Seahawks Fans Dominated Super Bowl Crowd, Gave Defense Advantage

Coach Mike Macdonald credits 12th Man for Seattle's defensive success against Patriots' silent count offense.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald revealed that Seahawks fans made up at least 75% of the crowd at Super Bowl LX, giving the team's defense a significant home-field advantage. Macdonald said the Patriots had to use a silent count offense the entire game due to the crowd noise, which helped the Seahawks defense disrupt New England's plays.

Why it matters

The overwhelming Seahawks fan presence at the supposedly neutral Super Bowl venue is a testament to the team's dedicated fanbase and the 12th Man advantage they can provide, even in a big game on the road. This dynamic played a key role in Seattle's defensive dominance and eventual victory over the Patriots.

The details

According to Macdonald, the Seahawks' offense was able to use verbal cadence from quarterback Sam while the Patriots had to resort to a silent count, putting them at a disadvantage against Seattle's defense. The crowd noise made it difficult for the Patriots to communicate and execute their plays effectively.

  • Super Bowl LX took place on February 11, 2026.

The players

Mike Macdonald

The head coach of the Seattle Seahawks.

Sam

The Seahawks' starting quarterback.

New England Patriots

The opposing team that played against the Seahawks in Super Bowl LX.

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What they’re saying

“It was incredible. It must have been 75-25. Their offense was on silent cadence the whole game, which gives us an advantage on defense. Our offense was using verbal cadence where Sam could give all the commands to the center. So it was like playing a home game.”

— Mike Macdonald, Head Coach, Seattle Seahawks (Jimmy Kimmel)

The takeaway

The Seahawks' passionate fanbase proved to be a decisive factor in their Super Bowl victory, providing a true home-field advantage that disrupted the opposing team's offense and allowed Seattle's defense to thrive. This highlights the power of dedicated fans and the 12th Man effect in the NFL.