Gear Up for Game Days

Founding and Early Years (1970s–1980s)

The Seattle Seahawks were established in 1976 as an NFL expansion team, joining the league alongside the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The team was awarded to Seattle businessman Lloyd W. Nordstrom, and the franchise’s name “Seahawks” was chosen from more than 20,000 fan submissions in a public contest. The team’s original colors—royal blue, green, and silver—reflected the Pacific Northwest’s natural scenery.

The Seahawks began play in the NFC West in 1976 but were moved to the AFC West the following year as part of the NFL’s effort to balance its conferences. They played their home games in the Kingdome, a massive indoor stadium that became one of the league’s loudest environments. By the early 1980s, under head coach Chuck Knox, the Seahawks started finding success. In 1983, they made their first playoff appearance and reached the AFC Championship Game, where they lost to the Los Angeles Raiders. Standout players from this era included Steve Largent, one of the most reliable wide receivers in NFL history, and Jim Zorn, the team’s first starting quarterback.

Struggles and Rebuilding (1990s)

The 1990s were a turbulent decade for the Seahawks. After Knox’s departure, the team went through several coaching changes and struggled to find consistent success. In 1996, the team’s future was uncertain when owner Ken Behring attempted to relocate the franchise to California. However, the NFL and Seattle fans fought back, and local businessman Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, purchased the team in 1997, ensuring the Seahawks stayed in Seattle.

That same year, Allen hired head coach Mike Holmgren, who had previously led the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl victory. Under Holmgren, the Seahawks became more disciplined and competitive, building the foundation for future success.

A New Era: CenturyLink Field and Super Bowl Contention (2000s)

In 2002, the Seahawks returned to the NFC West due to league realignment. Around this time, the team moved into its new open-air stadium, now known as Lumen Field (formerly CenturyLink Field), famous for its noise and passionate fan base known as the “12th Man.”

The Seahawks found major success in the mid-2000s behind quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, running back Shaun Alexander, and a dominant offensive line led by Walter Jones. In 2005, they finished the regular season 13–3 and advanced to Super Bowl XL, their first in franchise history. They lost 21–10 to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a game that remains controversial among fans due to several disputed referee calls. Despite the loss, the Seahawks had become one of the league’s most respected teams.

The Legion of Boom and Super Bowl Victory (2010s)

The most dominant era in Seahawks history began when Pete Carroll became head coach in 2010. Alongside general manager John Schneider, Carroll rebuilt the roster through smart drafting and player development. The team’s defense, known as the “Legion of Boom,” became legendary, featuring stars like Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor, Earl Thomas, and Bobby Wagner. On offense, Russell Wilson, drafted in 2012, quickly became one of the NFL’s most dynamic quarterbacks, and running back Marshawn Lynch added a powerful ground game.

The Seahawks reached the pinnacle in 2013, finishing the season 13–3 and dominating opponents with their defense. In Super Bowl XLVIII, they crushed the Denver Broncos 43–8, earning their first Super Bowl championship. The following year, they returned to the Super Bowl but suffered a heartbreaking loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX, when an interception at the goal line ended their hopes of a repeat title.

Recent Years (2020s–Present)

After years of consistent playoff appearances, the Seahawks began transitioning to a new phase. In 2022, the team traded longtime quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos, signaling the start of a rebuild. Many expected Seattle to struggle, but new quarterback Geno Smith surprised the league with a career-best season, earning Comeback Player of the Year honors and leading the Seahawks back to the playoffs.

Under Pete Carroll, Seattle continues to emphasize young talent and competitiveness, building around players like DK Metcalf, Kenneth Walker III, and Devon Witherspoon. The franchise remains one of the NFL’s most consistently strong organizations, supported by one of the loudest and most passionate fan bases in all of sports.

Biggest Rivals

1. San Francisco 49ers – The 49ers are the Seahawks’ biggest and most intense rival. Since both teams are in the NFC West, they meet twice each season, and their battles often determine who wins the division. The rivalry heated up in the 2010s when both teams were among the NFL’s best, led by coaches Pete Carroll and Jim Harbaugh, whose personal rivalry added extra fire to the games.

2. Los Angeles Rams – Another divisional rivalry, the Seahawks and Rams have traded wins in many close and physical matchups. The Rams have been a tough opponent for Seattle in recent years, especially under coach Sean McVay.

3. Arizona Cardinals – While less heated than the 49ers rivalry, the Cardinals and Seahawks have had plenty of memorable matchups, including close overtime games and playoff battles.

4. Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers (Historical Rivals) – The Seahawks have also had some memorable postseason battles with teams like the Packers and Steelers, though these rivalries are less about division matchups and more about playoff history.