Why Is Your Tribe The Seahawks?

[James in PA]

 

[Rat]

From Columbus, Ohio originally, but moved around all over the midwest (and CT) as a kid. I grew up worshipping the Miami Dolphins and idolized Dan Marino. I remember an English paper we had to write in 6th grade about who our "hero" is. All the other kids wrote about their parents. I wrote about how awesome Dan Marino was.

My only allegiance greater than the Dolphins, however, was the Ohio State Buckeyes. My dad had some connections with the team and I got to meet all their greats (and lots of autographs) from the mid-90s teams. My absolute favorite was Joey Galloway. The year he was drafted, I knew very little about the process and kept some delusions that he'd somehow make it to the Dolphins at pick 25. I remember being upset when the Seahawks snaked him at pick 8. I started following the Seahawks as a second team. Eventually, as Marino's career dwindled down, I realized I was liking the Seahawks better anyway. I stuck with them even when Galloway held out and was later traded. First jersey I had was a signed Galloway, but the first I actually wore out was a Mirer #3. It was almost comically enormous on my very skinny frame, but I wore it to school a lot in 8th and 9th grade.

 

[Jac]

The first game that I watched was the 1983 playoffs game against Miami. The team from my home state winning in such thrilling fashion was epic. Then (because I was a little kid at the time), them being called the Cinderella Seahawks as a result was kind of cool. Plus, I LOVED their uniforms back then.

 

[Ozzy]

My dad growing up was a Seahawks fan so its been a tradition my whole life to watch every Seahawks game.

 

[Lagartixa]

The first game that I watched was the 1983 playoffs game against Miami. The team from my home state winning in such thrilling fashion was epic. Then (because I was a little kid at the time), them being called the Cinderella Seahawks as a result was kind of cool. Plus, I LOVED their uniforms back then.

As the Seahawks' victory over the Broncos in the wildcard game (on Christmas Eve) was winding down, one of the guys in the booth said something to the effect of "well, I guess the question now is 'can the Dolphins ride "the wave"?'"
My dad took that opportunity to sit down with me and talk about what a great season it had been, and to tell me that I shouldn't be upset if it ended in Miami the following week. The Dolphins were really good, and the Seahawks had to go to Miami to play them. I understood. I was hopeful the Seahawks could go further, but knew there was a good chance they wouldn't, but even in that case, the team was still going to be good the next season.

When the Dolphins game ended, I went outside and ran around the neighborhood with my Seahawks helmet and numberless royal-blue Seahawks jersey, yelling and waving my arms around in celebration of the Seahawks beating the Dolphins in Miami to reach the AFC Championship game. I still have vague mental images of that moment, but I had honestly forgotten for many years that it happened on the last day of the year. I did remember that even though it couldn't have been later than 4:00 PM, I think the sun had already disappeared behind the trees, and I did remember that there was snow on the yards (tho' I think the streets and driveways were clear). Because it was cold, the neighbors all had their doors and windows closed, and I didn't see anybody outside. I'm not sure if anyone even saw me running around out there, but I didn't and don't care. I was celebrating for me, not for anyone else.

That AFC Championship game would turn out to be against the Raiders, and the Seahawks had beaten the Raiders twice that season. Could the Seahawks actually get a three-game sweep against the Raiders and reach the Super Bowl in just their eighth year of existence?!

F**kin' Raiders.

 

[Shelingus]

I am from Mexico, the state of Sonora, and in 1981 my family moved to Mexicali, two hour drive from San Diego. My dad bought season tickets for the Chargers for every year we lived in Mexicali, so we attended many NFC West games in those years, my dad was a bandwagon fan, changing teams many times. My two brothers became Chargers fans, but me, being the oldest, couldn´t quite get attached to the Chargers, even though I really liked Dan Fouts and Kellen Winslow among other players. I´m not quite sure the year I became a Seahawk fan, but it must have been in 1983, I was a huge Steve Largent and Kenny Easley fan, I moved from Mexicali in 1986 to Monterrey, two hour drive from McAllen Texas, and in those years that really challenged my fandom. No internet, only local tv, and no newspaper coverage for my team, in Mexico, either you were a Cowboys, Steelers, Dolphins or Raiders fan in those days.
I have been to Seattle only two times in my life, loved the city, I took my family to a Seahawks game in 2013 against the Vikings, great experiencie, and the second time me and my oldest kid took a cruise to Alaska, very special cruise because it was a Seahawks themed cruise, at the time just a couple of actual players were on the ship, Cooper Helfet, great guy, and Justin Britt, but there were a few legends, like Jim Zorn, Warren Moon, and Big Play Babs among others I don´t recall right now. Great experience. Needless to say that my fandom is as strong as ever, and both of my kids are well raised as Seahawks Fans.

 

[LeveeBreak]

My family moved to the Seattle area in 1977 so I grew with the Seahawks from then on. Live and die with the blue and green. Before the 12s, there was the "Blue Wave" all around the Kingdome.

