The Seattle Seahawks, established in the bustling city of Seattle, stand tall as one of the iconic franchises in the National Football League (NFL). Competing within the National Football Conference (NFC) West, the Seahawks have carved a distinctive niche in the world of American football, marked by numerous accomplishments, fierce rivalries, and an enthusiastic fanbase known as the “12s.”
Seattle Seahawks Origins and Early Days
Founding Era
The Seattle Seahawks entered the NFL realm as an expansion team in 1976, originally competing in the NFC. Following a year, their allegiance shifted to the American Football Conference (AFC) West where they remained from 1977 to 2001. As part of the 2002 conference realignment, the Seahawks rejoined the NFC West.
Stadiums and Training Grounds
Historically, the Seahawks have shifted their home grounds multiple times. They started at the Kingdome (1976–1999), moved briefly to Husky Stadium (1994, 2000–2001), and finally settled at Lumen Field from 2002 onward, located in Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood.
Leadership
The Seahawks’ current strategic moves and gameplay are orchestrated under the adept leadership of coach Pete Carroll.
Seattle Seahawks Fanbase: The “12s”
The Seahawks fans, passionately termed the “12s” or “12th Fan”, are renowned for their thunderous support. Their collective fervor has twice set the Guinness World Record for the loudest crowd noise at a sporting event, achieving 136.6 decibels in 2013 against the San Francisco 49ers, and 137.6 dB in a game against the New Orleans Saints the same year. As the sole NFL representative from the Pacific Northwest, their fanbase spans across various U.S. states and Canadian provinces.
Performance Metrics
Seattle Seahawks Major Achievements
The Seahawks have an impressive track record with 11 division titles, three conference championships, and participation in three Super Bowls. They faced a loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Super Bowl XL, clinched a victory against the Denver Broncos at Super Bowl XLVIII, and narrowly lost to the New England Patriots at Super Bowl XLIX.
| SEATTLE SEAHAWKS | |||
| APPEARANCES | TOTALS | WINS | LOSSES |
| SUPER BOWL | 3 | 2013 | 2005/ 2014 |
| CONFERENCE | 3 | 2005-2013-2014 | 1983 |
| DIVISION | 13 | 1983/ 1984/ 1988/ 2005/ 2006/ 2007/ 2010/ 2012/ 2013/ 2014/ 2015/ 2016/ 2019 | |
Hall of Fame and Honors
The Pro Football Hall of Fame has inducted Seahawks legends such as Kenny Easley, Walter Jones, Steve Hutchinson, Cortez Kennedy, and Steve Largent. The Seahawks Ring of Honor also honors others like Dave Brown, Jacob Green, Dave Krieg, Curt Warner, Jim Zorn, Matt Hasselbeck, head coaches Chuck Knox and Mike Holmgren, radio announcer Pete Gross, and franchise owner Paul Allen.
Seattle Seahawks Rivalries
San Francisco 49ers
Emerging between 2011 to 2014, the 49ers and Seahawks rivalry was intensified due to both teams’ dominance and the history between their coaches. Though the 49ers initially held an edge, the Seahawks started gaining momentum, culminating in their victory in the 2013 NFC Championship Game. Since their re-entry to the NFC West, the Seahawks lead the series with the 49ers, 25–13, and overall, 27–17.
Los Angeles Rams
Initiated in 2002 with the Seahawks’ shift to the NFC West, the rivalry with the Rams saw some memorable games. The rivalry reached new heights in recent years, with the Rams’ return to Los Angeles in 2016 and their Super Bowl victory in 2022. Currently, the Seahawks lead the series 25–24, but the Rams triumphed in both playoff encounters.
Arizona Cardinals
Since the 2002 league realignment, the Seahawks and Cardinals have been regular contenders for the NFC West title. The Seahawks currently lead their series, 23–22–1.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers and Seahawks rivalry has been highlighted by unforgettable playoff clashes. From Matt Hasselbeck’s pick-six in 2003 to Russell Wilson’s incredible comeback in the NFC Championship game for Super Bowl XLIX.
Denver Broncos
Historically, the Broncos were significant rivals for the Seahawks, especially during the 1980s with John Elway leading Denver. The teams met in Super Bowl XLVIII, where the Seahawks clinched a dominant 43–8 victory.
In Summary. The Seattle Seahawks, with their rich history, memorable moments, and die-hard fanbase, stand as a pillar in the NFL. Their achievements on the field, combined with the undying support of the “12s”, make them a force to be reckoned with in the world of American football.
