SEATTLE — The “12s” flew in from Alaska, drove hours over the snowy mountain passes and camped overnight to take part in the celebration.
An estimated crowd of nearly one million Seahawks fans — affectionately known as the 12s — packed the streets of downtown Seattle to catch a glimpse of the Super Bowl LX championship parade on Wednesday.
The celebration began at a packed Lumen Field, where the doors opened at 8:30 a.m. PST for an event that was scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. General manager John Schneider, coach Mike Macdonald and several players addressed the sold-out stadium from a stage filled with adult beverages and beer kegs.
“This is why we do what we do. To bring people together,” Macdonald said. “That’s why football is the best sport in the world. Having a football team is just the best thing going, man. All these guys are from different backgrounds, different histories, different stories. All coming together towards a common goal.
“Shows you the power of ‘12 as one.’ I just want to say we love the 12s. You guys are the best in the world. And now we’re the best football team in the world. World champs!”
An emotional Schneider paid tribute to his father, who passed away in October, along with the fathers and family members of several players who passed during the season. He closed by looking to the sky in tribute to late Seahawks owner Paul Allen and thanking Allen’s sister, Jody, for her leadership as team chair since her brother’s death in 2018.
“We had a lot of angels this year. With those angels, we know that Paul Allen has watched over us,” Schneider said. “To Paul Allen! And Jody, Paul would be so proud of you. The way you’ve led this organization, and allowed us to be where we are. To Jody Allen… let’s go!”
Linebacker Ernest Jones IV, who has been an outspoken supporter of oft-criticized quarterback Sam Darnold, issued a version of a speech he made to reporters after a Week 11 loss to the rival Los Angeles Rams. — Reuters
