over our dead bodies. how about if Paul Allen buys Texas A&M, and then makes them drop it?

College vs. Pro
Texas vs. Washington
Cows vs. Computers
Get over it!

What the heck are they complaining about ? they can be Seahawk fans if they want too - or they can keep on rootin for Houstin / we dont care ! maybe they should just have another pep rally bon fire / that was cool ! they really arent real smart in Texas are they ? Im with you Joe , Paul should buy the whole state and give it to Mexico as a gift /cept they probably wouldnt want it - GO SEATTLE SEAHAWKS !

This just shows you how far under the "national radar" we are. How long have the Seahawks been using the phrase "the 12th man" and Texas A&M is just NOW complaining.... good lord!

Hey, I am proud to be from Texas....FAR FROM IT! GO SEAHAWKS!!!!!

As someone born in Abilene Texas I say--if you REALLY want to know what Texas A & M is about--GOOGLE "texas aggie jokes"

Go Hawks!!

Go hawks...it's been fun to finally see a Washington state team make it to the BIG GAME. Look into what a "12th man" really is. Yea, you may be loud...but a real 12th man has history. Do you even know when and why you chose the nickname 12th man? Come on folks, if you really want to support your team, stand the entire game and be ready to fill in if necessary. And, by the way, if you are going to question the intelligence in Texas...go back to school and atleast learn to spell.

OK, for you folk new to the 12th Man Tradition, let me enlighten you. First off, I am a graduate of Texas A&M, a school that has some of the finest and strongest traditions anywhere. For decades, Aggies have helped defend this country and many traditions were started to honor those students who died defending their country.

Another tradition started in the early 1920's was the 12th Man tradition. One year the football team was shorthanded, and a student in the stands, E. King Gill was called by the coach to suit up in case he was needed. Well, he suited up but never got the chance to play. Since that time, A&M students have honored this tradition by standing the ENTIRE game. When the team gets "outscored" by the opponents, the 12th man stays after the game to practice their cheering, to show the team that they feel they are also a part of the team not winning. Students who leave the game early are booed and called 2%-ers. Aggies take great pride in their school and their team.

I have rooted for the Seahawks since moving here in 1997. I have watched all their games on TV, cheering on every touchdown, sweating every missed field goal like everyone else. I happily celebrated when Alexander took the MVP and the TD record. I whooped it up when the Sea-fence intercepted balls.

So I thought maybe I'd help you Seahawks understand a bit why Texas A&M feels so strongly about the 12th man tradition that has been practiced for over 80 years.

Gig 'Em Aggies and GO SEAHAWKS!

Well put, Aggie Seahawk fan. Being an Aggie is more than just being a fan. Go Seahawks!!!!!!!!

So what if the stupid college wants to bitch, moan and groan. We are using the 12th Man tradition for the same purposes as they are and if they can't understand that, then that's their problem and not ours. Besides, if they really wanted to pull some crap on us about the 12th man, they should have done it when we started it. However, waiting until now to say something just shows how lame of a shool it is because any stupid idiot would realize that they could've said something way before now. Anyway, if it does go to court for the 12th man, we'll win the case because Paul Allen will buy them all out, and/or buy the whole school. Nobody can mess with Paul Allen. He's too dang rich. Besides, what ever happened to the concept of share and share alike?

Seahawks Rule...........SUPERBOWL CHAMPS!!!!!!!!!!!

The 12th Man is a concept, not a brand. Lighten up!

We used it last year, why didnt they say anything then? Now that we are something big, they want to stir something up??

Seattle Seahawks fans ARE the 12th man and the folks down in Texas are just going to have to "suck it up". :-) Also, if you are a "vintage" Seattle Seahawks fan, check out my vintage Seattle Seahawks glasses on eBay item #8755637269 featuring Jim Zorn, Steve Raible, Carl Eller, Terry Beeson, Autry Beamon and Sam McCullum. GO SEAHAWKS!!!!

This 12th man crap makes me think of similiar things that have been brought up in the past. My high school had a custody battle because our logo was the Cheif and one of the employees who was Charokee sued the school and she won. So, the mascot was changed to a Maverick. My point being is that so many school and pro sports use logos or concepts that either belong to someone else or infringe upon religious or native beliefs. Get real. If no one's said anything about it by now, then leave it alone. The 12th man is a concept that encourages fans to cheer for their team and to bring more people to games thinking they have something to do with the team winning. That's a plus for the revenue of the stadium and the team playing in that stadium. How can you beat that, especially if the team is as good as the Seahawks? Another thing, Look at the redskins, Atlanta braves, Boltimore ravens, our team, Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Huskies, and any other team that uses a logo based on some sort of belief that has existed for centuries, no one is bitching about that. So, why should anyone bitch about the 12th man? It's a joke. They're morons.

Just another good reason why Texas should secede from the Nation. What a bunch of morons. Are they ever going to get over themselves down there?

The morons are the ones calling names. All football fans should be able to be the 12th man, all basketball fans should be the 6th man, all baseball fans...the 10th man...go team...whatever.

A few things. Paul Allen doesn't have enough money to buy A&M, so stop it. The Aggies are being a bit over the top, but it is a registered trademark, and there are laws. Maybe Paul can buy the trademark or change trademark laws. When I saw the Seattle 12th man, my first thought was what a clever way to get NFL fans into being true fans. I did not see anything about the 12th man for the previous 20+ non-playoff years. The good news: Rocky Bernard now feels at home!

Gig 'em Seahawks!

Didn't the wave start here? If so, we should get an injunction so that nobody else can do the wave! Just say no to stupid lawsuits!!!

I graduated from Texas A & M in 1978. If you have never been to Texas A & M or Kyle Field you have no idea what a real 12th man symbolizes. We did start the tradition way back on Jan 1, 1922 playing Centre College in Dallas, Texas. Since that year the student body of A & M has always stood through the entire game winning or losing year after year. I have no problem with catching the spirit of the 12th man for the Seattle team, but I do have a problem with the Seattle fans thinking they started the tradition all by themselves. If not for the Aggies all these years the tradition would not be around to get the inspiration from. All that needed to be done was acknowledge where the tradition started and not try and sell things that are patented for years by A & M. A real 12th man stands behind their team year after year even when they are losing and not just yelling they are a 12th man when they finally hit the big seasons. Even on this blog site one of the rules is not listing something that is copyrighted by someone else. You can be supportive of your team without showing disrespect to anothers' tadition by taking it as all your own. If you haven't been to Kyle Field or know an A & M graduate you have no right to say Seattle didn't coin the tradition, but they perfected it. Kyle Field, The Home of the 12th Man, printed right there on one whole side of stadium has also stopped many a team because of the noise and the support. But the tradition and the values of A & M 's 12th man tradition goes way beyond a sporting event. I wish the Seahawks well because I lived in Dallas when the Cowboys won their Super Bowl Championships. It is such a source of thrill and excitement to have the best in the country. But it makes me sad the Seahawk fans are borrowing someone's time honored tradition without at least an acknowledgement of where it came from and then when they find out, they don't even care and say mean things. That is no 12th Man!!! There are many, many Aggies around the world and if this was handled differently, I am sure they all would be pulling for the Seahawks on Feb. 5. I have a painting in my office from a well known artist about Texas A & M's tradition of The 12th Man. I can sincerely say I am a 12th Man every day and not just when I am pulling for the Seahawks to win when they are having a good season. Seattle fans could even be better fans if they took the time to understand the whole tradition of The 12th Man and why it is so special and be thankful for its beginning back in 1922, not 2006.

Much ado about nothing - if you look at what they actually have a copyright on, it is a block printed logo of the entire phrase "The 12th man" not the concept of the 12th man and certainly not the number 12 by itself, so our flags are safe. Those Aggies are awfully pompous about something they hold so sacred they've licensed it to hawk 12th man coffee (also available in decaf - in a bag Starbuck's just might want to challenge).

Really? I can buy 12th Man coffee? Starbucks gets it!

They can change it to the 12th women. Why after all these years of us using the 12th man do they want to make a big deal about it now? Oh, thats right, we are in the Superbowl. Or are they just upset because they have to watch the Texans play football? What a joke. Go Hawks!

The Seahawks (or just Alexander) should trademark the phrase "MVP." Or Steeler-Killers. Or "Enjoy your college traditions but get a life!"

So where has the big 12 flag been all season?

Texas A&M, 12th Man, Finished Season 5-6, how's that working for them? Texas is a looser, so they want to ride our coat tails!

Hey all the CEO of the 12th Man Foundation:

miles@12thmanfoundation.com

The 12th man in Seattle has been a tradition since the stadium opened. Stupid Texas morons!! Paul Allen could easily buy your piss ant tiny university and still have money left over! GO HAWKS and 12th Man!

Pamela -

FYI...."The 12th man" didn't start in Seattle in 2006....

GO HAWKS!!!!

The 12th man tradition started in Seattle in 1983 When Sam Adkins retired and retired his number 12 jersey. He said that there are 11 players on the field and the fans are the 12th man. Texas has had more than 20 years to complain about this and I think it is a testament to what arrogant whiny crybabies they are to think they have a legal right to monopolize the phrase. Larry the Cable Guy isn't suing The Mariners because people shout "Git 'R Done" to Bucky Jacobsen. Texas can have all the traditions they want, but they can't have this one.

I see comments here about fair weather fans and this is the only year seahawk fans have used the number 12. Texas A&M may have started it, but seattle did retire the number 12 in Dec. 1984. That goes to show that for OVER 20 years, we have used the 12th man proudly for all of this time and for those of us that were raised in Washington, we have been loyal fans all of that time and more. If you go back to trademark registration, they registered the 12th man in the late 80's which is after Seattle retired the number 12 recognizing the 12th man.

The history of the 12th Man is rich at A&M and yes they did start it in 1922. It truly is a wonderful college tradition. Maybe it's time to be sensitive to everyone and get with the times. Let's start the Seattle tradition with the "12th person"...

"12th man" has been immitated by various American football teams including the NFL's Seattle Seahawks, Buffalo Bills, and the Chicago Bears. The Bills and Bears no longer use the moniker at the request of Texas A&M.

The Seahawks fans often refer to themselves as the "12th man" and as a tribute to their fans the Seahawks retired the number 12 in 1984. This means no player on the team can wear the number 12 on their jersey. They also have a ceremony before each home game where a flag bearing the #12 is raised by a prominent individual. Recently, Texas A&M and the Office of Collegiate Licensing have requested that the Seahawks "cease and desist" their use of the trademark. However this request is misguided since there is no commercial use of the "12th man" trademark by the Seahawks, and you can not trademark a number.