Same...moved from TX when I was ~7. Was an Oilers fan originally but not too much of a football fan at that time. The team & I were both new to the area, so it seemed to make sense. How they played the game the 1st few years was fun to watch too. Didn't win a lot, but very entertaining.

Fan for life from that point on.

 

[LeveeBreak]

As the Seahawks' victory over the Broncos in the wildcard game (on Christmas Eve) was winding down, one of the guys in the booth said something to the effect of "well, I guess the question now is 'can the Dolphins ride "the wave"?'"
My dad took that opportunity to sit down with me and talk about what a great season it had been, and to tell me that I shouldn't be upset if it ended in Miami the following week. The Dolphins were really good, and the Seahawks had to go to Miami to play them. I understood. I was hopeful the Seahawks could go further, but knew there was a good chance they wouldn't, but even in that case, the team was still going to be good the next season.

When the Dolphins game ended, I went outside and ran around the neighborhood with my Seahawks helmet and numberless royal-blue Seahawks jersey, yelling and waving my arms around in celebration of the Seahawks beating the Dolphins in Miami to reach the AFC Championship game. I still have vague mental images of that moment, but I had honestly forgotten for many years that it happened on the last day of the year. I did remember that even though it couldn't have been later than 4:00 PM, I think the sun had already disappeared behind the trees, and I did remember that there was snow on the yards (tho' I think the streets and driveways were clear). Because it was cold, the neighbors all had their doors and windows closed, and I didn't see anybody outside. I'm not sure if anyone even saw me running around out there, but I didn't and don't care. I was celebrating for me, not for anyone else.

That AFC Championship game would turn out to be against the Raiders, and the Seahawks had beaten the Raiders twice that season. Could the Seahawks actually get a three-game sweep against the Raiders and reach the Super Bowl in just their eighth year of existence?!

F**kin' Raiders.

I remember listening to a broadcaster call us the cinderella seahawks. Man it pissed me off...I thought he was calling us a bunch of girls. I was like 10 or 11. Then my pop explained what it meant and I was a little better with it...just a little.

 

[GemCity]

View attachment 66331

Same same! I was 10 years old…living just outside of Cincy. Everyone and their mama were Bengals fans.

Warner was the man!!

40+ years now following the Hawks. I’m still in Ohio (Dayton) and always hear “Who Dey” but, I rock Seahawks gear every chance I get.

I took my son to Joe Mixon and Chase’s camp this past weekend and heard a “Go Hawks” as I walked by with my Seahawks shirt on.

We’re everywhere!!

 

[CouchLogic]

Lived in WA as a kid, picked them in videogames and collected their cards. Watched games at my neighbors. Then stopped caring about sports for years.

Fast forward to a Seahawks/Eagles playoff game in the 2000s, don't remember what year. I was living in the Midwest, still in High School and was stuck at home. I don't know why, I watched the whole game and started following the team a little more.

Moved back to WA after I graduated, and started watching games with the homies and at the town Pub. Was homeless for a spell and had different priorities for a few years. Now I just follow games in GameDay chat, and cruise podcasts/YT after games.

 

[Hawkinaz]

I come from the Slapahoe tribe

 

[hgwellz12]

My dad (born & raised in Chicago) was a casual Bears fan. The first Superbowl I remember watching was the Bears ROUTING the Pats in 85. They had the legendary Walter Payton, big ass Refrigerator Perry, Mike Singletary and his crazy ass eyes, and my favorite cousin's older cousin Willie catching passes. They were easy to love. Me and my cousins and younger bro used to practice the "Superbowl Shuffle".

Then, ff 2 years and a tall, charismatic brotha with a billion dollar smile that somehow looked friendly AND menacing at once named Eugene came to my school when I was in 3rd grade. It was one of those "Meet the fans" goodwill assemblies. He pointed me out and tossed a football to me from the front of the lunchroom. I whiffed like hell and it hit me in the chest. Embarrassed as hell, I picked it up and threw it back to him with a perfect spiral. He snagged that shit out of the air and pointed to me with the ball and yelled "Alright!! We got a QB! What's your name, son!?" and it was at that moment that I felt like I was adopted into the Seahawks family.

While still a fan of Sweetness, "Fridgerator" Perry, Crazy Eyes Mike, and "Cuzzo" Willie Gault, the Seattle SEAHAWKS were MY team. Steve Largent, Dave Kreig, Eugene, Warner, The Boz were MY Guys. The rest is history.

 

[DeSeahawk]

I LOVE these threads ! Really cool seeing how different people joined the 12's.

Me ? It was 1992 and I was a Raiders fan. Yeah yeah, I know. Around that time lots of famous people started wearing Raiders stuff for some reason. Everywhere you look some bozo has a hat or t shirt. Hated that bs, so I decided to get a new team. Didnt want anybody accusing me of jumping on a bandwagon, so I figured I'd go with the worst team in the league. Got lucky that the worst team also had the most badass uniform. Had to get a subscription to the Seahawks newspaper cuz they were almost never on tv here in the Philly area.

