FanPost

12th Man This is Your Time

Last night, as I sat in the upper deck at Metlife Stadium, anxiously awaiting the Super Bowl to kickoff, the NFL posted a video where Kurt Russell introduced both teams with a brief monologue. As I watched Russell, I couldn't help but think of his terrific portrayal of Herb Brooks in the movie about the 1980 USA Hockey Team, Miracle. I thought of his rendition of Brooks' speech before the game versus the USSR, almost waiting for Russell to say "I am sick and tired of hearing about Peyton Manning and his legacy and the greatest offense of all time, their time is over, this is Your Time!" I silently said that in my head just before kickoff, wishing I could say it to my team, Our Team. The team I have loved and followed for 34 years from 3000 miles away. Through 3-13, The Boz getting trucked by Bo Jackson becoming the country's image of our ineptitude and "Moving to LA"; Stouffer, McGuire, Testaverde's No Touchdown and Warner snapping his ACL in Week One. I stayed, we all did, because that is what the 12th Man does; and last night we were rewarded for our loyalty, and what a magnificent reward it was. Metlife in the middle of the Jersey swamps became the Clink, and it was a beautiful sight to see. They were spectacular, and I love that they did it with defense. As the 12th Man rose up just like at home, Peyton Manning watched the opening snap sail off towards Puget Sound and that was the last time they were even in the game. They flew around, they hit, they swarmed, they dominated. The Broncos tried WR screens that seem to work against the lousy defenses in the league, but against the LOB, they were three yard gains. Kam Chancellor set the tone early, wasting Julius Thomas early in the first quarter, he was never heard from again. If they threw deep, Thomas and Sherman were blankets in coverage, throw shallow and the Broncos got pounded, time and time again. It reminded me of a Big Ten Champion that walks into the buzz saw of an SEC defense on New Years Day and sees what true speed really is. In an era where the rules and the league are doing everything they can to enhance scoring and where tackling is a lost art, the Seahawks pummelled the Broncos the old fashioned way, they were bigger, faster and meaner. Like the Steelers of the 70's, the '85 Bears and the Ravens of 2000, they did it with defense. Not to take away from Wilson and the much maligned receivers, they were spectacular as well. But when the defense plays well it feels as if they are feeding off the energy of the 12th Man. We yelled and screamed and they responded, just like home. You want to know how loud? As I write this Mike Francesa, a NY Sports Talk host that has been to over 25 Super Bowls just said that he "Couldn't believe the wall of sound that the Seahawk Fans created, it was louder than Giants Stadium when they are home, they are incredible." I've been in that stadium for Jets and Giant games, he is absolutely right, you were amazing. When Percy brought that kick back in the second half, we knew it was over, I still didn't relax until it was 36-0, 34 years of pain will do that to you. The rest of the night was simply a wonderful coronation. I sat in my seat alone, the Bronco fans that had surrounded me all night now long gone, and just took it all in. As the game's seconds ticked away it became a party with an extended family, confetti fell and music played as Hawk Fans I met from St. Louis, Baltimore, Vancouver, and of course Seattle congratulated each other with High Fives with fellow 12's, hugs from complete strangers, and knowing looks given to each other as if to say, "We Did It." Yes you did Twelves, we showed up and our beloved 'Hawks responded. It was as if we were telling our team and they responded in kind, through our cheers and their brilliant play, "This is Your Time!" Enjoy it.