The effects of the "12th man" vary widely, but can be put in two categories. The first is simply psychological, the effect of showing the home team that they are appreciated, and showing the away team that they are somewhat unwelcome. The second seems far more important, and it directly relates to the deafening effects of a loud crowd. The "12th man" is typically only loud after plays while the home team is on offense, but loud immediately before the snap on defense. This can make it very difficult for the away team's offense to co-ordinate plays, call audibles, and hear the snap count. If the away team is unable to hear the snap count, they are extremely likely to incur false start penalties, losing their team precious yards on offense.

Seattle sports fans are well known for their intelligent use of noise to affect the out come of a game. The practice began in the late 70's and early 80's at the University of Washington Husky Stadium and the Kingdome (the Seahawks original home). Opponents visiting both venues found themselves unprepared for the fan noise even though many used sound systems to pump loud noise into their pactices. When building Qwest Field Seahawks owner Paul Allen wanted the facility to replicate the sound magnifying features of these stadiums. As a result it appears the new facility is even louder than the others. For instance, when the New York Giants visited the Seattle Seahawks on November 27th, 2005, the raucous Seahawks fans helped cause the Giants to incur eleven false start penalties. During the 2005 post-season the national media present constantly reported that Qwest Field was the loudest venue they had ever experienced.

Sometimes, the sideline is also referred to as the "12th man" or "12th defender". Since a player is considered down when he steps out of bounds, the sideline effectively acts as an extra defender.

Hey yall, you Texas folks ain't got nothin on us. After all, do you have 12th man rally towels? do you have the numnber 12 retired and hanging in your stadiums rafters? do you have a 12th man flag hanging on your cities landmark and even in your stadium? Let me know when A&M grows up!

WOW- Seattle fan- pot, kettle anyone?

neutral observer here, and no immature name-calling like you have resorted to. In fact, I despise A&M, and am cheering for Seattle in the SB.

But, calling out A&M because their team stunk this season? ummm, hello........YOU'RE THE FREAKIN SEAHAWKS!!!! You win a playoff game for the first time in 2 decades and you expect people to bow down to you?

Did you think that the reason why people didn't know you had the "12th man" before this season, was because your fans didn't bring the attitude of a 12th man before this season? Now, you're successful, and your fans cheer -- That's great. Don't act like you've had that atmosphere for 2 decades, because you haven't and you know it.

A&M has been doing this for over 80 years. I watched my team go into College Station and win by 28 a few years ago, and that 12th man??? yeah, they didn't leave......would you stay around when you are losing like that?

We saw that you wouldn't for years. Maybe this, when your fans show the loyalty of a 12th man during the down years, then you can call yourself the 12th man.

otherwise, just enjoy seeing your team play next week, and realize that it took you 40 years to make a SB, and it may take you 40 more to get back. please beat Pittsburgh

That soundbite in the beginning of the story about the 12th man..."they're from Texas, they're liars..." What the hell does that mean? A little quick jab at the president? Well done production team...Very subliminal too! Don't super the bite...just sneak it in there...Was that an actual "man on the street" or just someone in the newsroom? Go Seahawks...

30 years, not 40.. And it hasn't been fun.. But I've been a fan of the 'Hawks for 28 of them (born in '77). Every year.. Through the hey-days with Largent/Kreig/Warner, but also through the rough years with Stouffer/Mcguire/Mirer.. My 'Hawks are special, as I'm sure are the Aggies to their fans.. But seriously.. Seattle is not trying to infringe upon anything "Aggie" by using the 12th Man for their fans.. Each 12th man story has a different background, a different tradition, a different history.. Obviously the 12th man is going to be similar in SOME ways, but hello, it's football and it's for the FANS.. And in return the fans give back to the team.. Aggies fans, ease up.. We weren't taking anything away from TAMU by doing this, we were providing OUR team with a quality sportsmanship option.. No you can show the 'Hawks some REAL sportsmanship..

First, I am a graduate of Texas A&M and have no complaint with the Seahawks or supporting your team. However, the total lack of civility of the fair-weather fans up here is amazing. Texans, specifically Aggies are some of the friendliest and most open people I have ever known, so the blind hatred and nasty comments are amazingly un-enlightened. It would also appear your most vocal complainers should not attack a well respected internationally known University as they don't appear to have a college education or based on their spelling, grammar and lack of geographical or political savvy a high school education either. As a graduate I support my team good season or bad, I've lived here for 4 years now and this is the first time I've seen your 12th man flag, mine is proudly displayed in maroon and white for all to see in my house. Second, if you want to argue over how long it’s been this way; A&M began using 12th Man 22 years before the first "Seahawk" even existed. Has anyone mentioned that we back up the 12th man concept by putting a regular student from the student body on the kick-off team through open University wide try-outs? How many Seattle fans are on the field in uniform for the kickoff? And to answer the many questions and juvenile comments, yes there are 12th man towels, flags and many other symbols at A&M, to include a bronze statue of E. King Gill from 1922, the original 12th Man. Also, yes the 12th man is copyrighted.

The Twelfth Man Song Lyrics

Texas Aggies down in Aggieland
We've got Aggie Spirit to a man
Stand united - that's the Aggie theme
We're the Twelfth Man on the team
When we're down the going's rough and tough
We just grin and yell, "We've got the stuff!"
To fight together for the Aggie dream
We're the Twelfth Man on that fighting Aggie team

Re The Twelfth Man

As a ex-Aggie (Class of '50), I have a some comments: The Wash Lt. Governor was saying "maybe Texas A&M started the Twelfth Man idea, but WE perfected it". If so, why don't we Seattle fans in the stadium stand up during the entire game (like the Aggies have done since the 1920's) to symbolically show our readiness to go in the game if needed? And why don't we have a "Twelfth Man Song" we could sing as Aggies did and still do (see below)? The Aggies have the same reputation at home as the Seahawks for disrupting an opponent's game with fan noise. Maybe standing for the entire game is only for young cadets, but a theme song would certainly add a new dimension to the Seahawk Twelfth Man reputation. There is one more tradition at A&M: after a game (Aggie win or loss), the Freshmen used to go onto the field and carry BOTH teams off the field on their shoulders (and maybe still do). More than once, the Freshmen have been greeted with fists and mobbed by opponents fearing an attack. We don't need to do that one, as pros are a little meaner than college players.

Why don't they just change it to "12th Seahawk". That'll save us all.

Yes, I know the Seattle version of the 12th man started somewhere around 1984, but I have lived up here 3 years and it is only this year I have seen the big, blue flag and all the talk about the 12th man fan. It wasn't until the later part of the season it was promoted so heavily and that is why A & M has just noticed because it has just recently been on national, not regional TV. The fans can be like the 12th man and yell and support their team as loud as they want to, but they don't have to trash another institution and the very people that started the idea of the 12th man in the stands. There have been very few of these comments from Aggie supporters that have been ugly to the Seahawk fans, but a lot of the Seattle fans' comments are very offensive and have foul language. We all want to support our teams and it certainly shows by the comments who has more class in how we do it. And yes, I too have my 12th Man towel, am a member of the 12th Man Foundation, and actually dated one of those 12th Man kickoff players, There were hundreds that tried out for that special team and practiced hours with the team for that honor on game day. Seattle, support your team to the fullest, but you don't have to be so un-civil about it. Texas A & M was telling the truth about the patents on merchandise. Instead of all the name calling couldn't the origin of a great tradition been acknowledged, feed off of it, and then come up with some legal way to sell your "12" products differently? Everyone would have won.

To the Aggies,
I acknowlege the fact you started the whole "12th Man" tradition some 80 years ago. Most people around here are not aware of that. We started our 12th Man over 20 years ago, and I believe we have the right to keep it! Our stadium is the LOUDEST in the NFL. If you have ever been to a Seahawks game you would understand. In the NFC Championsip game Quest Field was shaking from the first interception until the end of the game! Siezmologists from the UW said it was equal to a 3.0 earthquake! The energy at that game cannot be matched by your school! Has your school ever done "The Wave"? I'll bet it has, but we don't care. Quit your crying, suck it up and carry on! We won't let go of OUR 12th Man tradition in the great city of Seattle! NEVER!

"You can predict a glaciers movement, but that doesn't mean you can stop it"

Texas you really don't want to stir up the REAL 12th Man! I heard the UW Seismology lab report 3.3 Earthquake from the Stadium. Imagine what the whole State of Washington and Northwest Fans collectivly cheering. This will push the earthquake to be felt and romp the Steelers and any jealous people. Oh boy it is good to live in Seattle! Finally, our glory pays off! And the rest wish there team was in Super Bowl XL. Wouldn't be surprised if President Bush was telling them Texas Fruit Cakes Seattle is having to much fun, better make something up so they stay depressed from the rain. Keep them away I say cause Seattle is the most beautiful place to live.

HOWDY!(another tradition y'all can poke fun at, but i digress) Proud Aggie here and future grad., Class of '08. I have no problem with the Seahawks using the 12th Man tradition, anything that gets fans more involved is great, that's why we have done it for so long, but I just find it irritating when people down talk our great university and state, not to mention the whole "we perfected it" crap.

In response to Scott's and Stuart's posts and anyone else with the misconception of the energy our 12th Man brings to the game, home and away, I have never been to a game at Quest Field and probably never will. I'm sure the game last week was loud, but I seriously doubt that the 67,000 capacity at Quest could even come close to a sell out of 82,000+ (87,555 state record in 2001) at Kyle Field. Until the Seahawk fans start standing the entire game and stay there through thick and thin, I wouldn't start questioning the energy that our school brings to games.

The Steelers are the 'Champs',
the Seahawks are the 'Chumps'.
Seattle will be laid waste,
into one stinking lump.

Seahawk fans will feel blue,
their skin will turn green.
The Steelers are gold,
they are Americas team.

The Hawks beaks will be broken,
their wings we will bust,
that is what happens,
when a bird hits a bus.

Seattle don't feel blue,
but I have to say,
the Steelers will win,
on Super Bowl day!

So, since "The Wave" started in Seattle, does that mean we can sue every other team, pro college or otherwise, that uses it??

