Seattle Seahawks facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Seattle Seahawks
Current season
Logo Wordmark Uniforms
Basic info
Established	June 4, 1974; 51 years ago (1974-06-04)
Stadium	Lumen Field Seattle, Washington
Headquartered	Virginia Mason Athletic Center Renton, Washington
Colors	College Navy, Action Green, Wolf Grey
Mascot	Blitz, Boom, Taima the Hawk (live Augur buzzard)
Personnel
Owner(s)	The Paul Allen Estate
Chairman	Jody Allen
President	Chuck Arnold
General manager	John Schneider
Head coach	Mike Macdonald
Nicknames
The Hawks The Hokeys The Blue Wave (1984–1986) The Legion of Boom (secondary; 2011–2017)
Team history
Seattle Seahawks (1976–present)
Home fields
Kingdome (1976–1999) Husky Stadium (1994, 2000–2001) Lumen Field (2002–present)
League / conference affiliations
National Football League (1976–present) American Football Conference (1977–2001) AFC West (1977–2001) National Football Conference (1976, 2002–present) NFC West (1976, 2002–present)
Championships
League championships: 1 Super Bowl championships: 1 2013 (XLVIII)
Conference championships: 3 NFC: 2005, 2013, 2014
Division championships: 11 AFC West: 1988, 1999 NFC West: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2020
Playoff appearances (20)
NFL: 1983, 1984, 1987, 1988, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022
Owner(s)
Nordstrom family & Herman Sarkowsky (1974–1988) Ken Behring & Ken Hofmann (1988–1997) Paul Allen (1997–2018) Jody Allen (2018–present)

The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team located in Seattle, Washington. They play in the National Football League (NFL) as part of the National Football Conference (NFC) West division. The team started in the NFL in 1976.

From 1977 to 2001, the Seahawks were in the American Football Conference (AFC) West. They moved back to the NFC in 2002. Since 2002, they have played their home games at Lumen Field in Seattle. Before that, they played at the Kingdome (1976–1999) and Husky Stadium (1994, 2000–2001).

Seahawks fans are often called the "12s" (or formerly the "12th Man"). These fans are known for being very loud. They even set a Guinness World Record for the loudest crowd noise at a sporting event twice! First, they reached 136.6 decibels in September 2013. Then, they hit 137.6 dB in December 2013 during a game against the New Orleans Saints.

The Seahawks are the only NFL team in the Pacific Northwest. This means they have fans from many areas, including Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, and British Columbia, Canada.

The team has won 11 division titles and three conference championships. They are also the only team to have played in both the AFC and NFC Championship Games. The Seahawks have played in three Super Bowls. They won their first championship at Super Bowl XLVIII in 2013, beating the Denver Broncos 43–8.

Team History and Key Moments

Early Years: Starting the Team (1976–1988)

The NFL decided to add two new teams in the 1970s. In 1974, Seattle was chosen for one of these new teams. The team's name, Seattle Seahawks, was picked in 1975 after a public contest. Over 20,000 people suggested names!

Jack Patera became the first head coach in 1976. The Seahawks played their first game on August 1, 1976, at the new Kingdome stadium. The Seahawks are the only NFL team to switch conferences twice. They started in the NFC West in 1976, then moved to the AFC West in 1977. This move was part of the NFL's plan for new teams.

In 1983, Chuck Knox became the head coach. The team made its first playoffs that year. They beat the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins but lost in the AFC Championship. In 1984, the Seahawks had their best record yet, finishing 12–4. Coach Knox won the NFL Coach of the Year Award.

Hall of Fame safety Kenny Easley was a top defensive player for the Seahawks in the 1980s.

New Owners and Challenges (1988–1998)

In 1988, Ken Behring and Ken Hofmann bought the team. The Seahawks won their first division title that year. However, they struggled for most of the 1990s, missing the playoffs for many seasons.

In 1996, the team's operations were moved to Anaheim, California, which many people did not like. The NFL told the owner to move the team back to Seattle. In 1997, Paul Allen, a co-founder of Microsoft, bought the team. This helped keep the Seahawks in Seattle.

Mike Holmgren Era: A New Start (1999–2008)

Matt Hasselbeck was the Seahawks quarterback from 2001 to 2010 and led the team to many playoff games.

In 1999, Mike Holmgren became the head coach. He coached for 10 seasons. The Seahawks won another division title and made the playoffs.

In 2002, the Seahawks moved back to the NFC West as part of a new NFL plan. That same year, they opened their new home, Seahawks Stadium (now Lumen Field).

The 2005 season was one of the best in team history, with a 13–3 record. They won the NFC Championship Game but lost Super Bowl XL to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Before 2005, the Seahawks had not won a playoff game since 1984.

After Holmgren left in 2008, Jim L. Mora became coach for one season. Then, Pete Carroll was hired.

