The number 12 in Seattle is an ode to the Seattle Seahawks’ loyal fans. In football there are 11 men allowed on the field at one time. In December 1984, the fledgling Seattle NFL franchise (at the time just eight years old) retired the number 12 to honor the fans, the symbolic 12th man on the field. The number refers to “the 12th Man,” the nickname for the Seattle Seahawks’ devoted, tenacious and record-breakingly loud fans. The fans are considered as part of the team and an important part that too, urging them to persuade victory.