As a Seahawk's Fan since 1979 there have been alot of up's and down's but I always HOPED, always BELIEVED AND NEVER GAVE UP ON MY SEAHAWK'S, through all the trash talking all those year's I have Great memories back to the Zorn, Largeant, Warner and Kreig days up to today. Seattle Fan's started with the WAVE and the "12TH" MAN has always existed as long as I can remember, the SEAHAWK'S FAN'S ARE THE "12TH" MAN when the opposing team come's to OUR HOUSE WERE GONNA BRING IT (no spelling problem's I meant to say that!) It seem's very petty for Texas to start complaining now. First it's the sports commentators, the media, opposing fan's and now college students/university administration. The fan's in Washington State are LOUD AND PROUD and were going to speak out, I say you there in Texas ought to stick with what you know COLLEGE LEVEL FOOTBALL and leave the NFL to the NFL. GO SEAHAWK'S!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't know how they can make a catch phrase like the 12th man be registered outside the state of Texas, after all, we are in the "fogotten" state of Wasington. And besides that, I can't help but wonder if they use the "WAVE" to rally their team. Isn't the wave a product of UW? GO HAWKS!!!

By the way, John. Your poetry sucks. Obviously you could make words rhyme if you had to. Try this one.

The Seahawks are Bowl bound
isn't that great
Despite all the rhetoric
depite words of hate

They're coming from where
the sun sets in the west
Not because they're wimps
it's because they're the best

They're going to Mowtown
to shut down Pittsburg's game
Right through big Ben's passing
don't think that we're lame

The 12th man may stay home
that is a must
But the Hawks know we're cheering
as they run over your bus

So don't get too cocky
don't get too loud to say
That the Seahawks will lose
'cause it never goes that way

To all you Hawks "fans" who never saw the 12th Man flag prior to this year - where the hell have you been? Go to Texas.

My prediction - the 12th Man flags in Seattle will disappear, no one will know why. In 5 years we'll find out it was one of Bush's secret presidential orders..

OK, I can't be silent... after doing some simple trademark research.

The registered trademark from Texas A & M University (Serial number 74013898/Registration Number 1612053)is simply registered and word marked as: "12TH MAN" this is for hats, t-shirts, polo-type shirts, golf shirts, sweaters, shorts, and athletic uniforms, bumper stickers, post cards and note cards, towels and novelty buttons.

Additionally, they have (Serial Number 74560726/Registration Number 1948306)for entertainment services, namely organizing and conducting intercollegiate sporting events and jewlery.

Where I'm headed with this is .. there is no trademark on pro sporting events using this logo. Furthermore, the Seahawks are NOT using Texas A&M's logo "12TH MAN"; they are using "12".

12
GO HAWKS!!!!!!

Yes, I'm a former Texan, not an Aggie...I had to smile when I saw the 12th man flag proudly raised, knowing the long A&M tradition. I knew the story, of course, and wondered what my Aggie friends and relatives were thinking.
I saw the report on King 5 News as just another of the cute feature stories that have been running in the past few weeks, until I heard the quote "They're from Texas, they're liars." As insulting as this is, I was more offended that a reputable news agency would air the quote... unattributed, no less. To put all of Texans in that category is rude and unnecessary. Many former Texans proudly call Washington their home now, but we still fiercely defend the traditions and culture of our home state. I, too, wondered if this wasn't a just another jab at the current administration.
I'm very proud of what the Seahawks have achieved & will be glued to the TV next week rooting for them. Let's keep our cool, and show some class. Namecalling is so juvenile.

Hey you stupid depressed NW rain loving ijits, this blog is owned by BELO Corp out of guess where...DALLAS. Half your Hawks team is made up of TEXANS. God you people are stupid. So is your other TV channel King. So KING and KONG are both owned by us. Deal with that and Don't mess with Texas!!!!!!

The Seattle Seahawks only display "12" on there flag. I also see that the players wear other numbers on there Jerseys.

So Cory Bergman wants Paul Allen to try and buy Texas A&M? The president of A&M is a former CIA director. You better hope Paul Allen doesn't disappear one day.

There is only one home of the 12th Man and that is at Texas A&M.

Why don't you guys stick to coffee and rain.

After 20 years of calling us (The Fans) the twelfth man it's about time that we get the national recognition that so deserve. Nobody has said anything about it in the last 20 years so whats the problem? GO HAWKS

No, I think the new nickname for Seattle should be "The Big Brown Eye".

Dear Aggie Fans,

First, thank you for showing us all the definition of class and civility. I am sorry you have to listen to all of the BANDWAGON fans here in Seattle. But, I am sure you have plenty of practice with that, dealing with all of the BANDWAGON tu fans down there in Texas.

You must understand, even without evidence, that there are real Seahawk fans here that feel and act the same way you feel and act about your Aggies. And love them without question. They understand that your great university has the original 12th man, and they are using it out of respect. It is unfortunate that they are in the minority here.

In closing I hope we can learn to not just use your trademark, but also use and put into action your spirit and passion.

Maybe you lod mouthed, trash talking punks have noticed that Seattle fans don't play in to your crap. Say whatever you want. Seattle football fans have more class than that. We let our players do the talknig. Just look at the rcord.

Maybe you loud mouthed, trash talking punks have noticed that Seattle fans don't play in to your crap. Say whatever you want. Seattle football fans have more class than that. We let our players do the talknig. Just look at the rcord.

Oh, go play your lover's skin flute and have a lattayyy.

Hey dave - you are a true Moron ! Has A. and M. ever had a national championship ? they re pretty much known for their bon fires arent they or did ya burn yourselves- go away ! youre drawing flies

Screw PC Don. Long live the 12th MAN. And screw the Aggies. GO SEAHAWKS!

I’ve been hearing a lot about the 12th man controversy.

I know most Seahawks fans have no idea that the tradition originated at Texas A&M. For that reason I can’t blame them for not easily understanding why the school would want to take legal action to stop the copying of it.

As a 1999 graduate of Texas A&M University, I’m compelled to try and shed some light on the situation. The 12th man is the most sacred tradition at one of the most tradition rich universities in the country. It’s not just something someone made up. It’s a real story about a real student in 1922 – a story my father told me and his father told him. I know it may sound silly to someone not familiar with the school, but it truly does permeate all aspects of student life. It’s something that stays with you forever. It’s a big deal.

This is my first year living in Seattle and I absolutely love it here. But as football season rolled around I began to notice the 12th man references being tossed around and it did upset me quite a bit (my wife was infuriated). Although I can’t say their timing is all that great, I’m glad to hear Texas A&M is trying to put an end to it. Now all I can hope is that the Seahawks will cease-and-desist without further legal action, and the fans will no longer tread upon a tradition Texas A&M graduates hold so dear to their hearts.

Go Hawks.

Sincerely,
Matthew Gilmore

Mr Matthew Gilmore .... thanks for a nice civil blog - refreshing ! however , we ve been using the 12th man for a long time now - we retired the number a long time ago along with #80 - they are the only 2 numbers the hawks have retired - A and m can take legal actions till the cows come home but ya might as well join us cuz you cant beat us / we are the 12th man / right here in the Pacific Northwest / we really dont have the mojo for Aggies up in this part of the country / sorry ! / GO SEAHAWKS !

Go here:
http://www.aggieathletics.com/index.php?SID=MFB
Watch the video on the right hand side of the page. Pay close attention to the very end.

First off, you can not copyright a number. So the Seahawks orginization using the number 12 on any products of commercial use is perfectly legal. If the media and everyone else calls it "the 12th man", it is not the teams fault and Texas A&M can not legally make the Seahawks stop using the number 12. And they can not stop the media and fans from calling themselves the "12th man" due to the 1st ammendment.

To say that the Seahawks have only been using #12 this year shows who is a fairweather fan and is ignorant of the Seahawks org who graciously retired the #12 in honor of the fans. So if you never saw it, you weren't a fan before this year.

And to both Hawks fans and Texas, stop the childish name calling. It shows there are ignorants on both sides who are lacking a little class.

Matt, this is what football is all about. Trash talking anyone who doesn't like your team. And we finally can back it up. Yes the 12th man was started by the Agies. But how many other teams use it as well. It's not original but simbalizes a team and there commitment to their fans. I tell you what Texas A&M, Will play you for the right to use it after we kick pittsburgh back to the Industrial revolution. Go Hawks!

dang, this is the stupidest thing i have ever hear..u know if they try doing this it will just piss us off even more and make it a bigger issue. If we are supposed to stop using the 12 man...i bet u it will happen even more and everyone here will have shirts made and fly thier flags....texas A and M...this is BS....your guys are retarded.

Ok..all you Aggies..if STANDING forv the whole game is such a big deal..patent that!..we have been using this for more than this year..glad to see you all read our local news too!

Ok..all you Aggies..if STANDING forv the whole game is such a big deal..patent that!..we have been using this for more than this year..glad to see you all read our local news too!

KEEP BLUE #12 FLYIN'!!!!!!!!!! AGGIES GET OVER IT!!!!!! THE 12TH MAN!!!!!!!!!! GO SEAHAWKS!!!!!! GOIN TO SUPER BOWL XTRA LARGE!!!!!

next up-
Oklahoma State University sues NFL over Dallas"Cowboys" moniker.

next up-
Oklahoma State University sues NFL over Dallas"Cowboys" moniker.

Hi all, If anyone is interested, follow this link to what the aggies do have a copyright on. It doesn't look anything like our Seahawks blue #12 flag. While there is a great history behind the logo that Texas A&M does have a copyright on, we Seattle Seahawk fans are not infringing upon their rights. Their claim could be compared to Chequita saying they had the copyright on the word banana.
sorry Aggies you truely don't have anything to be upset about. Go Hawks!!!
http://www.silvery.net/12thman.htm

That link that Mark posted sends you to the copyrighted 12th man foundation logo. That is one of many applications of which A&M owns rights to. You have no idea how big of a deal this is. Nice try though.

Texas has to always be in the national spotlight. Let's stop talking about the loser's & get on with the Steeler's

Call it 12th man, person, Seahawk. We will still be in Detroit with whatever you want to call it. We won't go away & we won't be silent. All they are doing is making the fans going even more resolute than they were. let's make them realize that we don't have to be home to be loud & make an impact on the game!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey Stan (see I checked to see who was writing!) My name is Linds not Mark and just for the sake of conversation, Texas A & M says that they have copyright to that logo-the one with the shield, the A&M colors, the letters and the words 12th man on it, which is prevelant thru out the athletic aggies website. So what you are trying to say is that it is illegal for someone to write the #12 on anything?? as for not realizing "how big a deal this is", when I first read that Texas A&M was throwing a fit about this, I thought it was pretty stupid. There are many teams that have the same name but the logo is different..BYU cougars, WSU cougars,
NSCC Storm basketball, Seattle Storm, Arizona wildcats, Central Wildcats, Kentucky Wildcats, Gonzaga Bulldogs, Georgetown Bulldogs, need I go on?

