Established
1976
City
Seattle
League History
1976 - Present / National Football League
Team History
1976 - Present / Seattle Seahawks
Nickname
Seahawks - The Seattle Seahawks are one of the most beloved teams in the NFL, and their nickname has become synonymous with success. But where did it come from? Let's take a look at how this iconic name came to be.
The nickname Seahawks resulted from a fan contest, and there were 1,700 unique names among the more than 20,000 submitted in a name-the-team contest in 1975, including Skippers, Pioneers, Lumberjacks, and Seagulls. About 150 people suggested Seahawks (a seahawk is another word for an Osprey).
Seattle Seahawks Origin
In 1975, when the team was founded as an expansion franchise in Seattle, Washington, owner Lloyd W. Nordstrom wanted to create a unique identity for his new team to capture its location and spirit of adventure. After much deliberation, he settled on “Seahawks” – a nod to both Puget Sound’s maritime heritage and Native American culture (the term ‘seahawk’ is derived from two Northwest Coast tribes: Haida Gwaii people call them 'Gwawina' while Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations refer to them as 'Kwehkan').
The choice was immediately embraced by fans who quickly developed an affinity for their new mascot – which features prominently on all official logos and merchandise associated with the franchise today! It wasn't long before other teams began adopting similar namesakes, notably Atlanta Falcons (1976), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1977) Philadelphia Eagles (1978). In addition, many high school football programs have also adopted "Seahawks" or some variation thereof over time - further cementing this moniker into popular culture across America!
So there you have it: next time you cheer on your favorite NFL team, make sure you give credit where credit is due - thank Mr. Nordstrom for bringing us such an excellent nickname!
Championship
Super Bowl 1
2014
Stadium
2021 - Present / Lumen Field
2011 - 2020 / CenturyLink Field
2004 - 2010 / Qwest Field
2002 - 2003 / Seahawks Stadium
1976 - 1999 / The Kingdome
Owner
2018 - Present / Estate of Paul Allen
1997 - 2018 / Paul Allen
1988 - 1997 / Ken Behring
1976 - 1988 / Nordstrom Family
- 1976
- 1996
- 2002
- 2010
- 2013
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Seattle Seahawks Expansion
Per one of the agreed parts of the 1970 AFL-NFL Merger, the NFL began planning to expand from 26 to 28 teams. On June 15, 1972, Seattle Professional Football Inc., a group of Seattle business and community leaders started by Herman Sarkowsky and Ned Skinner, announced its intention to acquire an NFL franchise for Seattle. Almost 2 years later on ... -
Paul Allen Saves Seahawks from Moving
In January 1996, Seahawks owner Ken Behring announced that he was moving the franchise to Los Angeles, where the team would play at Anaheim Stadium. Behring claimed safety concerns (specifically the building’s structural integrity in the event of an earthquake) as his reason for breaking the team’s lease with King County. However, seismologists found Behring’s claims to be unproven. Also, ... -
New Seahawks Stadium
For the 2000 – 2001 seasons, the Seahawks moved to Husky Stadium while their new stadium was being built. Big changes were afoot in 2002. When the Seahawks left Husky Stadium at the end of the 2001 season they were part of the AFC West, but when they moved into Seahawks Stadium they were now part of the NFC West. ... -
Pete Carroll Era
Pete Carroll took over as the Seahawks head coach in 2010. On the morning of January 9, 2010, Carroll reportedly came to an agreement with the Seahawks on a 5-year contract that would appoint him as head coach. He was officially hired as the Seahawks head coach on January 11. Carroll’s fourth season, 2013, was his greatest level of success ... -
Super Bowl XLVIII Winner 2013
Super Bowl XLVIII was an American football game between the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Denver Broncos and National Football Conference (NFC) champion Seattle Seahawks to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 2013 season. The Seahawks defeated the Broncos 43–8, the largest margin of victory for an underdog, and tied for the third-largest point differential overall (35) ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Seattle Seahawks History
The Seattle Seahawks history began in 1976 when the team joined the NFL as an expansion franchise. They quickly built a loyal fan base known as the “12s,” admired for their unmatched passion. From the start, the Seahawks developed a tough identity in Seattle Seahawks NFL football, combining defensive strength with explosive offensive play. Over time, this balance helped the team rise from a young franchise to a respected powerhouse in the league.
In the early years, the Seahawks showed promise but struggled to find postseason consistency. Chuck Knox, hired in 1983, guided the team to its first playoff run. That year, the Seahawks shocked many by advancing to the AFC Championship Game before falling to the Raiders. This playoff surge marked a turning point in Seattle Seahawks history, proving the team could compete at the highest level of Seattle Seahawks NFL football.
The 1990s brought more changes. Paul Allen purchased the team in 1997 and revitalized the franchise. Soon after, Mike Holmgren was hired as head coach. His leadership brought new energy, highlighted by a 1999 division title. By the 2000s, the Seahawks had transformed into a consistent playoff contender. This growth paved the way for their most successful era in franchise history.
Seattle Seahawks Achievements
Achievements reached new heights under Pete Carroll, who became head coach in 2010. With quarterback Russell Wilson and a dominant defense known as the “Legion of Boom,” the Seahawks captured their first Super Bowl title in 2014 with a 43–8 victory over the Denver Broncos. The next year, they returned to the Super Bowl but narrowly lost to the New England Patriots. These moments remain key highlights in Seattle Seahawks history.
The Seahawks continue to shine as one of the NFL’s strongest franchises. With multiple division titles, legendary players like Steve Largent, Walter Jones, and Cortez Kennedy, and a loyal fan base, the team remains a central part of Seattle Seahawks NFL football. Their legacy combines resilience, iconic talent, and championship glory, ensuring that the Seattle Seahawks history will always be remembered as one of the most inspiring in the league.
Sports Fan Products
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What Makes Seattle Seahawks Fans So LOYAL To Their Team
The Seattle Seahawks boast one of the NFL's most passionate and loyal fanbases, known as the "12s." Their unwavering support through triumphs and challenges makes the Seahawks fans so devoted, fueled by the team’s electrifying performances, memorable Seahawks highlights, and strong...
Retired Number
12 / Seattle Fans
45 / Kenny Easley
71 / Walter Jones
80 / Steve Largent
96 / Cortez Kennedy
*Blue is this team’s history
