The Seattle Seahawks have long had a reputation of enjoying some of the most fierce, rabid and loud fans in the NFL. The 12th Man has grown to help define modern day home field advantage. But lately, their reputation is under assault…. and quite frankly, with good reason.
Against Buffalo, the 12th Man allowed the Bills Mafia to invade Lumen Field. Their presence was so raucous it even caused quarterback Geno Smith to say the environment at home sounded like the Seahawks were playing in a road game.
Disappointed Seattle fans weren’t the only ones to notice how bad it looked, as ESPN’s Pat McAfee didn’t mince words on his show discussing the Buffalo takeover.
Bills Mafia TOOK OVER in Seattle#PMSLive #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/xA8E4Za1iA
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 28, 2024
I hate to admit it, but I don’t see where McAfee is necessarily wrong. At least, as far as being shocked at how the 12’s voice is being silenced to a degree. Additionally, co-host AJ Hawk’s comments on opposing teams stressing about preparing for games in Seattle are starting to feel like a memory from an increasingly distant time.
After the game I wrote about how opposing fans taking over Lumen Field is becoming an increasingly noticeable and concerning trend. Seattle sports fans, as a whole, are among the most loyal and longsuffering in the country. Their passion is unrivaled. Or, at least it has been historically.
I am not sure what the solution is to this issue right now, but if it continues for much longer, the reputation of the 12th Man may take some permanent damage.
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