I have been a Seahawk fan since conception in 1976 and been with them throughout the years good and bad...now it's good and in 2004 my husband and I moved to Waco, TX, we miss not being a part of the celebration in Seattle. Due to layoff from Boeing in '03 and he was offered a job here. Yet our hearts are with the Seahawks and we wear our team shirts with pride down here. These Texans don't like it that the Hawks beat the Cowboys and have done so well, so they have to find something to whine about. Just tell me who and where I need to go and kick some butt at Texas A&M and I will. Hawks have been using the 12th man for a long time and I sure didn't hear any whining then, so whats with it now?

Seams to me like the Texans are true bigots. Texas is wear men are men & cows are scared.

Like I said before. Why does it take a team to finally make it to the super bowl to bring out the bitching from people over something we have been doing here for 20 years??? Idiots! Go Haks!

Texas has a registered trademark for "the twelfth man". The word is different. The seahawks are using "the 12th man". It is a totally different saying since is a number and not the name. Texas registered the name not the number.

To Summarize...

Texas has a trademark. [Check]

There's a lawsuit. [Check]

The lawsuit is frivolous. [Check]

Texas is proud. [Check]

Seattle is proud. [Check]

Many are over-reacting. [Check]

There are homophobes posting. [Check]

We should move on. [Check]

Does anyone recall the NFL making the Kingdome rule. This isn't the 1st time our crowds affected a game. They made a rule against us. The crowd was actually flagged twice in a game against Denver & the Legendary John Elway. They couldn't stop the crowd then & they will only inflame them now.

I just checked the texas a&m website and the aggies are right. Seattle's in the wrong because the number 12 is being used on their website too. So, even the phrase "the 12th man" is being used illegally. I had thought they were wrong, but they're right. So, I think that changing it to "The 12th Seahawk" would be enough because not only is it a one word difference from the original, but it can also be used universally so that both men and women are recognized.

Hey everyone. It's me again, the Aggie Seahawk fan. This has been a very interesting blog, especially for me as two of my favorite teams are now taking sides on a potentially volatile issue.

Let's keep the important things in mind:

1. Just because you disagree with what A&M is asking is no reason to belittle or resort to the lowest form of commentary in crass commentary.

2. Let's remember that fans of the Seahawks and the Aggies are both passionate about their teams.

3. You can be a fan of the Aggies and the Seahawks.

4. The crux of the problem is the marketing of items that say "The 12th Man". Come up with a new slogan and call it the Seahawks own, much like "The Steel Curtain" for Pittsburgh, or "The Orange Crush" for Denver. We have some incredibly smart folk out here, let's use our brains!

5. This came up only AFTER the marketing of products bearing the above-mentioned logo.

6. I'm a proud Aggie and I don't mind that the fans call themselves the 12th man. But then you have to live up to the 12th man namesake---stand the entire game, stay after the game if your team gets outscored and practice your cheering, and NEVER leave a game early no matter how far behind your team may be at that moment.

7. Let's all stop the name calling and CHEER OUR SEAHAWKS TO VICTORY!

Interesting how few actually comment on the law with regards to this case. A quick search of the Seahawks own site shows the use of the phrase 12th Man for promotional purposes, which may violate one of the two trademarks Texas A&M holds and the Seahawks have, in the past, created and sold 12th Man apparel and memorabilia (some of which I own) prior to the registration of said trademarks. I could not find licensed Seahawks gear with the 12th Man on it, though the use of the number 12 (which cannot be trademarked) has been prominent of late.

When in comes to a question of the legal ground, it is up to the trademark holder to defend its trademark against infringement. Failure to do so can result in the loss of the trademark . You see this with major corporations on a regular basis.

That said, I have been a lifelong Seahawks fan (born in 1976 and went to my first game in the womb) and have witnessed the continual use of the phrase 12th Man by the Seahawks seriously since 1984. The trademark for A&M was approved nearly 6 years later and A&M, despite having graduates playing on the team and sitting in the stands, failed to defend their trademark in the 15 years since. Since the duty to defend begins when the trademark holder has reasonable knowledge of the infringement, the school certainly will claim no knowledge until this point in time. Should they have had knowledge given the use of the 12th Man and the vast network of Aggies who would have been exposed to its use? You make the call.

This failure to defend may prevent success in a court case, but certainly will benefit the university by prompting alumni to donate to "defend the tradition" and drawing attention to the university in a time when little done in the sports world makes the ESPN highlight reel. It should not seem coincidence.

I'll still cling to my favorite 'Hawks number: 80.

Cheers.

Why now? We retired the # 12 in honor of the 12th man and no one said anything then. And by the way, I think Paul Allen's billions would be plenty enough to buy A & M if he wanted to. I am sure he wouldn't though. That idea is as dumb as this whole arguement. Please let's just enjoy the fact that the hawks are Super Bowl bound and can bring home the big prize.

Go Hawks !!!

The comment that Jeremy made seems logical but it makes me wonder why the aggies would have a problem because the seahawks started using the 12th man even before the aggies decided to trade mark it. So where's the legal issue? There is none. For all intents and purposes, it sound to reason that we didn't do anything wrong. I think the aggies are hawk haters and are getting back at us because we even have better college teams then they do, so they're taking it out on us and threatening us with a court battle from hell. If you want to take someone to court, why don't you take the seahawks and all of their fans to court if it's so much of a problem. If you tried, you wouldn't win because you'd be out numbered by a long shot unless you included your fans too. I can tell you now that the judge would look at this and throw it out of court because there's no case, or if there is a case, it's so stupid that the judge wouldn't even want to look at it and just tell everyone to grow up and go home.

The law is the law. The 12th man is trademarked by Texas A&M and I'm sure the Seahawks organization has been aware of this, but continue to use it as if they own the licensed trademark!

I'm sure Mr. Allen has a lot of money, but George W. Bush I & II may have something to say about purchasing aTm, not to mention a lot of super rich grads with oil royalties...lol

Good luck to the Seahawks, but you need to come up with something more original than the 12th man. Texas A&M is HOME OF THE 12TH MAN . Do you guys have 12th man towels too? Just an idea...lol

Texas A&M,
I like the cover story in "The Battalion". Especially the picture of the statue of E. King Gill wearing the Seahawks jersey #12. Wasn't Mr. Gill actually a former football player for A&M? If so, you could call him a football player instead of just a random student that the coach picked, right? He didn't even play! I'm not impressed. It sounds more like a bench warmer tradition to me. I looked on the 12th man foundation web site and under the "zone club" I saw a picture of a game. Guess what I saw? All the fans were sitting down in the picture and there were clearly players on the field. I would also like to point out that we started "our" tradition in '83. You didn't copyright "the 12th man" until '90. We are the loudest stadium in the NFL and we do help our team. The NFL actually tried to quiet the crowds in the Kingdome by penalizing the crowd, They just got louder. This rule was also known as "The Kingdome Rule". We are still proudly displaying our "12" flags, jerseys, towels and such. We won't "cease and desist". Not for anyone, especially you!

Regarding Trademarks:

Aspirin was once a trademark belonging to Bayer. After Germany lost World War I, Bayer was forced to give up the trademark as part of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919.

So, we need to declare war on Texas A&M, defeat them, and force them to give up the trademark.

Anyone that knows anything about intellectual copyrights nows that you can not copyright a number and when it comes to phrases, if you copyright it, you have to allow fair use of it. So who cares if they have it, or if they started it. At this point, there is nothing they can do except try to get their name in the press as they have done since we are headed to teh Super Bowl and this would be a big news story to complain about it. Aggies are a bunch of whiners, show more class like the Longhorns!

GO SOONERS & HAWKS!

You're even using our 12th man towels? Maybe you should have "yell practice" at the Kingdome the night before games, change your colors to maroon and white, get a collie as your mascot, and stand up for the entire game! Oh I almost forgot...kiss your date after every touchdown!
Kyle field is rated the top college atmosphere by several magazines and is at least rated in the top 5 by all the publications I've seen. You’re on the
right track, so keep up the Aggie traditions!
This is all pretty cool with me really! lol
Go AgHawks!

You're even using our 12th man towels? Maybe you should have "yell practice" at the Kingdome the night before games, change your colors to maroon and white, get a collie as your mascot, and stand up for the entire game! Oh I almost forgot...kiss your date after every touchdown!
Kyle field is rated the top college atmosphere by several magazines and is at least rated in the top 5 by all the publications I've seen. You’re on the
right track, so keep up the Aggie traditions!
This is all pretty cool with me really! lol
Go AgHawks!

Woke this morning & checked this site. Who cares about this. I was checking to see how much time you guys actually have to waste on this subject. Doesn't matter & will ultimately go away. By the way was anyone at the rally this morning???? If so please tell your impression.

well... I am a current aggie and am surprised that the seahawks fans have gotten this much attention. I am glad that you guys finally have something to be proud of in washington, but you shouldn't disgrace yourself and your team by pretending to know so much about our school's traditions. I read one post where the guy asks us if we have the 12th man symbol hanging anywhere in our stadium. Clearly this person hasn't done much research because I guarantee you that upon setting foot in C.S. you would hear the phrase. Indeed we do have it in our 87,000 seat stadium. The words, "WELCOME TO KYLE FIELD-HOME OF THE 12th MAN" are clearly visible. And as for the 12th man towels. We wave our towels proudly at every game, no matter the score, because we have pride in being part of something great, not just when our team has a great season. The only reason that it has been such a big deal, and that our University has made it such a big deal, is because you guys from seattle are being portrayed in the national spotlight now. We here in Texas are excited about the superbowl, just like the rest of the nation, and I believe it will be a great game and wish you the best of luck.

It doesn't matter anyway. Seattle will be run over by the Bus and we will never hear from them again. You guys suck every year and got lucky with a weak conference this year. The seahawks organization does use the 12th man on their website. I hope you idiots keep using it and the Aggies sue you morons. You'll loose the SuperBowl and the 12th Man all in one year.