 

[Lagartixa]

I LOVE these threads ! Really cool seeing how different people joined the 12's.

Me ? It was 1992 and I was a Raiders fan. Yeah yeah, I know. Around that time lots of famous people started wearing Raiders stuff for some reason. Everywhere you look some bozo has a hat or t shirt. Hated that bs, so I decided to get a new team. Didnt want anybody accusing me of jumping on a bandwagon, so I figured I'd go with the worst team in the league. Got lucky that the worst team also had the most badass uniform. Had to get a subscription to the Seahawks newspaper cuz they were almost never on tv here in the Philly area.

[Boldface and color emphasis is mine]

My dad had a subscription to Football Digest. In the back of the magazine, they had the mailing addresses for all the NFL teams. I used those addresses to write to players from the Steelers (this was decades before they were the Title Stealers) and Seahawks to ask for autographs.

My parents wrote to the Seahawks to ask if there were any Seahawks-related periodicals to which they could subscribe for me, and the team replied (all this without me noticing it was happening, and I definitely would have noticed an envelope with a Seahawks logo in the mail, so I suspect one of them used a work address as the return address to keep the communication secret) and suggested a for-Seahawks-fans newspaper. My parents subscribed for me. I loved that newspaper.

 

[Lagartixa]

Man after my own heart.

We have a 38 Club. We should have a Hawk Sleeve As God Intended It To Be Club.

View attachment 66330

I'm a little embarrassed to have to ask, but what is the 38 Club? I can think of two possibilities.

First, the easiest: is it fans of Mack Strong?

The second is that I do notice that it was 37 years from when the Seahawks started playing in the NFL to the start of the 2013 season, so it was about 38 years of waiting for those who had been with the Seahawks since before they actually started playing in the NFL. My own wait was just under 37½ years, from some time in August of '76 until early February of 2014.

 

[Jac]

[Boldface and color emphasis is mine]

My dad had a subscription to Football Digest. In the back of the magazine, they had the mailing addresses for all the NFL teams. I used those addresses to write to players from the Steelers (this was decades before they were the Title Stealers) and Seahawks to ask for autographs.

My parents wrote to the Seahawks to ask if there were any Seahawks-related periodicals to which they could subscribe for me, and the team replied (all this without me noticing it was happening, and I definitely would have noticed an envelope with a Seahawks logo in the mail, so I suspect one of them used a work address as the return address to keep the communication secret) and suggested a for-Seahawks-fans newspaper. My parents subscribed for me. I loved that newspaper.

Football Digest...oh man, that brings back memories. Better days. Things always hit so much harder when you're a kid...

 

[Count Hawkula]

This thread has popped up in many iterations since the dawn of .NET and I always enjoy them.

When I was around 6 or so, I was a fan of the Vikings. One, because at that age it's all about the cool helmets and/or colors. I loved purple and the Vikings "Nike-like" white logo I just thought was super cool looking. Then one day, I was perusing the Sears Christmas Catalog and came across my favorite page...The one showing all the NFL helmets and accompanied popular jersey (at the time). What caught my eye right away was this sleek silver helmet with a blue and green bird of sorts on it that I IMMEDIATELY was drawn to. When I saw the name "Seattle Seahawks" that was the first time I found out my home city had a new NFL team.

I pretty much threw my Ahmad Rashad jersey in the garbage from that day forward and have been a diehard ever since. This was 1976.

What made the Seahawks become YOUR tribe?

View attachment 66329

It's my birthrite. Born in 72' and always watched football with my dad until we had a team in 76' then things really took off and I became Seahawks obsessed...in a good way.

 

[AROS]

...The second is that I do notice that it was 37 years from when the Seahawks started playing in the NFL to the start of the 2013 season, so it was about 38 years of waiting for those who had been with the Seahawks since before they actually started playing in the NFL.

Bingo!

 

[Somos doces]

What a fun thread! Love seeing how many folks have been fans since the Hawks’ inaugural season.

Like Aircrew, my fandom dates to 1986 when my family moved to Washington. The place we came from was not near any NFL cities, and my parents are not sports fans, so I had next to no knowledge of the game. I had watched the Bears/Pats Super Bowl, but that was pretty much the extent of my football experience.

When the ‘86-‘87 school year began, my classmates would play football at recess, and I discovered I enjoyed the game a lot and was pretty good at it. They were all fans of this pro team called the Seahawks, and so I asked my parents if I could watch the games on TV. Once I started doing that I was hooked, and have been a fan ever since.

Incidentally, my avatar is a photo of an art project I created during the next school year. The front opens like two doors, and inside is a Seahawks-themed poem.

 

[Rat]

Didnt want anybody accusing me of jumping on a bandwagon, so I figured I'd go with the worst team in the league.

That's basically how I became an Ottawa Senators fan as a kid in the early 90s lol. They were horrifically bad and I thought they could use another fan. I stood out like a sore thumb in Red Wings Country.