The “Seahawks 12” is the nickname and symbol for Seattle Seahawks fans, who are treated as a kind of extra player on the field – the famous “12th Man” or simply “12s.”

What “12” Means

  • In football, 11 players are on the field per team; the 12th spot symbolically belongs to the fans, whose noise and energy are seen as influencing the game.
  • Seahawks supporters embraced this identity in the 1980s, and the team formally incorporated “12” into its culture and branding over time (retiring the number, raising a “12” flag, etc.).
  • You’ll see “12” on flags, jerseys, buildings, and even landmarks around Seattle, especially on game days and during playoff runs.

“12s” as a Fan Identity

  • Seahawks fans often call themselves “12s” (formerly “12th Man”) to emphasize that they’re part of the team’s on‑field impact.
  • Home games at Lumen Field are famous for being extremely loud, with crowd noise credited for causing false starts and communication issues for opponents.
  • Because of this, “the 12” isn’t just a jersey number; it’s a whole fan culture built around passion, unity, and home‑field intimidation.

Quick Example

If you hear someone say, “The 12s were loud today,” they’re talking about Seahawks fans in the stadium, not a player wearing number 12.