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During the NFL playoffs, home-field advantage often significantly influences the outcome of these high-stakes games. Hearing your quarterback before the snap gives a major edge over relying on a silent count.
Fortunately for the Seattle Seahawks, they play in one of the NFL's most energetic environments. Lumen Field is always lively, whether for a regular-season game or a potential Super Bowl appearance.
The Seahawks fans are so appreciated by the organization and players that they have a special nickname.
The Sporting News provides all the information on why Seahawks fans are called ’12s’.
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Seahawks 12th man, explained
In football, only 11 players are permitted on the field at a time. The number 12 symbolizes the fans, acting as an "extra" player whose enthusiastic support creates a notable home-field advantage.
This was the organization's way of acknowledging the fanbase's consistent support.
Mike Macdonald was in awe of the 12s 🤩 @Seahawks pic.twitter.com/8iIJRHwHnA
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 18, 2026Why are Seahawks fans called the 12th man?
Seahawks fans are known as ’12s' because of their significant influence on the game. Their support is so energetic that it feels like Seattle has an extra player on the field.
Their noise causes false starts and communication issues, leading to unwarranted timeouts by the opposing team.
However, these fans don't just get loud when the opposing team is on the field; they just can't help themselves. In the Seahawks' 2026 divisional round win over the San Francisco 49ers, this happened on the opening kickoff.
— ESPN (@espn) January 18, 2026Rashid Shaheed's electrifying play caught fans' attention, leading to a remarkable event. Seattle supporters' excitement over the early touchdown was so intense that their cheers created a rumble, which seismologists confirmed. This phenomenon has been dubbed the “Rashidquake" by fans.
Rashid Shaheed “quake” registered on the seismograph #Seahawks #Niners pic.twitter.com/ChEHk0NtxG
— Aaron Levine (@AaronLevine_) January 18, 2026MORE: How Seahawks landed Sam Darnold
What is the significance of 12 in Seattle?
The Pittsburgh Steelers have their "terrible towels," the Kansas City Chiefs have the tomahawk chop, and Seattle has their "12s."
The number 12 appears frequently throughout Seattle and Washington state, visible on many objects -- from the tail of a Boeing 747 to the top of the Space Needle during playoffs. It symbolizes not just the fans but also serves as a part of the state's identity.
When did the Seahawks 12th man tradition start?
The ‘12th Man’ concept originated in 1984 when the Seahawks retired the No. 12 jersey to honor their fans. No player was allowed to wear the number, as it represented the fans’ crucial role in the games.
Since this thoughtful gesture, the fans have created many iconic moments, including twice setting the Guinness World Record for loudest crowd noise at a sporting event (137.6 decibels) and the 2011 "Beast Quake," where their celebration caused a minor earthquake.
One of the greatest runs in NFL history 💪
Marshawn Lynch unleashed the "Beast Quake" nine years ago today. (via @nflthrowback)pic.twitter.com/kQebCzRfI4
Seahawks 12th man vs. 12s controversy
Despite many associating this phrase with Seattle, the Seahawks were not the first to use it. Texas A&M University first adopted the term ’12th Man’ in 1922 to describe its fans, much like Seattle.
The university officially licensed it in 1990, granting the Seahawks a limited license to use ’12th Man’. However, this agreement expired in 2016, and instead of renewing, the Seahawks changed the name from ’12th Man’ to ’12s’.
English (US)