who are the twelves seahawks

The 12s: Seattle Seahawks' Legendary Fans The "Twelves" (or 12s) are the passionate fans of the NFL's Seattle Seahawks, honored as the team's symbolic 12th player on the field. In 1984, Seahawks president Mike McCormack retired jersey number 12—the first pro sports team to do so for its fanbase—recognizing their electric energy at home games, which often rattles opponents with deafening noise at Lumen Field.

Origins of the Tradition

This fan designation traces back to December 15, 1984, when the Seahawks unveiled a massive "12" flag in the end zone during a home game. Originally called the "12th Man," the term nodded to the 11 players allowed on the field plus fan support as the extra boost—though it sparked a trademark tussle with Texas A&M, who coined it in college football in 1922. By 2016, after a licensing deal expired, the Seahawks simplified it to "12s" to embrace all devoted supporters, men and women alike, without legal strings.

Imagine the roar: Fans have registered Lumen Field's noise at over 137 decibels, once setting a Guinness World Record, turning the stadium into a fortress where visiting teams struggle to hear their own snap counts.

Why "Twelves" Matters Today

Even into 2026, the 12s remain a cultural force in Seattle sports lore. Recent coverage highlights their role in pivotal moments, like the 2025 divisional playoff where crowd noise fueled a game-changing 95-yard kickoff return against the 49ers. You'll spot 12 flags waving from trucks, adorning T-shirts, and blanketing the city— a badge of unwavering loyalty that outlasts any single player or coach.

• Home-Field Edge : Their volume disrupts opposing offenses, contributing to Seattle's famed "noisiest stadium" rep.
• Community Symbol : Beyond games, 12s embody Seahawks pride, with flags flown year-round and fans called out by legends like Pete Carroll.

• Versatile Identity : Not tied to one jersey-wearer (though one backup QB briefly donned it), it's purely for the collective fanbase.

Fan Perspectives and Trivia

From forums like Reddit, wearing a #12 jersey means betting on loyalty—"a number that won't be traded or leave for more money," as one fan put it back in 2014, a sentiment echoing today amid roster flux. Recent Super Bowl buzz in February 2026 underscores the 12s' enduring hype, with stories framing them as "inevitable" like Seahawks resilience.

"Only the most fervent and vocal fans earn the right to be called the 12s."

TL;DR : The Twelves are Seattle Seahawks fans, retired as #12 since 1984 for their game-altering noise and spirit—no players, just pure fan power.

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