Finally someone from Pittsburgh. Just Remember it took Pittsburgh 46 years to get to a Super Bowl. Now you guys are solid. Seattle is way ahead of Pittsburgh. We went to a conference title in 1984. Took over 30 years before you guys even get to one. Point is Pittsburgh was once considered a worse loser than Seattle. Pittsburgh needs to be careful because they are way to confident against a team that is better than they are.

My husband and I have jumped on the bandwagon and we are really excited for the Seahawks. We saw how you all used the 12th man tradition throughout the season and tried to ignore it. From an Aggie’s perspective, it is really weird. You are practicing a lot of the same traditions (flags, shirts, towels…) that have been used at A&M for a long time. Yes, even before the Seahawk’s existed. Use it. I do not care, but in reality the idea was probably brought to Seattle to increase the fan spirit with A&M being used as an example (and it has obviously worked). The 12th man seems so common now and such an odd thing to trademark, but when the tradition began at A&M in 1922 it was not.

Seahawk fans are so passionate and have been really loyal throughout all the bad times. We Aggies can relate all too well. If everyone was not so caught up in this controversy, you would see that we probably have more in common than you think. Maybe that is why my husband and I have become fans so quickly. A&M has many more traditions that make it such a unique school and if you took the time to understand them then you may not be so quick to judge. Oh and please no more references to bonfire that is an emotional subject.

With all that being said I do not plan to change any one’s idea about the 12th man. I really like Seattle, Washington and the great Northwest. We plan on living here for a while, but the way that you all talk about Texas and Texans is really hurtful. When you all write that stuff can you take a step back and remember that this is about football.

GO SEAHAWKS!!!!!!!
Amy

Hey David .... either you re only about 10 years old or a moron - which is it ? the buss is in dire need of repairs / needs tires and an oil change / 2.4 yards per carry wont do it / he s old ! old and tired ! old and tired and used up ! - get ahold of somebody from Carolina and ask them whats in store for your stealers from pits/burg - its gonna be a good ol fashined ass thumpin / so be ready to get humbled bub !

Holy crap. If being from the state of Texas makes me retarded, I am even more retarded now for having read all this nonsense from the Seahawk fans. The picture with the people sitting down, that was a picture of the alumni side, they do not stand up the entire game. Before I graduated, I hadn’t missed a home game at A&M in 5 years, and I can honestly say I have never seen the wave done at Kyle. And I am 99% sure that it never will be done, we’ve got better things to do at football games.

You know what is so funny about this whole situation is the fact that it has been our trademark since 1984 or longer (I was born in 81 so if it has been longer please forgive me) and now that we have made it to the super bowl they are finally bitching and moaning about it. I think they are just jealous because we have gotten the reconigition for being the 12th man and they haven't. We even retired the number 12 for the fans, I don't think Texas A&M has done that yet. I have two words for Texas A&M WHO CARES!!!! the simple fact is you are in Texas and we are in Washington, We are in two different states on the opposite sides of the country so how about you share it. I have a better idea though, how about we play for it? The Seahawks will come down to your school and beat the crap out of Texas A&M and then the Seahawks will be able to use it once and for all. The whole point of this little rant is GET OVER IT!!!!!!!!! Because you can Share it with us.

To David the lone pittsburgh fan on this blog you need to (In the words of Chris Jericho)SHUT THE HELL UP!!!! the bus is going to break down against a big blue road block. The Hawks are going to RIP the wheels off of the Bus and make Big Ben look like a fool. We have a better Defense than Pittsburgh. Also we did not have a weak division. We played our butts off this year and our record shows it. By the way that reminds me what was pittsburghs record this year (11-5) and what was our record (13-3) so when the Hawks beat the crap out of the steelers don't cry to much because we are the better team. GO SEAHAWKS

Yer jakin with the wrong krew

http://www.tamu.edu/ccbn/dewitt/consultations4.htm

whoa, butch. get ahold of yourself there. i think that you are totally on the wrong blog! to everyone else, who cares who uses the 12th man phrase? the fans of the hawks and the fans of the aggies will never stop using it, and hey, what's anybody going to be able to do about it anyway? lord, what a ridiculous argument.
GO HAWKS!!!!

sorry, that comment was to Larry, not Butch.

To Cindy, the person who said " Texas A&M stands head and shoulders above any higher education institution in Washington state "

What are you talking about???

Don't make me laugh here. Do the research before giving out such a lame comment.

University of Washington is the45th on the rank of America's best colleges, while your A&M is the60th.

Seattle is the most educated city in the US.
Washington state got students with highest SAT scores in the US.

They are all fact, not fiction. You have a computer with an internet access, then do the research before claiming something that you not really are.

Just because your whole family go to that school doesnt make it become the center of universe !!

I don't really care if the Seahawk organization copied a 90 year old aTm tradition.

But $$$$$$ is involved here folks and I'm sure their will be a legal battle over this issue.

If the Seahawk organization owned the rights to the "12th Man" I'm sure they would try to protect it from being watered down and over used too.

Dave from blog at 7:00 pm & 7:13pm today. You ought to be ashamed of yourself for your racist remarks. I thought you went to Texas A & M, I am sure that they taught you down there that racism is a form of ignorance. This whole thing is about a trademark, which despite many protests on the part of the aggies, they don't have the copy right on a number, because as far as I know, whenever I write the number 12 on something, it ISN'T illegal. So show your age not your shoe size.

Ok,

So I'm a huge fan of the Seahawks, and I appreciate all of the tradition in college football, but enough is enough.

I understand the 12th Man being tradmarked by Texas A&M, but the "12th man" as it is used for the Seattle Seahawk fans is a term of speech, which legally does not infringe on the tradmark. All of the official Seahawk and NFL merchandise that is all about the #12 does not contain the "12th man". Maybe University of Washington should sue everyone about the use of the Wave?

The issue about the towels is ridiculous... The Seahawks print up several different towels, and none of them have 12th Man printed on them. If that's still not good enough for A&M Fans, what about the terrible towels? Well, wait, I hate those things too.

Oh, yeah, just to take a stab at those Aggie Fans that are still upset... Did the NCAA change the rules of college football because Kyle Field was too loud for opposing teams? Nope. How about being the only fans to be penalized by officials for being too loud?? I didn't think so.

Bottom line is that the Seahawks don't officially use the term "12th Man." I respect the tradition of Texas A&M and other collegiate institutions, but A&M just needs to drop this and concentrate on more important things... like making their football team competitive again.

GO SEAHAWKS

Just want to let you guys know that Dave is an idiot. We here at a&m do not agree with that philosophy. We don't think that we are the smartest school in the land, or the greatest. All that we ask is that you, and the rest of the nation respect our traditions. I was a little irritated when I first heard about Seattle's "12th Man", because it is something that we hold sacred and it's hard for us to understand why you and your team can't come up with something yourselves. I understand that your fans and city don't officially call yourselves the 12th man, but you also don't correct the media when they refer to you as that. That is not the only phrase that would fit for the fans, so why copy it. I know that with all of the very smart and creative people that live and reside in Seattle and the NW, that someone could come up with something.

Another thing, the only real reason you guys got penalties for being too loud is because you played in a dome that was obviously too small for a professional team. It wasn't that difficult for it to be extremely loud when it is in a room because that huge sound echoes. I can promise that if there were a roof put on Kyle field, there would be a little bit bigger so called "earthquake."

I understand Texas A&M is using the term "Quarterback" for the person taking the ball from the center. I suggest they cease and desist the use of the term as this is trademarked by the NFL.

the texas A$M traditon is a bunch of sh*t! i think the "the 12th man" traditon fits better with the seahawks anyways! pluse! A&M sucks!
GO SEAHAWKS!!!
SUPER BOWL XL FEB. 5th in DETROIT
SEAHAWKS WORLD CHAMPS
17-28 SEAHAWKS~!

Texas may have the US Registration,
but SEATTLE has the WINNING COMBINATION!

Go, Seahawks!

Yes A&M does have a trademark on 12th man which was registered on Jan 16, 1996. BUT the definition given when they applied for and received the trademark is: "IC 041. US 107. G & S: entertainment services, namely organizing and conducting intercollegiate sporting events." Since the Seahawks are not a college team, I don't think they would have a case against them.
US Trademark office website:
http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=13cuol.2.8

It figures this would come from Texas. My sister attended graduate school at Texas A&M. She had to be treated for depression TWICE. Go figure.

the washington husky fans started the wave many years ago and you dont see us crying when other cities do the same.Unity is what the 12th man stands for and us Americans need to grasp and hold on to positive thing like this.Why cant we all just get along? GO SEAHAWKS!!!

How does "THE 12th force" sound. GO SEAHAWKS!!!

So Seattle has the twelth man? Wow, I can see by the size of your pep rally that Seattle truly supports their team... of course, I guess we in Pittsburgh are twice as supportive, seeing how twice as many Steeler fans showed up for the Steeler pep rally, and during rush hour on a weeknight.
I spent several years in business travel across the country and was able to find Steeler fans everywhere and even found fans of Cleveland, Philly and so on, but wasn't able to find a single Seahawks fan, of course maybe they were just ashamed to show their colors.
Oh by the way, Seattle seems to think their stadium is so loud, check out Heinz field. Pittsburgh's been consistantly louder and sold out for over thirty years. Too bad Seattle can't claim that.

By the was, were those 'White' towels I saw waving at your rally?
I guess they were either flags of surrender or crying towels.

Your team has a former Texas Aggie on the roster, Rocky Bernard,ask him how your 12 man tradition compares to the original 12th man tradition....

Seahawks should come up with their own identity. Lots of smart people up there- come up with your own idea. imagine if the phoenix cardinals whose team color is crimson (or something close)started referring to their fans as the "crimson tide". This is no different. Good luck against the steelers!!

I think this whole "12th Man" thing is ridiculous.
With all the real issues in the world how small minded can people be.

I have been a Seahawks fan from day 1. I also watch college football. What harm will it do to share the "12th Man".

You people from Texas can hold true to your meaning, and we Seahawks fans can use it in our moment of bliss.

I think everyone should grow up and leave the name taking/calling to the future Aggies and Seahawks.

PS - and you Steelers fans that wrote in, lay off the lattes, your a little too high strung.

