what does 12 mean with the seahawks

The number 12 with the Seattle Seahawks is all about their fans – it stands for the “12th man,” or simply “the 12s,” meaning the crowd is treated like an extra player on the field.

What “12” Means

• In football, there are 11 players per team on the field; the crowd is called the “12th man” because their energy and noise can change the game.

• For the Seahawks, “12” is the identity of the fanbase – when you see a 12 jersey or flag, it represents Seahawks fans as a whole, not a specific player.

• The team leans into this: you’ll see 12 flags flying, fans called “12s,” and a big focus on how loud they are at home games in Seattle.

A Bit of History

• In 1984, the Seahawks honored their fans by retiring jersey number 12 so no player would ever wear it; it was reserved for the fans as the “12th man.”

• Over the years, the home crowd in Seattle became famous for being so loud that it caused false start penalties and even registered minor seismic activity during big plays.

What It Feels Like to Be a “12”

Seahawks fans often talk about “being a 12” as more than just watching games. It’s showing up early, wearing the gear, waving the 12 flag, and making as much noise as possible to give the team an edge. One fan in a forum even said they like wearing the 12 jersey because “it’s a number that won’t be traded or leave for more money somewhere else,” emphasizing that 12 represents loyal fans, not a player who might move teams.

In short: when you see “12” with the Seahawks, think “their fans” – loud, loyal, and treated like part of the team.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.