New Seahawks owner Vinod Khosla defends Steelers fandom amid criticism

New Seattle Seahawks owner Vinod Khosla took to social media on Friday to defend his Pittsburgh Steelers fandom that dates back 50 years.

On Wednesday, NFL owners voted unanimously to approve the sale of the Seattle Seahawks to Vinod and Neeru Khosla. During the introductory news conference, Vinod Khosla said he has been, and still is, a fan of the Steelers since arriving in the U.S. in 1976, in the middle of the franchise’s dynasty.

On Friday, Khosla provided a lengthy response to a post on X from Barstool Sports criticizing his comments about rooting for Pittsburgh.

“Reporters will make every molehill into a mountain just to get column inches to write or video minutes,” Khosla said. “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 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.”

On July 11, the Seahawks announced the Paul G. Allen estate had reached an agreement with the Khoslas to sell the franchise for an NFL-record $9.612 billion. Allen’s sister, Jody Allen, had operated the team since Paul died in 2018. The Allens were famously elusive during their tenures running the team, rarely making public comments.

Vinod was born in India and immigrated to the U.S. to continue his education, attending Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh. He is considered one of Silicon Valley’s most influential innovators and venture capitalists.

Neeru Khosla will be the controlling owner of the Seahawks. Their son, Neal, is expected to have a major role in the team.

Vinod’s comments come on the heels of the first significant move under the Khosla family’s ownership. On Thursday, Pro Bowl defensive tackle Leonard Williams signed a contract extension that runs through 2029.

Shortly after the Khosla family was approved as owners, Vinod said the family is committed to keeping the Seahawks Super Bowl contenders.

“Our approach is generally going to be long-term focused,” he said. “That’s our inclination always. So keep winning, take a long-term approach, and learn a lot.”