Seahawk fever is back — or did it ever leave?
Regardless, the mania surrounding the team is a good thing.
Sports are often over-emphasized in our society, but this is not one of those times. These million-dollar athletes are paying back, drawing the region, including Whidbey Island, together.
In this time of political divide, distrust and decaying etiquette, anything that brings humans closer in a positive matter should be cherished and encouraged.
The days of unlocked doors are gone. Block parties are rare. Late-night strolls alone aren’t advisable.
The Seahawks are providing a healthy common ground we can share.
Green and blue bulbs light up porches, “12” banners flap from car windows and neighbors meet each Sunday to watch the Hawks.
This is more than jumping on the bandwagon of a successful team. Seahawk spirit has become community spirit.
And we have picked the right team to applaud. The Seahawks are greater than a one-hit wonder. Most teams that win the Super Bowl fail to qualify for the playoffs the following season. The incentives are gone and the financial benefits of the achievement often soften the will.
Not in Seattle.
The Seahawks’ work ethic and desire to continue to be successful, both on and off the field, should be emulated.
Richard Sherman rose from a gang-infested community to earn a degree from Stanford; Earl Thomas left the Super Bowl victory celebration to study game film; Jerome Kearse and Doug Baldwin overcame the stigma of undrafted rejects to become star receivers; and the charity work of the players touches thousands.
The Seahawks are the good guys — literally. And they are ours.
We come together to marvel at Russell Wilson’s escape acts, Kam Chancellor’s bone-jarring tackles and Marshawn Lynch’s quirks. We rise together to celebrate touchdowns and gripe together about play calling. We cheer a Steven Hauschka kick and jeer a Jim Harbaugh rant.
The keys to these statements are “we” and “together.” And we get to share these moments around Bud Lite, nachos and cowboy caviar.
Yes, these are special times, and the benefits will last far beyond the next game.
Thanks, Seahawks. Twelve is our new lucky number.
