Why the 12th Man Matters

It didnt have an organic, natural start. It was born in the mind of a corporate marketing person somewhere. As a marketing schtick it is a really good one. In fact it might have even been stolen from Texas A&M University. But, regardless of its beginnings, the Seahawks 12th man has turned into something so much more, something truly powerful and truly important to Western Washington.

I have heard sports affiliations described as one of the last vestige of tribalism in modern America. I think this is a pretty accurate description of the phenomenon happening with the 12th man. It brings the area together for one common cause. It unites us. We can forget about political, class, racial, gender and religious differences. We are all Seahawks fans. We are all the 12th man.

The Seahawks give us a socially acceptable easily approachable conversation piece. Need to kill some time with a stranger? Ask them who they like better Doug Baldwin or Golden Tate. Need a good ice breaker with a coworker? Just mention the last game or how much you are looking forward to this week's game. Talking about the Seahawks is easy and non offensive, unlike trying to talk about gun control or the widening wealth gap in the United States. It allows you to disconnect from the negativity and controversy of the world, for at least a short time

Some people write the whole 12th man thing off as just a bunch of really loud, drunk people that go to football games. But that isn't what it is. If it was, it wouldn't be special because, trust me, every football game has a bunch of really loud, drunk fans. Hell the Mariners have a bunch of really drunk loud fans at everyone one of their games and they dont have anything as special. The 12th man extends beyond the reaches of Century Link Field, right into the homes, offices and cars of Seahawks fans.

Part of the whole phenomena is born of winning. Having your team be the favorite to win the Super Bowl certainly helps. However, this isn't a band wagon thing. The 12th man existed during the down years of 2009 and 2010. They still filled the stadium and watched the games on TV. They still forced sports talk radio and the newspapers to fill their pages with Seahawks information. It has been growing steadily and will conitue to grow.

The 12th man is powerful and real. It is a community identity and a source if local pride. It gives us fans a way to relate to each other. It brings happiness and confidemce to people. The 12th man is a good thing. Thank you Seahawks for jump starting this tradition. Thank you Washington to grabbing hold of it and never looking back.