time Heisman Trophy winner from Ohio State.

The majority ownership was held by the Nordstrom family, with Lloyd Nordstrom representing them, while Herman Sarkowsky served as the chief operating officer. Sarkowsky indicated optimism about the team's prospects, predicting a high draft pick in 1976, which turned out to be true as they selected defensive tackle Steve Niehaus second overall, while Griffin went 24th to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Interestingly, the piece also draws a parallel to the Portland Trail Blazers, noting their successful draft of Bill Walton, a connection to Paul Allen, who was a prominent figure in both franchises. Reflecting on this milestone, the history of the Seahawks stands as a testament to the enduring bond between Seattle and professional football, marking a pivotal moment in the growth of sports in the region.