The most hallowed pregame tradition in the NFL is the raising of the 12th Man Flag in the south end zone at Lumen Field. Seattle sports legends, celebrities and hometown heroes have all shared in this distinct honor, but on Sunday night, the responsibility now falls to former Seahawks punter Jon Ryan.
From 2008-2017, Jon Ryan became a Seattle cult classic as one of the best punters in the NFL. However, there is one reason above all else why Ryan gets the honors tonight against the Packers: it was his trick touchdown pass in the 2014 NFC Championship that helped fuel the Seahawks’ unlikely comeback.
Former Seahawks legend Jon Ryan will raise the 12th Man Flag tonight vs the Packers. Ryan’s TD pass was arguably the gutsiest call in franchise history! pic.twitter.com/tCY0ItNfg9
— Kole Musgrove (@KoleMusgrove23) December 16, 2024
The Seahawks were trailing 16-0 late in the third quarter. The already slim hopes at clawing their way back into the game were fading quickly as Russell Wilson’s pass on third down fell incomplete. Seattle lined up for a field goal just to get on the board, when in fact it was Ryan who found rookie tackle Garry Gilliam for the touchdown.
Ryan’s touchdown fueled the unlikely comeback, as Seattle prevailed 28-22 in overtime to return to the Super Bowl. I know for a fact the 12th Man has not forgotten Ryan’s heroics.
The stars could be aligning a bit for the Seahawks. They are home against the Packers, in their first prime time Sunday night game in front of a crowd since 2019, and they have Jon Ryan lifting the 12th Man Flag on the 40th anniversary of No. 12 being retired.
Folks all over the Pacific Northwest better hear the roar of the 12’s tonight.
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