Pete Carroll Era: Super Bowl Champions (2010–2023)

Building a Winning Team (2010–2012)

In 2010, the Seahawks made history by reaching the playoffs with a losing record (7–9). They won their division because other teams also had losing records. In the playoffs, they beat the defending Super Bowl champions, the New Orleans Saints. During this game, Marshawn Lynch had an amazing 67-yard touchdown run, breaking many tackles. This play was so loud that it caused a small earthquake, earning the nickname "Beast Quake".

The 2012 NFL season saw the Seahawks finish with an 11–5 record, their first winning record since 2007. They were undefeated at home. Quarterback Russell Wilson won the Pepsi MAX Rookie of the Year award.

Winning the Super Bowl (2013)

Seahawks players and coaches in 2013.

The 2013 NFL season was incredible for the Seahawks. They finished with a 13–3 record, one of the best in the NFL. Six Seahawks players were chosen for the Pro Bowl. They won their playoff games and advanced to Super Bowl XLVIII against the Denver Broncos.

On February 2, 2014, the Seahawks won their first Super Bowl Championship, beating the Broncos 43–8. The Seahawks' defense that year was considered one of the best in Super Bowl history.

Marshawn Lynch scored a famous 67-yard touchdown run in a 2011 playoff game against the New Orleans Saints.

After the Championship (2014–2023)

In 2014, the Seahawks had another great season, finishing 12–4. They reached Super Bowl XLIX but lost a close game to the New England Patriots.

The team continued to make the playoffs in 2015 and 2016. However, they missed the playoffs in 2017 due to injuries to key players. In October 2018, team owner Paul Allen passed away.

In 2020, the Seahawks won their first five games, a team record. They finished with 12 wins and won their division. However, they lost in the first round of the playoffs. The 2021 season was tougher, and they finished with a 7–10 record.

Before the 2022 season, quarterback Russell Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos. Longtime linebacker Bobby Wagner also left the team. In 2022, the Seahawks made the playoffs with a 9–8 record but lost in the first round. After the 2023 season, Pete Carroll left his head coaching position.

Mike Macdonald Era (2024–present)

Mike Macdonald became the new head coach in 2024. In the 2024 season, the Seahawks finished with a 10–7 record but did not make the playoffs.

Team Look: Logos and Uniforms

When the Seahawks started in 1976, their logo was a blue and green osprey's head. Their helmets and pants were silver, and their jerseys were royal blue or white.

The Seahawks uniform from 1976–1982.

In 1983, the uniforms changed slightly. The helmet facemasks became blue. In 1994, the team wore a special throwback jersey that looked like their original 1976 uniforms.

Seattle Seahawks uniform combinations from 2002–2011.

In 2002, the logo and uniforms were completely redesigned. The colors changed to a lighter "Seahawks Blue," a darker "Seahawks Navy," and lime green. The helmets also changed from silver to the lighter blue.

Seahawks players wearing green jerseys in 2009.

In 2009, the Seahawks wore lime green jerseys for the first time. However, they stopped using them because the team didn't win in them.

Russell Wilson wearing the current Seahawks home uniform.

In 2012, Nike unveiled new uniforms. They added a new color called "Wolf Grey." The main colors became "College Navy" and "Action Green." The uniforms have "feather trims" and twelve feathers on the helmet and pants to honor the "12th Man" fans. The team has navy blue, white, and grey jerseys, and different colored pants, allowing for many uniform combinations.

The all-navy uniform is usually worn for home games. On the road, they often wear white jerseys with navy pants, which they wore when they won Super Bowl XLVIII.

In 2016, the Seahawks introduced their "NFL Color Rush" uniform, which is all Action Green. They still wear this as an alternate uniform. In 2023, the Seahawks brought back a throwback uniform inspired by their 1983–2001 design. They also wore white jerseys at home for the first time in 2023 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their Super Bowl win.

Team Rivalries

Divisional Rivals

Los Angeles Rams

The rivalry with the Los Angeles Rams started in 2002 when the Seahawks moved to the NFC West. The Rams beat the Seahawks in a playoff game in Seattle in 2004. This rivalry became more intense when both teams were very strong in the 2010s. The Rams have won both playoff games against the Seahawks. As of the 2024 season, the Seahawks lead the overall series 28–27.

San Francisco 49ers

From 2011 to 2014, the Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers were two of the best teams in the NFC, leading to a strong rivalry. The coaches, Pete Carroll and Jim Harbaugh, also had a history of competing. The 49ers won the first few games, but the Seahawks won many later matchups. The Seahawks beat the 49ers in the 2013 NFC Championship Game. As of the end of the 2024 season, the Seahawks lead the series 31–23.

Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals and Seahawks became division rivals in 2002. This rivalry has become more competitive in recent years, especially when both teams were fighting for the NFC West title in the mid-2010s. Seattle leads the series 27–22–1. They have not yet played each other in the playoffs.

