Ken Behring

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Despite his intentions, Behring's ownership was marked by challenges on the field and behind the scenes. The team struggled with consistency during his tenure, failing to reach the Super Bowl despite having talented rosters. His time as owner ended in 2000 when he sold the franchise to Paul Allen, a move that would eventually lead to the construction of CenturyLink Field (now Lumen Field) and the rise of the 'Legion of Boom' era decades later.

In Their Own Story

The rain fell softly on the parking lot of the Kingdome as Ken Behring stepped out of his car in late 1997. The weight of ownership sat heavy, yet he felt a surge of hope for Seattle's football future. Inside, the hum of fans and the echo of practice drills reminded him why he had taken this risk—for the city that called itself home.

Reader's Guide

The Ken Behring era represents a transitional chapter in Seahawks history, bridging the gap between the franchise's early struggles and its modern success. Defined by local ownership ambitions and on-field inconsistency, this period highlighted the challenges of running an NFL team without immediate playoff success. Behring's tenure mattered because it kept the franchise in Seattle during a time when relocation threats loomed over many NFL teams. His decision to eventually sell to Paul Allen set the stage for the stadium upgrades and organizational stability that would define the 21st century.

Did You Know?

• Ken Behring was one of the few local owners in Seahawks history before his sale to Paul Allen.
• His ownership coincided with the final seasons played at the Kingdome before the team moved to Qwest Field.
• Behring's background included significant real estate developments in Washington state, including the Olympic Sculpture Park.

Rags-to-Riches Origins

Kenneth Eugene Behring's journey began in humble circumstances in Freeport, Illinois, before his family relocated to Monroe, Wisconsin. Growing up in poverty, he witnessed his father laboring at a lumber yard for mere cents an hour while his mother cleaned homes. This environment instilled a relentless work ethic; by age seven, Behring was already mowing lawns, caddying, and delivering milk. His entrepreneurial spirit blossomed early when he started selling sporting goods alongside his high school studies. Although he earned a partial football scholarship to the University of Wisconsin–Madison, an injury ended his athletic eligibility and forced him to drop out. Undeterred, he pivoted to automotive sales at twenty-one, launching Behring Motors. His rapid ascent saw him accumulating $1 million in assets by age twenty-seven, setting the stage for a future as one of America's most prominent real estate developers.

Real Estate Empire and NFL Ambitions

Behring transformed his fortune into a massive real estate empire, first establishing Behring Construction Company in Florida. He pioneered the development of Tamarac Lakes, converting wetlands into a thriving community that incorporated as the town of Tamarac. His firm eventually became the largest single-family home builder in Florida and ranked tenth nationally. In 1972, he expanded his operations to California, developing luxury communities like Blackhawk and Canyon Lakes. However, his most high-profile venture was purchasing the Seattle Seahawks in 1988 for $80 million. Legal hurdles regarding stadium leases and NFL threats of massive daily fines forced him to abandon the move. He ultimately sold the franchise to Paul Allen in 1997 for $200 million, ending his tenure as an NFL owner.

Smithsonian Philanthropy and Controversy

Behring's later years were defined by monumental, yet contentious, philanthropic contributions to the Smithsonian Institution. In 1997, he pledged $20 million to the National Museum of Natural History, funding the Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals, which opened in 2003 with hundreds of specimens and interactive zones. His generosity expanded in 2000 with an $80 million pledge to the National Museum of American History, intended for exhibits on American legends, the presidency, and military history. In exchange, the museum's main facility was renamed the Behring Center. While celebrated as a record-breaking cash donation that earned him the James Smithson Award, these gifts sparked significant debate within the museum community. Critics argued that Behring exerted undue influence over exhibition content and criticized his selection of personal architects for modernization studies, raising questions about donor power versus curatorial independence.

Personal Life and Literary Legacy

Beyond his business dealings, Behring maintained a close-knit family life, marrying Patricia at age twenty-one. Together they raised five sons, eventually welcoming ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren into their extended family circle. His personal narrative was further documented through his literary works, reflecting on his journey from poverty to prominence. In 2004, he published 'Road to Purpose,' detailing his quest to bring hope to millions while finding personal meaning. A revised edition titled 'The Road to Leadership' followed in 2013, emphasizing the development of purposeful living. Although often described as a billionaire and frequently listed on Forbes' ranking of America's wealthiest individuals, Behring remained grounded in his Midwestern roots until his passing in June 2019 at the age of ninety-one.