For the Seahawks, “12” is the nickname for their fans—the entire crowd in the stadium and everyone watching from home. It’s short for the “12th Man,” because a football team fields 11 players at a time, so the fans are treated as the extra, game-changing force.
In everyday life, you’ll hear Seattle locals say things like “The 12 showed up loud tonight” after a big win, or “We’re bringing the 12 with us” when traveling to an away game. Stores sell jerseys with just the number 12 on them, and CenturyLink Field even hangs a giant “12” flag before kickoff. Simply put, if you cheer for the Seahawks, you’re part of the 12.
Meaning & Usage Examples
• “I’m wearing my 12 jersey to the game.”
• “The 12 forced three false starts with all that noise.”
• “Thank the 12 for that home-field advantage.”
Context / Common Use
TV announcers shout “The 12 is rocking!” when the stadium gets deafening. Social media posts tag #WeAre12 after every touchdown. It’s not just a symbol; it’s how Seahawks fans identify themselves every day.
Can I buy a Seahawks jersey with “12” on it?
Yes—team stores and most sports retailers sell official Seahawks jerseys that simply read “12” on the back.
Do other teams use the same “12” nickname?
No. While other clubs have similar concepts, “12” is trademarked by Texas A&M and licensed exclusively to the Seahawks in the NFL.
Why is the number retired for the Seahawks?
The team retired jersey number 12 in 1984 to honor the fans, so no player can wear it.
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