Why Are Seahawks Fans Called 12s? A Deep Dive into the Legion of Boom
As political tensions between Canada and the United States occasionally impact travel, one thing remains constant: the unwavering support of Canadian fans for the Seattle Seahawks. Particularly in British Columbia, the ’12s’ – as Seahawks fans are affectionately known – are a force to be reckoned with. This dedication was especially evident during Super Bowl 60, where the Seahawks faced off against the New England Patriots.
The Rise of the 12s: More Than Just a Fanbase
Despite a 30% decrease in Canadian land travel to the U.S. reported by Statistics Canada, the Seahawks’ fanbase north of the border continues to grow. Over 4,000 Seahawks season ticket holders are Canadian, with the majority hailing from British Columbia. This loyalty is a testament to the team’s appeal and the passionate community it has cultivated.
“I’m not very thrilled about what’s going on [politically], but I will say that there are not as many Canadians here, though,” said Roxy Ellis, an Agassiz resident and dedicated Seahawks superfan. Ellis regularly attends home games at Lumen Field and couldn’t miss the opportunity to support her team at the Super Bowl, even without a ticket to the game itself.
A History Rooted in Passion and Noise
But why are Seahawks fans called 12s? The story begins with the team’s recognition of their fans as the true ’12th Man.’ This isn’t a new phenomenon. The tradition dates back to 1984 when a fan, Mike Layton, was officially recognized as the 12th Man. However, the modern iteration of the ’12s’ truly took off with the rise of the ‘Legion of Boom’ defense in the early 2010s.
The Seahawks organization actively embraced the fans’ energy, encouraging them to create a deafening atmosphere at Lumen Field. The stadium’s unique design, combined with the fans’ enthusiastic participation, consistently registered record-breaking noise levels, giving the Seahawks a significant home-field advantage. This created a symbiotic relationship: the team played with intensity, and the fans responded with unparalleled support.
Beyond the Border: Canadian Loyalty
Terry Dickson, a North Vancouver resident and lifelong Seahawks fan, exemplifies this dedication. While he initially hesitated to travel to San Francisco due to the political climate, the significance of the Super Bowl proved too compelling. “It is the Super Bowl, and they haven’t been in it in a very long time, and they might not be in it again during our lifetime, so this is a different type of scenario,” he explained.
The ’12s’ aren’t just about noise; they represent a community, a shared passion, and a unique connection to the Seattle Seahawks. Whether they’re cheering from the stands at Lumen Field or watching from afar, the ’12s’ are an integral part of the team’s identity. You can learn more about the Seahawks and their fans on the official Seahawks website.
Recent News from Vancouver
- Police Investigation: A 61-year-old man is in custody after a stabbing in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood.
- Vehicle Fires & Gunshots: Police are investigating two vehicle fires in Maple Ridge and reports of gunshots fired at a home.
- New Short Story Collection: A new collection of short non-fiction stories exploring sensuality is being released in time for Valentine’s Day.
- Winter Olympics Update: Canada has yet to earn a medal on Day 2 of the Winter Games.
