This year the Seahawks are celebrating their 50th season, and that means 50 years of Seahawks fandom. Below, explore a selection of items from some of Seattle’s biggest fans. Together, these pieces capture the spirit of the 12s and the deep connection between Seattle’s team and its community.
/ November 10, 2025
Seahawks jacket owned by Rev. Dr. Samuel Berry McKinney, ca. 2012
MOHAI, 2017.59.8
Rev. Dr. Samuel Berry McKinney (1926-2018) served as pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church, one of the largest and oldest Black churches in the Pacific Northwest, for over 40 years. McKinney was a leading civil right activist in Seattle and invited Martin Luther King Jr. to the city in 1961. McKinney and King had been classmates at Morehouse College, a prestigious historically Black men’s liberal arts college in Atlanta.
Later in life, McKinney was honored at a Seahawks game and given this jacket which he wore proudly.
Bill Nye's jersey, cap, towel, and badge from 12th man flag raising, Nov. 19, 2023
MOHAI, 2024.39.11
In 1984 Seahawks president Mike McCormack officially retired the #12 jersey to honor the “the best fans in the NFL.” It was the first time an NFL team celebrated its fans with the retirement of a number.
In 2003, the franchise began the tradition of raising the 12th Man flag before a game. Bill Nye “The Science Guy,” who lived in Seattle for many years and filmed his groundbreaking science education show here, had the honor of raising the flag on October 29, 2023.
The Seahawks took on the Cleveland Browns, wearing their now ubiquitous 90s throwback uniforms for the first time. Bill’s jersey, pictured here, is in the same style as a nod to his show being created in the 90s.
Seahawks towel, souvenir from the Seahawks NFC Championship Game, 2014
MOHAI, 2014.12.3
While fans frequently reference “The 12th Man” that phrase is actually copyrighted by Texas A&M University, which has been using it since the 1920s. In 2006, the Seahawks reached an agreement with the University which allows them to use the phrase within the walls of Lumen Field. However, the Seahawks cannot print the phrase on any merchandise.
Fan items like this one allude to the idea of “The 12th Man” but don’t use the actual phrase. Often, items will feature wording such as, “We are 12,” “Bring on the 12” or prominently display the number 12.
This rally towel is a souvenir from the 2014 NFC championship game. The Seahawks took on the Green Bay Packers, winning 28-22 in overtime. Seattle went on to win Super Bowl XLVIII, their first ever title.