Notes from a 12 Man: A Truly Biased History of the Seattle Seahawks

by Mark Tye Turner

Before Richard Sherman and Russell Wilson, there was Steve Largent and Jim Zorn! As the Seattle Seahawks prepare for Super Bowl XLVIII, football fans will enjoy this rollicking team history as seen through the eyes of an obsessive fan. Since the franchise's beginnings more than 30 years ago, there's no doubt who has been the greatest member of the Seattle Seahawks. After all, who was there at the opening of the Kingdome only to watch that fabled stadium, years later, turn to dust? Who endured the embarrassment of The Boz? And who was there during Super Bowl XL to witness the team lose to the game officials? Oh yeah, that's right. We, the 12th man, were there. Living up to our reputation as some of the loudest, most supportive fans in the NFL. Notes from a 12 Man isn't just the team's history, it's our history. Author Mark Tye Turner, a television writer who's been a 12th man since Day One, tells it like it is and in obsessive detail. This book will make you laugh, wince, cheer, and learn everything you ever need to know about the Seattle Seahawks--and then some!

Genres: Sports

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Deacon Tom F. (Recovering from a big heart attack) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice Book

I enjoyed the book and appreciated the detailed analysis of the author. However, it was very dated and treats the Seattle team as hardworking and the the champions that they are today. At any rate, it you are a Seahawks fan you will probably love it.

[Jayt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A packed Memory Lane of Seahawks history, including crappy Kingdome beers, the idiotic questions in the Seahawks board game (who was the wife of the former G.M.?), and the best plays 12th mankind has ever seen. Reading this book, I was in heaven and grateful for Turner's touchdown-perfect take on all things 'Hawk.

[Gary F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now while I am a huge Seahawks fan from the Jim Zorn days, I can say with confidence that you do not even have to be a Seahawks fan to just love this book. Turner really captures the thrill of being a fan, regardless or the team or even sport. The wealth of stories that populate this book are just so impressive and immersive. Reading up on so many fascinating moments and people just kept the book flowing and really made you feel as if you were a part of each moment. I especially like the brutally honest treatment of the Behring era and what it felt like to be a Seahawk fan during that time. Any fan can empathize with what an awful owner can do to the psyche of a franchise. Turner holds nothing back so this book is not simply a love letter to a team but includes warts and all.

Of course I also loved the Jim Zorn stories. While the Seahawks won 9 games shortly after the expansion year, the fellow expansion Bucs floundered. Zorn was such a key component of the early success that really propelled this franchise to even greater achievements. I was so happy Turner focused evenly on the entire history and did not focus more heavily on one era versus another.

Overall just a terrific book for any sports fan. Turner hit this one out of the park.

[John Grimes · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't lived in the Seattle area, or been a follower of the Seattle Seahawks? You probably will get little to nothing out of this volume.

However, if you're like me? And a passionate Seahawks fan since their inception in 1976? