Seahawks fans wear the number 12 because they see themselves as the team’s “extra” player on the field, known as the 12th man or simply the “12s.”

The basic idea

  • An NFL team can only have 11 players on the field at once, so the fans are symbolically called the 12th player.
  • The noise and energy at home games in Seattle are famous for making it hard for opposing offenses to communicate, so the crowd is treated like part of the game plan.

How the 12 started in Seattle

  • In 1984, the Seahawks retired jersey No. 12 to honor their fanbase, officially making “12” the fans’ number.
  • Since then, 12 has shown up on flags, jerseys, banners, and even a pregame “Raising of the 12 Flag” ceremony before home games.

Identity and tradition today

  • “12s” has become an identity label, not just a number; fans use it to describe themselves as part of a loud, loyal community.
  • Around Seattle, you’ll see 12 flags on buildings and homes, especially during the playoffs or big games, as a sign that the fanbase is “on the field” with the team.

TL;DR: Seahawks fans wear 12 to show that they are the “12th player” — a loud, unified fanbase that the team has officially honored with its own jersey number.

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