why do the seattle seahawks have number 12

The Seattle Seahawks use the number 12 to honor their fans, who are celebrated as the “12th man” (now often just “the 12s”) — the idea is that fans are like an extra player on the field because of their energy and noise, especially at home games.

What “12” Means

• In football, there are 11 players on the field per team, so the crowd is symbolically the 12th player, helping with energy, momentum, and home‑field advantage.

• Seahawks fans became famous for making Lumen Field (formerly CenturyLink Field) one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL, even causing measurable “quakes” like the 2011 “Beast Quake” celebration.

How It Became Official

• In 1984, the Seahawks formally honored their fanbase by retiring jersey No. 12, taking it out of circulation for players and dedicating it to the fans.

• From then on, “12” started appearing on jerseys, flags, and around the city, and the team leaned into the identity of the 12s as central to Seahawks culture.

Traditions Around the 12s

• Before home games, the team holds a 12 flag–raising ceremony, where a former player, local celebrity, or notable fan raises a big 12 flag to fire up the crowd.

• Seahawks fans have twice set Guinness World Records for loudest crowd noise at a sporting event (over 137 decibels), reinforcing the idea that the 12s really can influence games.

Why It’s Still a Big Deal Today

• “12” has become part of Seattle’s broader identity: you’ll see 12 flags on buildings, references on local landmarks, and constant use of “12s” in team branding and media.

• Articles and commentary still frame 12 as a symbol of passion, unity, resilience, and positive energy around the team, especially during playoff pushes or big rivalry games.

TL;DR: The Seahawks have number 12 because they retired it in 1984 to represent their fans as the “12th man” (now the 12s), treating the crowd as an extra player whose noise and energy are a real part of the team’s identity and home‑field edge.

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