Super Bowl XLIX was a devastating heartbreak for Seattle fans. It came down to one play call that could have changed the celebratory confetti from red and blue to our beloved blue and green. But hindsight is 20/20, right? The outcome of this game doesn’t mean we love our Hawks any less.
1. 12th Man pride is unconditional
Seattle has become united in support of the Seahawks through an exceptionally unique and LOUD fan base! 12’s are some of the most diehard fans in the NFL and our pride certainly shows. This loss may have hurt, but not many teams can say they have gone to the Super Bowl back-to-back AND with great prospects for next year. Western senior, Anthony Flatt says, “you know your team still won when the Hawks lose the Super Bowl, but there is still a petition to have a Seahawk parade downtown. The 12’s are the most supporting fan base in all of sports.”
2. This loss boils down to a risky coaching decision
In an ideal world, the Seahawks would have gained control of the game much earlier—but they prefer to make things interesting! The Seahawks put up one hell of a fight. After falling behind in the first half, they were able to tie up the game by scoring two touchdowns in the final 2:30 of the second quarter. As the game went on, Hauschka kicked a field-goal that put the Hawks in the lead, which they maintained until late in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, as they were set up with 26 seconds to go, second-and-1, at the 1-yard line for a touchdown that would make the Seattle Seahawks world champions, a split-second decision had to be made by the coaching staff that did not go according to plan. It is not up for debate whether the Seahawks played their hearts out and we love them for that.
3. Russell’s positive attitude
How can you not have respect for this man? Looking at his reaction to the ill-fated game validates that he is an all-around class act. But it’s not just Russell. The positive attitudes, back-breaking dedication and honorable values of the players are just another reason to love them. Western sophomore, Brie Cleveland finds inspiration in the way many of the Seahawks players give back to the community. “It’s more than just being a fan of the Seahawks…I love Wilson, Lynch, Sherman and all of the guys because of their character and how they work in the community. They are more than just good athletes. They are good human beings,” Cleveland says.
4. That catch, though
With 1:06 remaining in the game, Jermaine Kearse made a miraculous 33-yard catch that no one could believe actually happened. The ball bounced off his legs as he fell to the ground and to everyone’s disbelief…it landed securely into his hands, putting us at the 5-yard-line. The Hawks continue to surprise us in different ways during gametime.
5. The truth behind the brawl
It seemed completely out of character for the Seahawks as we witnessed a fight break out on the field after the final play. But as we know, the men on the Seahawks stick together. They are like family and have said it themselves. Bruce Irvin was ejected from the game for fighting and tweeted the following morning about what happened, revealing that he was protecting his teammate. This does not justify his actions, but makes his intentions more clear during this moment in the game where emotions were running extremely high.
6. A bright future
The Seahawks are a smart, young team bursting with talent. On top of that, rumors of contract extensions are in the air with big money outlooks for both Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch. Team predictions for next year’s Super Bowl are already favoring the Seahawks for a comeback. We have so much to look forward to next season and you better believe the 12’s are ready!