Hey John Mason .... why dont YOU ask Rocky Bernard which stadium is the loudest - forget the kingdom - it was real loud but nothing like Seahawk stadium was last Sunday / every sport writer and broadcaster acknowledged that they ve NEVER heard anything like THAT anywhere EVER - its an open stadium and was designed by our owner to be loud and it is ! ask Rocky ! He will tell ya that A and M sounds like a whisper compared to Seahawk stadium [ Qwest field ] Yall can sue or be mad or anything yall want to do but I for one have been a 12th man / am a 12th man and will always be a 12th man for the SEAHAWKS ! one for all and all for one - GO SEATTLE SEAHAWKS !

one more thing John Mason .... did Rocky ever go to any kind of championship type game while with A. and M. ? maybe the fans down there just werent enough to get er done ! GO SEATTLE SEAHAWKS !

first of all, there are more than 30 something teams in division 1 football so it takes a little more to get to the championship game, especially when you are competing for recruiting against some of the top teams. And I do believe that your stadium is loud, but there have been louder places before, I assure you. Since I'm sure you've never been to a game at Kyle Field, you can say that it doesn't compare, but you can't compare 87,000 with 62,000.

John, John, John... Heinz Field is louder than the 'Q'? I don't recall Heinz Field leading the NFL in false start penalties for opposing teams. When is the last time that an opposing team had 11 false start penalties in one game in Pittsburgh? Oh, wait, that has never happened there.

Yeah, you guys have sold out for 30 years, that's great, but you have a lot of proving to do to say that you're louder and prouder. NFL changed the rules on crowd noise because of us, remember? I don't think that it was because of Pittsburgh fans...

Seattle Seahawks, let's please stop using 12th Man. Copying another team (college no less) makes us look silly, like we have a complete lack of imagination. Worse, we've been doing it for a long time. Let them have their coveted theme and we'll just come up with something BETTER!

Go HAWKS!!!

First of all to "Ken at January 28, 2006 07:16 AM"
Texas does know the NFL. The Dallas Cowboys have been to and won a few (5) Super Bowls. How many has Seattle been to and won?

Second of all to "Larry at January 28, 2006 11:52 AM" Yes Texas A&M has won a National championship.

Well, let's talk this out about noise. Since Denver had the loudest stadium in the seventies, teams have worked hard on getting themselves the loudest. It has absoloutly nothing to do with crowd size, rather the acoustics of the stadium. Engineers are paid big money to make stadiums loud.
I've watched many games from all over with my dish and every game has announcers saying that the stadium they are at it the loudest they've ever heard including our stadiums.
And by the way, no, none of the teams that we've played has had 11 false start penalties, this is the AFC. Teams have more dicipline, they adjust. Like the Steelers did against Indy in the RCA dome, no false starts and very loud crowd until the Steelers silenced them. It's too bad we're not playing in Seattle next year to prove it or that Seattle isn't coming here to wittnes the loudness of our stadium. Besides, any team that depends on the fans to win doesn't deserve the title. You win titles with 11 men on each side of the ball.

A few facts for those who care.

"The Twelfth Man" is a technical phrase in cricket that goes back to at least 1850. It refers to a substitute player who can fill in for an injured player in the field, but is not allowed to bowl or tend wicket.

Because the player was so seldom used, and didn't matter much when he was used, the tradition grew of letting a popular local player take the role. In school cricket, it would go to an enthusiastic booster or the equipment manager or scorer.

When Texas A&M used the phrase in 1922, they explicitly linked it to the cricket sense. Their twelfth man was a popular local who stood in reserve in case a member of the real team got injured.

Independently, and also in the 19th century, soccer teams used the phrase "twelfth man" to refer to crowd enthusiasm inspiring the home team and intimidating the visitors. When domed stadiums were built in the 1960's, the phrase transfered to American football with the related meaning of crowd noise to disrupt offensive signal calling.

Sometime in the 1980's, after the Seahawks (and the Bills, and other teams) used "twelfth man" in that sense, the Texas A&M sense shifted. Texas A&M was not the first (by 70 years) to use the phrase, nor the first (by 20 years) to use it in the Seahawk sense.

In 1990 Texas A&M registered a trademark on the phrase, long after it was in common usage. The university never warned anyone about using it before then. Even if it was a Texas A&M original phrase, letting it pass into the language for 68 years without comment or objection would destroy any rights the university has.

Anyone can submit a trademark application. It does not mean you have the legal right to a phrase. This trademark has never been upheld in any court, nor do I think it likely it would be given the history of the phrase (maybe in a Texas court they would have a chance). The trademark is not approved by any government agency.

A&M should get a life and worry about beating Tech or the horns. Last I checked the Horns were the reigining National Champions. Stop worrying what we're doing up here, and focus on the real task at hand. Maybe they're really mad because our 12th man is effective.

Gig'em Seahawks!

If Texas is so adament about the sentimental reason for having dubbed the 12th man maybe it is they that should change it to the day E. King Gill was the 12th man....and let the rest of the nation use the generic phrase....what will make it into the courts next! It would have been a heck of a thing for them to have said hey we came up with that (even though it was many many years ago) but are glad that you Seattle are using it...I think it's just Texas jumping out (pretty smart)to get some publicity. When will anyone let the Seahawks have the lime light without trying to come up with a reason as to why they deserve it instead! On Sunday the true football fans will give respect and congratulate the Seahawks for an incredible season that will be more unforgettable than what was it E. King Gill did?? It's so long ago let's live in the present! GO HAWKS!!!

This whole discussion is insane. Although I acknowledge and respect A&M's tradition, the timing of the cease/desist order does seem a bit petty.
BOTTOM LINE: Imitation is the ultimate form of flattery so take a compliment and let us have out 2 minutes of glory, A&M!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can sort of understand Texas A&M standpoint, but I don't feel that it is the same 12th man. They look at it as singular person, to fill in when needed. Our 12th man comes from the presence of all the fans, not singular person, but a fact that the fans on part of every play. Teams don't hate come to Seattle because of a singular person, but because they know the Fan's are there every play and feel us even in the middle of the field. I am curious as to why they bring this up now? Our 12th man has been going on for quite sometime and would they have brought it up if the Seahawks had not made it to the Superbowl? Something to ponder about the real nature of Texas A&M, is truly tradition or just plain greed?

OK, let's just put this behind us for now. No sense in calling anyone names (that just reveals your own ignorance anyway). There are two UNDENIABLE facts that show themselves quite evidently from this blog:

1. Texas A&M is proud of their 80+ year 12th man tradition (begun in 1922).
2. Seattle is proud of their 22 year 12th man tradition (begun in 1984).

Something else these two teams have in common--for many years, they've been classed as the "underdogs" and even the butt of jokes. Both teams have endured years of frustrating football, only to get no respect when they emerge into the national spotlight. Both teams are "lucky" when they get into playoffs/bowl games. Rocky Bernard has played for both teams. I'm sure he's proud of both teams and the fan support he is seeing now I'm sure brings back memories of his collegiate days.

Bottom line, be proud of your team, be loud for your team, and show some class when faced with contrary opinion. Seattle and the Pacific Northwest are a great place to live--let's prove it to the rest of the country and take the high road!

GO AGGIES & GO SEAHAWKS!

Johnny B.
A&M Class of '86
Seahawk Supporter Since '97

Texas. wow what a bunch of babies they say something now about the 12 man flag. they are mad because we are going to the big game and their team is going no were the 12 man flag should be ares. A@m what a bunch of crap. a guy said they die for that flag. well i think that is a bunch of crap we die for the USA flag
Texas you guys suck no one liks you now and i hope no one go to any of your games you want to fight. Your football team vs ares winner get the flag you guys are babbies you are mad because we are going to the super bowl
GO seattle

Wow, my apologies to Texas A&M fans for the insensitivity expressed. Anyone knowing anything about college football knows you've got the lock. I hope these misinformed tirades represent a minute percentage of the Seattle population. And my embarassment for Seattle; I'm a Seahawks fan but not too proud about the unoriginal idea and the slurs to defend it. Get over yourselves. Just enjoy the game. Remember, "game"--no need to alienate us from the rest of the country.

Just use the number 12. A&M can't copyright a number. Everybody will draw their own conclusion. Let's move on.........

Well it looks like seahawk fans have another texas college signature to use. i think this pic explains it all.

http://images.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/_photos/2006-01-19-seahawks-fan.jpg

Hook'em Seahawks?

GET OVER IT AGGIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good grief! This has gotten ridiculous!

I have to laugh at the early comparison posted by Scott (especially the cows vs. computers). You forgot the airplanes, buddy. And for Texas, they got Dell, Motorola, Texas Instruments, National Instruments, IBM and all kinds of other technology. You want a pissin' match, you can have one.

The insults are inane and childish. Texas A&M has a wonderful tradition. The Seahawks are having the best season of their fanchise's history.

Gig 'em, Seahawks.

its completely understandble nothing good has come out of washignton as far as sports goes and now that they have a little something to pride on they cant even be original,i want to see all the "so called fans" cheer on the team next year when they go 8 and 8, fair weather fans!

12th Man? How about THE 12th Hawk!, or The 12th SeaHawk!
Texas A&M can have the 12th Man. I'd take a Screamin' SeaHawk over a 12th man anyday. Go! SEAHawks!

With all the tradition that Texas has you would think instead of going to court they would think about more important things that are going on. Like the soldiers that are giving their lives and don't forget all the family's that have lost alot more then the phrase "The 12th man". I am a fan but my first thought has always been about the people not a phrase.

It blows me away how immature 99% of the dumbasses from Texas are. Why dont you just shut up and keep your nosey asses where they belong. In a big pile of cow shit!

Since I moved here from Texas, I wondered how long it would be until A&M would bring up trademark infringement. While I am enjoying watching the Seahawks go their first Bowl, the Aggies are very, very, very proud of their tradition and heritage which existed long before their was even a thought of the Seahawks.

I See The Texas Aggie Fans Found Our Blog All The Way From Texas...Way You Sure Do Feel To Comment On Here..How About You Go Back To Listening Too Your Country Music & Talkin About Football Games You Could've Won But You Didn't & Let Us Seattle Seahawks Show Ya How Football Is Played...

Don't Worry Aggies Keep Crying On National TV Like You Are & You'll End Up Looking Like More Idiots Than You Already Are...Stay Off Our Blog!!

Those of you who favor Seattle using a trademarked item should try to use one of Paul Allen's trademarks for their business and watch how fast you get you sued

First of all, anyone could've made the connection that the fans have the ability to act as "the 12th man." It's not really that clever. So I don’t see why it should come off that we are steeling their tradition and disrespecting them. There have been some stupid comments that do not represent Seahawks fans as a whole, but immature aggressive fans are everywhere. I'm sure A&M has its share as well! They're usually the loudest when it comes to stupid crap like this.

