why is seattle called the 12s
Seattle Seahawks fans are called the "12s" because they represent the team's unofficial 12th player on the field.
This nickname honors their intense energy and noise at Lumen Field, which disrupts opponents and boosts home-field advantage. The tradition started in 1984 when the Seahawks retired jersey number 12 exclusively for fans.
Origin Story
The Seattle Seahawks first retired No. 12 on December 15, 1984, making them the first pro sports team to dedicate a jersey to its fanbase.
Fans earned this as the "12th Man" (or "12th player") for acting like an extra team member, with their roar causing false starts and timeouts for rivals.
A key pre-game ritual since 2003 involves raising the "12 Flag" at Lumen Field to rally the crowd.
Trademark Shift to "12s"
Texas A&M University trademarked "12th Man" in 1990 after originating it in 1922.
The Seahawks licensed it starting in 2006, renewed in 2016, but switched to "12s" afterward to avoid renewal issues—keeping the spirit alive without the full phrase.
Today, "12s" defines Seahawks fandom beyond games, symbolizing community loyalty across Seattle and globally.
Fan Impact Highlights
- Loudest in NFL : Their noise hits record decibels, like during the 2013 "Fail Mary" game or 2025 playoffs.
- Cultural Icons : Celebrities like Macklemore embrace it; a 2021 Seahawks documentary narrates their history.
- Recent Buzz (2026) : As of February 2026, "12s" trended amid Super Bowl talk, with USA Today spotlighting their legacy.
"It's everybody... young, old... you are a 12." – Seahawks voice Steve Raible
Why It Sticks in Seattle
No other NFL city matches this; "12s" gear, flags, and chants make it a badge of fierce pride.
Even in lean years, the bond endures—fans make Seattle's stadium a fortress opponents dread.
From 1984 origins to 2026 hype, it's less a nickname, more a movement.
TL;DR: "12s" = fans as the Seahawks' 12th player, retired jersey in '84, renamed from "12th Man" post-trademark, still rocking Lumen Field.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.