Conference Rivals

Green Bay Packers

Since moving to the NFC, the Seahawks have played the Green Bay Packers several times in the playoffs, creating an intense rivalry. Memorable moments include a game in 2003 where Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck threw a game-losing interception after saying they would win. Another famous moment was when Russell Wilson led Seattle to an overtime win in the 2014 NFC Championship, despite throwing four interceptions. As of the 2024 season, the Packers lead the all-time series 16–9.

Historic Rivals

Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos were a big rival for the Seahawks from the 1980s until 2002. The Broncos lead the all-time series 35–23. However, Seattle has won both playoff games against them. The teams also played in Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014, where the Seahawks won 43–8. In 2022, Russell Wilson was traded to the Broncos, and his first game against the Seahawks was a Seattle win.

Team Facilities

The Seahawks' main office and training facility are in Renton, next to Lake Washington. This facility, called the Virginia Mason Athletic Center (VMAC), has four practice fields. The team has held its training camps there since 2008. Before that, they trained in Cheney and Kirkland.

Team Records and Achievements

The Seattle Seahawks have played 50 NFL seasons since 1976. They have a regular-season record of 402 wins, 373 losses, and 1 tie. In the playoffs, they have 17 wins and 19 losses.

Super Bowl Appearances

Important Player Awards

NFL Most Valuable Player

• Shaun Alexander – 2005

Super Bowl MVP

• Malcolm Smith – XLVIII (2013)

NFL Offensive Player of the Year

• Shaun Alexander – 2005

NFL Defensive Player of the Year

• Kenny Easley – 1984
• Cortez Kennedy – 1992

NFL Comeback Player of the Year

• Geno Smith – 2022

Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award

• Steve Largent – 1988
• Russell Wilson – 2020

Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year

• Russell Wilson – 2012

NFL Coach of the Year

• Jack Patera – 1978
• Chuck Knox – 1984

Players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame

• Kenny Easley
• Walter Jones
• Steve Hutchinson
• Cortez Kennedy
• Steve Largent

Retired Numbers The Seahawks have retired five numbers to honor important players and their fans.

Seahawks' retired numbers at Lumen Field.

Seattle Seahawks retired numbers
No.	Player	Position	Tenure	Retired	Ref.
12	12th man	FAN	1976–present	December 15, 1984
45	Kenny Easley	SS	1981–1987	October 1, 2017
71	Walter Jones	OT	1997–2009	December 5, 2010
80 †	Steve Largent	WR	1976–1989	1992
96	Cortez Kennedy	DT	1990–2000	October 14, 2012

• † Jerry Rice wore No. 80 for a short time in 2004 with Largent's permission.

Team Culture

The 12s: Seahawks Fans

Seahawks fans holding a "12" flag at Super Bowl XLVIII.

A "12" flag raised at Seattle's Space Needle.

The "12s" refers to the amazing fan support of the Seahawks. Their home stadium, Lumen Field, is one of the loudest in the NFL. The stadium's design helps trap and amplify the noise. This loud noise can make it hard for opposing teams to hear, causing them to make mistakes.

The Seahawks' fans have twice set the Guinness World Record for the loudest crowd noise at a sporting event. They reached 136.6 dB in September 2013 and 137.6 dB in December 2013.

Before each home game, the Seahawks raise a giant #12 flag to honor their fans. Many famous people, including former players and coaches, have helped raise the flag. The team even retired the #12 jersey in 1984 as a tribute to their fans.

The term "12th Man" was originally trademarked by Texas A&M University. After an agreement expired in 2016, the Seahawks started calling their fans the "12s" instead of the "12th Man."

A Boeing 747-8F airplane painted with the "12th man" theme for the team's Super Bowl appearance.

Team Mascots

Blitz and Sea Gals at Super Bowl XLVIII.

The Seahawks' official mascot is Blitz, who started in 1998. Before the 2014 season, Blitz got a new look and a sidekick named Boom, who helps interact with younger fans.

Since 2005, a live hawk named Taima has flown around the stadium before the team runs onto the field. Taima is an augur hawk.

Cheerleaders and Band

The Seahawks have a group of cheerleaders called the Seahawks Dancers. They cheer on the team and perform at halftime. The group used to be all-female but now includes male members.

Since 2004, the Seahawks have had a drum line called the Blue Thunder. They play at every home game and at many events in the community.

Radio and Television

The Seahawks' games are broadcast on radio stations across five western states and Canada. The main radio stations are KIRO 710 kHz and KIRO-FM 97.3 MHz. Former Seahawks players Steve Raible and Dave Wyman are the current announcers.

Preseason games are shown on local TV, usually on KING-TV (channel 5). Most regular-season games are shown on KCPQ-TV (Fox affiliate).

See also

In Spanish: Seattle Seahawks para niños