This whole ordeal wasn't started by the Seahawks or its fans. They used this term for the most part, ignorant to the traditions of A&M. It's not like we all think we started it, or that we did it to disrespect the A&M tradition. So what’s the problem?

For the amount of respect you show your team, perhaps you can show some respect to fellow fans of football. It's a bit childish to lash out at anyone who happens to come up with the same slogan, whether they did it in ignorance to your program or out of inspiration. It's kind of embarrassing that your president would waste anyone’s time with something so insignificant (as big a deal as it may be to you, you're just a small part of this large country).

They did accomplish one thing, now all Seahawks fans recognize Texas A&M as the originator of "The 12th Man." However, you created some negative perception towards your school in doing so. The respectable way of handling this would have been to leave it be, or at least talk about it first.

Whatever!

I'm suprised by the type of comments coming from people in a state where beastiality is legal.

I'm also suprised that so many people that would rant about how stupid others are wouldn't check on the history and the present day A&M fan. The A&M students stand throughout the game to represent the 12th man. I don't remember seeing a flag on the space needle last year or the year before that or the year before that. stop supporting Paul Allen. I'm sure he can handle the case and I'm sure you will not see one cent.

"Anyone can submit a trademark application. It does not mean you have the legal right to a phrase. This trademark has never been upheld in any court, nor do I think it likely it would be given the history of the phrase (maybe in a Texas court they would have a chance). The trademark is not approved by any government agency." It's not a trademark on the phrase, it's a trademark on the merchandising. The arguement is not on the use of the #12, but Paul Allen making money selling products that state "12th man". I'm sure in the land of Starbucks, Boeing, and let's not forget Microsoft, you could appreciate a trademark. P.S. Starbucks was first used in the novel Moby Dick. So how can the Seattle based company trademark that? It must be easier to name call than to understand the issue.

Get over it Aggies, I don't care if you have a 12th or 13th man....you need at least that many extra people in order to beat anyone. You guys haven't been good since Sirr Parker was your running back. And you weren't even really good then.

I think that you are just jealous that your so called 12th man is so ineffective that you have to raise a stink over someone's whose is. Pat Riley came up with the term 3-peat, you don't hear him crying when someone says that. The Seahawks have had the number 12 retired for thier fans for 21 years. WHY NOW?

Just tell your coach to get on the recruiting path and get a try to field a competetive team. I'm tired of wasting money on on our game against you. I'd rather watch you guys play against a pop warner team. I'll tell you what you can say about College Station...During Football Season, it's a good place to be, every other time, it's a good place to be from.

Like it or not, the Seahawks and thier 12th MAN!! are going to KICK ASS!

GO HAWKS!! and HOOK EM HORNS!!!

To those asking, "Why are they just bringing it up now?" They're not. Texas A&M has sent a cease and desist letter to the Seahawks for three years straight.

Before all you idots up in Washington start running your mouth about Texas or A&M lets get a few things straight when you take something that dont belong to you you are stealing do you people know what that means or do you need someone from A&M to teach you. Now 2 N.F.L. teams and a major brewing company has stoped using the 12th man at A&M's request so its not just about the Seahawks. As for offering A&M $10,000.00 to use its logo, try going to a car lot put down what you want to pay and take it and see how far you get before you end up in jail. (get the point?) I also have a message for this idiot reporter thats asking why now hmmmm. Well buddy let this Texan explain it real slow so you can understand. A&M doesn't have the Number 12 trade marked and as long as you were only using that number A&M said nothing now you are taking our 84 year old tradition and making money off it and crying foul. Only foul I see is commited by the Seattle Seabuzzards. Like a true buzzard they are trying to get a free meal off what ever they can. Let me also get one thing straight, there was no Seattle Seahwaks in 1922.(the year A&M started that tradition) So stop saying you have a right to that.(1984 the year Seattle first stole that tradition) As for the decent Seahawks fans that are being laughed at all over the counrty and being called so stupid you don't even understand your own arguement I would just like to say your beloved Seahawk's are making you all look stupid just look at any major paper from any city or state and see what they are saying about you and stand up to these pencil pushers and maybe the jokes will stop. Now come Superbowl Sunday Texas will be getting more attention than your Seahawks but you should be use to that by now. I really hope Seattle wins this game to give its poor pathetic fans a real tradition one they earn and not one that they stole. Sorry but its not our fault we have 5 Superbowls to your none and 8 apperances to your none. But you can't go steal the traditions of our Universities. So come Monday morning the Steeler's will have another trophy your fans will mourn the trdaidition that never was and the tradition of A&M being taken by a federal judge then the starving Seabuzzards in the main office will have to give A&M alot of money for stealing from them. (Look on the bright side though Notre Dame doesn't watch it's Hunchback to close maybe you can Shang Hi him) And you Seattle fan's should realize that A&M sent a letter back in December 2004 asking The front office to stop using the 12th man for monetery purposes which the head Buzzard's said they would but they lied. (imagine that a thief lieing whats the world comming to) So don't claim it's A&M looking for publicity at the Seahawk's expense with the Superbowl think of it as A&M exposing the main office for what it really is. Seems to me its very rare one gets to expose a lowely franchise in the public eye like this. So you fans should be greatful atleast something good came from these criminals.

Hey stupid Larry Yeah A&M has a National Championship dumbass

Hey Patrick Don't Use Your Name On Here, I Trademarked Mine & If You Dont Stop Using It I'm Gonna File A Lawsuit!

I think Steve Kelley in todays Seattle Times is right on!!

"Yo, Texas A&M, one word for you — chill! Cease and desist with your whining. Get a life. Get 12 of them."

"The Seahawks didn't just think up the idea of the 12th Man last November when the packed house at Qwest Field roared so loudly that New York Giants linemen looked as jumpy as squirrels."

"This number 12 has been retired in Seattle since 1984."

"A&M while you're at it, why not patent some cheers like "Hold that line," or "Block that kick." Or "Hit 'em again. Hit 'em again. Harder. Harder." And sue any cheerleading team that dares to use them."

Give me a break!!! The only deal that the Hawks should agree to is that we'll stop using the 12th Man if they Texas takes back that guy they snuck into the White House.

The more I read the more I see just how ignorant some people are. People that don't understand copy rights laws should hide thier ignorance and not be so proud to be idiots. I would love to see this jerk buy A&M. if he has more money than Texas then he should buy it. Then he can buy out Bill Gates. Then he can buy the Univ.of Texas and have a National Champioship for Washington too. Baseball and Football! when he is done there he can buy Pittsburg and have a Superbowl Trophy too. It seems to me this guy is a smart business man and knows what he is doing is illegal. I would belive thats why he lied way back in 2004 and said he would stop. Not that I expect anyone on this page to be business savy enough to know that. I hate to burst the Seattle bubble but you will lose this case and be sued so i would try to keep down how rich the owner is. Why do you people want our logo so bad just put that little stupid windows logo on a towel and wave that since your proud of it. You can call it the 2nd Windows man grunge towel. (now thats a gift from Aggieland to you you can copy right that) So you uneduacated business leaders just get ready for A&M to put the smack down on your ass in court (the way the nfl has been doing since day one)
because Texas don't care who you are u get caught stealing from us and you will pay the price, for all you dumbass' out there that dont know anything about millionairs stealing in Texas just watch the Ken Lay trial (Head of Enron 7th largest company in the country) and remember your case will be heard in that same distric federal court in Houston as The Seahawks will be in. So see you in Houston and goodluck.

OK folks, What's the big deal here??? We're not allowed to say certain words because someone owns the trademark on them, I guess we'll all just have to stop saying anything, right?

Oh, by the way I wonder who owns the rights to the song "Take me out to the ball game" I suppose we'll have to stop singing that during the 7th inning stretch!!!

What I guess I'm trying to say is I think people just need to grow a little tougher skin and stop whinning about things that aren't really that inportant!!!!

A&M shout pay better attention to things that are critically important and maybe other "embarassing" incidents won't occur. Perhaps the A&M students should have used their 12th man when building their bonfire. Some "engineering school"!!!!!

I guess those of us who hail from the great Northwest all have a much greater understanding of the meaning behind the traditional western mens room lyric" "Thar he sits his buns a flexan - givin' birth to another Texan..."

Hey Tyler Durdin .... we were talkin football here / not beastiality / if you want to talk beasteality , bring your sweet little ass up here and we ll show you beasteality

Oh Gosh!!! I mean: Jeez! Whoops!! Golly! Mercy!!! What in the heck can I say?!!!
I wonder if Texas will try and sue me for saying all of the above... Hmmm? Can I say the word "sue"...
Patti Townsend
Dixie, Washington

how about modifing the 12th man to the 12th person this should take the wind out of texas sales.also too many money sucking people there.rember a fish goes bad from the head down--john

i am a washington native who hates the seahawks not because they beat the 49ers all the time but because they are unoriginal and could never play football till this year. i remember when all of seattle even the media were calling them the seachickens. now all of a sudden we all love the seahawks. its like that because no one likes a crappy team then when they do good we are all about the "12th man" well if we had it first im sure if someone else tried to use it we would be doing the exact same thing that texas a&m is doing. after every thing is said and done when the seahwaks lose the superbowl life will go back to normal and next year when they go 8-8 we will see how many "12th men" there really are. go steelers. i hate fair weather fans.

Hare yoiu go Aggies, why don't you check these 2 sites out and sue them for using your Precious "The 12th Man"??????

http://www.mccsc.edu/%7Enor12man/index.html
http://www.patsfans.com/12th/2003/story/display_story.php?story_id=5888

I Dont Know What Your Talkin About But You Seem To Be One Of Them Pretty Boys From Capital Hill..

This Comment Was Made Earlier " I think Steve Kelley in todays Seattle Times is right on!!

"Yo, Texas A&M, one word for you — chill! Cease and desist with your whining. Get a life. Get 12 of them."

I Couldnt Agree Anymore On That, Bring It On Texas We'll Beat Your Ass Up & Down Federal Court Over This Issue, If I Was The Judge In This I Wouldnt Look At This Issue For One Second For The Simple Fact That The 12th Man Is Used By Other Teams..Not Just Seattle...Holy Hell Get A Grip!!

