On a crisp February weekend in 2026, as the Seattle Seahawks prepared for the NFC Conference Championship and Super Bowl LX, a wave of blue, green, and white swept across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. But it wasn’t just the players or the coaches making headlines—it was the fans, the legendary 12s, whose passion and unity have become the heartbeat of Seahawks football. This season, a traveling 12th Man flag, covered in signatures from diehards and celebrities alike, became a living testament to the community and spirit that define Seattle’s football culture.
It all began with a simple idea in the KIRO Newsradio newsroom: take a Seahawks 12th Man flag around town and see how many fans would want to sign it. What started as a spontaneous gesture quickly took on a life of its own. Spike O’Neill, KIRO host, was among the first to sign the flag ahead of the big game, but he was far from the last. “It’s been a beautiful thing to watch. This franchise has done so much for this city. Enjoy this,” said Gee Scott, co-host of “The Gee and Ursula Show,” as he reflected on the rare chance to play for another championship. For many, the moment was deeply personal. “I was thinking about how 10 years ago, when they were in the NFC Championship game, and I talked about this with my Dad. Today he’s not here anymore, so I’m telling you, enjoy this because it doesn’t come around so often.”
From the KIRO newsroom, the flag made its way to downtown Seattle, where it was unfurled on a metal bar table inside The Beer Hall, surrounded by longtime fans. “I am ‘OG,’ Seattle, Kingdome, 1977, I’ve been here forever,” one woman declared proudly. The Beer Hall’s entertainment manager marveled at the city’s unique bond: “I haven’t seen a fan base that really rallies around a team like this.” It wasn’t just locals who added their names. One transplant from Minnesota, now a Seahawks devotee, said, “I’m happy for them, and I’ll be cheering for them just like I was born and raised here.”
Fans from far-flung corners—Colome, South Dakota to be exact—shared how they’d followed rookie left guard Grey Zabel all season. Even construction workers paused to sign the flag, summing up the city’s mood: “It’s the home crowd is what it is. It brings everyone together.” The journey continued to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, where the legendary Sea-Pope Greg Buchanan left his mark with a signature and a simple “go hawks.” Keith Rousu, director of the Seahawks’ Blue Thunder drumline, signed with pride. “It’s so exciting, and we get such a rush getting the best fans in the world ready for the biggest game of the season,” he shared.
Once in San Francisco for the Super Bowl, the flag became a magnet for sports royalty and pop culture icons. Miss USA Audrey Eckert, sports radio legend Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers All-Pro Ronde Barber, and U.S. men’s national soccer team captain Landon Donovan all added their names. Seahawks icons Luke Willson and Cliff Avril, along with broadcasters Dave Wyman and Bob Stelton, joined in as well. The biggest surprise? Former New England Patriot and four-time Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski. “I’ll sign your flag, Rob Gronk, 87, Super Bowl 49 champs,” he said, grinning as he grabbed the Sharpie.
For the 12s who gathered outside the NFL Fan Experience in San Francisco, the symbolism of the flag was clear. “My brother and I are here from Colorado, and we are here to bring the noise,” one fan said. For others, it was about cherishing rare moments together. “The team means everything to us, and we love them so much,” another added. Each signature was more than a name—it was a declaration of loyalty and a shared hope for another Super Bowl triumph.
The Seahawks’ fan base, known as the 12s, isn’t just loud—they’re legendary. The origin of the “12s” nickname harks back to the idea that while only 11 players take the field, fans serve as the unofficial 12th player, amplifying the team’s presence with their relentless energy. The design of Lumen Field itself traps sound, creating an intimidating home-field advantage that’s rattled many an opponent. The 12s’ thunderous support has even registered seismic activity: during Marshawn Lynch’s unforgettable “Beast Quake” run in 2010, the crowd’s reaction caused a 2.3 magnitude earthquake, a moment now etched in NFL lore.
Historically, the Seahawks called their fans the “12th Man,” but after a trademark dispute with Texas A&M University—who coined the term in 1922—the team transitioned to “The 12s” following the expiration of a licensing agreement in 2016. The Seahawks were the first professional team to retire a jersey number in honor of their fans, hanging the No. 12 in the rafters on December 15, 1984. Since 2003, every home game at Lumen Field has kicked off with a special guest raising the “12 Flag,” a tradition that’s become a rite of passage for celebrities, former players, and super fans alike.
At Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, the 12s were out in full force, their voices echoing across Levi’s Stadium. Among them was Marvel star Chris Pratt, who introduced the Seahawks before kickoff. Pratt’s devotion to the team runs deep. Growing up in Lake Stevens, Washington, he became a fixture at games, raising the “12 Flag” at Lumen Field and attending legendary matchups like the 2015 NFC Championship. “Being a 12th Fan means we’re more than just fans, we’re part of the team,” Pratt told NFL.com. “From the 12s all around the world supporting from home… to the fans at the stadium who literally make gameplay more difficult for our opponents because we have the loudest stadium. We feed the beast.”
For Pratt, the experience is a family affair. He attends games with his 13-year-old son, Jack, describing the emotional rollercoaster of the playoffs as a bonding moment. “We were praying and crying and hugging each other,” he shared on “Live with Kelly and Mark.” Pratt’s story is just one of thousands, each illustrating the deep roots and generational passion that define the 12s.
The Seahawks’ traditions, from the retired No. 12 jersey to the raising of the 12 Flag, serve as constant reminders of just how integral the fans are to the team’s identity. Their noise once led the NFL to institute a rule in 1989 allowing referees to penalize teams if crowd noise prevented the offense from hearing signals—a testament to the impact of the 12s. The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network continues to monitor the “fan quakes” generated by Seahawks fans, with director Harold Tobin explaining, “What we’re recording is the shaking of the whole structure, including the ground underneath it, from the enthusiasm and excitement of the 12s jumping up and down when a big thing is happening.”
As the Seahawks continue their quest for another Super Bowl title, the 12s remain the team’s secret weapon—a force that unites generations, transcends backgrounds, and shakes both stadiums and hearts. With every flag raised, every signature inked, and every roar from the stands, the legacy of the 12s only grows stronger. The action on the field may be ongoing, but one thing is certain: in Seattle, football is more than a game—it’s a shared dream, and the 12s are its beating heart.