Hey The Truth:

You Say "The more I read the more I see just how ignorant some people are. People that don't understand copy rights laws should hide thier ignorance and not be so proud to be idiots."

If You Are Looking For Ignorant People Or "Idiots" You Might Look Deep In The Mirror, Last Time I Checked The Houston Texans (Your Football Team Was 2 And 15) And As I Recall Your Team Had No Support, Your Games Were Never Ever Sold Out And You Have No Backbone, Don't Hate We Have A Better Team, More Support & A City Who Will Bend Over Backwards For A Team...Want Some Cookies With Your Whine?

Rich in CD'A. I'm sure you will show Tyler beastiality. Make sure the horse you choose to make sweet love to uses protection. I hear they can be dangerous

Tyler

You Are One Sick Of Son Of A Gun, You Need Some Serious Help ... ( Try Therapy ) I Bet It Will Do Wonders For Your Problems!

that last one was for cedric snellz. sounds like a goat F****er.

Yo Texans

I Think I'm Gonna Fly My 12th Man Behind My Airplane Over Your State..This Is What You Will See From The Sky...

http://www.king5.com/sharedcontent/northwest/sports/seahawks/hawksposter-12top.pdf

After reading some of these posts from the seattle fans I think I now understand why Windows sucks. Gig'em Aggies

I've been to several NFL sites, and plenty of other teams are using "The 12th Man"!!!!!!!!!

What have the Aggies got to say about that, I wonder????

Hey "the other 12th man". Are you from Issaquah and do you hang out on a ranch?

Hey TylerTurdin .... if i could get my hands on you , you little prick , id show ya how that goat feels ....

OK, tylerjerken, you're missing the point, just about all of the teams in the NFL are using "the 12th man" so why all of the sudden is Paul Allen and his Seahawks the guys you wanna shot your wad at???

What happened to the little crybaby??????

HEY-----BEFORE YOU POST YOUR IDEAS, LEARN TO SPELL!!!

I cana agre wit thaat. No matter whitch side off teh isue youre on try getin teh spelin rite.

Like a moths to a flame idiots on both sides seem to be attracted to this board.

you hawks fans are bunch of idiots...there are laws against that shit, and aTm will win the lawsuit. do you not realize how well connected the school is to the nation? of course we're gonna win. i will not deny however that it seems rather odd timing by aTm being the super bowl and all. doesn't matter though, the steelers are going to lay the law down against one of the shitiest team in nfl history...

An Aggie does not lie, cheat or steal, nor tolerate those who do.
--the Aggie Honor Code

I think cedric snellz lives on capital hill. Sorry, I don't swing that way.

GO HAWKS!!!!
get a grip and lighten up. why bring it up now, because the hawks are going to the super bowl?
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey Tyler, is bestiality the only thing you think about 24/7? Your a sick freak, you know that? I got two words for you...SHUT UP!!!!!!!!!!

I!!!!!!! LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!! EXCLAMATION!!!!!!!! POINTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You guys are so funny when your angry. I must have struck a cord with a few of you. Don't worry it's not illegal in Washington, you can continue.

I am a HUGE AGGIE FAN, and to you Seahawks who like we shouldn't care about the 12th man, you are WRONG! JUst to let you know, the University wrote a letter the the Seahawks and asked them not to use it because it is OURS1, that was a year ago and the team ignored it. So, don't gripe about it!!!!!!!!!

Also, Go Steelers

Every night I read this blog and I just laugh my head off. Everybody take it easy.... It's really not that important.

If the court battle is won by Texas A&M, they will have to figure out a way to deal with the fans still using it, because we won't stop. What are they going to do, have us all arrested or sue us if we keep doing it? I don't think so. That'll be a waste for law enforcement to enforce this because there are better things to do than to put all of us in jail. All it means is that the jails will be full of fans when it could be full of people committing real crimes and getting money from people that aren't even committing real crimes if they sue us. Get real guys and gals.

Sorry Aggies you can't own a number, they are just not for sale!!!!!!!!

Come on Seattle…we’re a city known for the original thinking of its entrepreneurs. We have a city full of highly educated people. I’m pissed that we copied the “12th Man” in the first place. I’m even more pissed at our marketing department for thrusting an unoriginal phrase upon proud Seahawks fans. We’re smart people. Let’s just come up with something new…something original, and move on from this mess. We’ll be better off in more ways than one!

GOOOOOO! SEEEEEHAWKS!

Anyone Got The Address & Court Date & So I Can Make A Special Trip To Texas?

I'm Going To Laugh When The Judge Throws Out This BS Lawsuit..Go Seahawks & Beat The Hell Out Of The Steelers.. ( They Need A Good Ass Kicking )

Just a little tidbit of info that may or may not add a little fuel to this fire:

We took a guided tour of Quest Field a little over a year ago. My husband questioned the tour guide about the use of the "12th Man", because our daughter has been attending A&M for three years. The guide said that someone in the Seahawk front office is/was? an Aggie alum and that he started the use of the term for the 'Hawks. Any of you die-hard, long-time Seahawk fans have an idea who that might be? Although I have an opinion on this whole situation, I'm not stating what it is. (I'd like to see if I get crucified by both sides)

What if Paul Allen bought Texas A+M and closed the school because the Texas education system is one of the worst in America???

Travis, you are like the smartest person ever. That is such a good idea. That would be brilliant to close down one of the top 20 public universities in the country.

Totally off subject, but because everyone in Seattle thinks the city is so green and Texas is the spawn of satan, the EPA put out the top 25 renewable energy users and Austin I.S.D. ranked 16. No Washington State Government entity was on the list. Also Texas ranked 24 in the smartest state catagory, Washington 30. I just like to use facts to stir emotions. Enjoy.

I am a Former Aggie (and Texan) that lives currently in Seattle. Please tell me that the people in Seattle really do not feel this way. I like this city for its understanding of other cultures and people. I appreciate how no one is too quick to judge and treats everyone as equal. I feel that I have learned some of these qualities by living here and from the people here.

After reading this and listening to the media, I feel that you are judgmental and prejudice towards Texans of all people. It really makes me sad to hear how you would talk about anyone this way over something that is a marketing ploy. You should be angry that the Seattle Seahawk organization brought you all along for this ride (Please do not kid yourself, they knew what they were doing the entire time).

The state of Texas, Texas A&M University and Aggies did not do this to you. Please do not be so quick to judge a whole state or great university until you have the hard facts (and do not think that you are getting the whole story from the media).

I cannot read this site anymore as it makes me want to move out of the city that I love so much. Please Seattle and Texas show your civil sides and show me why you both hold a place in my heart

Don't worry Anne. No one inside Seattle city limits cares about football, the seahawks or the superbowl. Half probably don't even know what the big flag on top of the space needle is all about. It's those that live outside of Seattle who have their panties in a bunch.

Oh Please. I have been hearing fans called the 12th man since I was in high school, and I am 50 years old. I don't care what happened in 1922 I doubt if Texas A&M started the whole 12th man thing. And calling the 12th man "a culture" is just nuts. I know about the whole Texas A&M 12th man story - and to be honest I don't see what the big deal, I mean really you don't own the number 12!

tyler turden .... you still here ? isnt it time for a diaper change for ya ? it seems to be running out yer mouth....

You guys are killing me. Texas and Seattle are two different planets, which will never understand each other. Let Texas enjoy their history and Seattle their moment in the spotlight, when it’s over everyone can take their ball and go home.
Texas A&M should be strong enough in their rich history to understand that Seattle’s 12th mans history has a completely different meaning then theirs and Seattle is so fired up they can’t see straight.

"When they discover the center of the universe, a lot of people will be disappointed to discover they are not it."
-Bernard Bailey

To any of ya'll who are saying the Aggies think we own a number, you are WRONG. The Aggies don't own the number 12 but we have the idea of the 12th man trademarked. So, never say again that the Aggie own the number 12, we don't.

Gig'em Aggies

The Seahawks finally win a playoff game after 20 years and suddenly they're the greatest team in the world? That's laughable. Somehow I don't remember any of the fans sticking around after my Dolphins blew up the Kingdome a few years back.

You guys "bring it with more energy" and "perfected" it? Last I checked 82,000 Aggies that chant and hook arms and stand all game beats the 67,000 fair-weather fans that have sprouted up over the last few months. A&M fans are loyal even through the bad years, something the Seahawks know nothing about.

"Why are they complaining now after 20 years?" "They just want to ride us cuz we're winning." A&M asked you guys to desist in 2004. Get the facts straight. And how could they ask you to desist before 2004? You guys never came to the games. Whereas now that you're winning you are rampantly and uncreatively stealing copyrighted phrases.

Unoriginal bastards.

Oh, and "Paul Allen should just buy them" is laughable. Texas A&M is one of the top 3 largest schools in area and has the 10th largest endowment of any school in the United States. A $4.3 billion endowment. Not to mention the buildings and property are worth billions upon billions. If you total it all up maybe A&M should buy Paul Allen. But that's just using your ridiculous logic...

Tyler Durden,
you are digusting!

Given the recent uproar by Texas A&M over the use of the 12th Man slogan, thought you could use help with some other ideas. Try these...

Seahawks - The Ultimate Driving Machine
Seahawks - We'll leave the light on
Seahawks - It's the real thing
Must See Seahawks
iHawks
Seahawks - Can you hear me now?
Seahawks - The new generation
Seahawks - Don't leave home without it
Seahawks - They're Grrrrrreat!
Seahawks - You're in good hands
Seahawks - Your potential. Our Passion
Seahawks - Because I'm worth it
Seahawks - A little dab'll do ya
Seahawks - Plop Plop Fizz Fizz Oh what a relief it is
Seahawks - Reach out and touch someone
Seahawks - Keeps on going and going and going...

Just trying to add a little humor.

Gig 'em Seahawks

The Lone Star Losers are just upset because their beloved Dallas Cow - Pies are sitting home again and watching the game! Texas is it's own country, no other state in the union thinks, acts, talks, or cries like they do, "Welcome to Hillbilly Heaven."

21-10 Nuff said

Yeah 21-10 indeed. Where are the "12th man" now?

We have been using it for a long time now so why are they barily complaining,just deal with it like some one before said its a concept not a trademark

Like many before me said,the 12th man shouldnt be a trademarck it should be availible to all and your 12th man is in a way different anyways,you guys had one guy who was stupid enough to stand for a game and not be used anyways (Thats a hick for ya)Our 12th man was just by being as loud a fricken possible and causing false starts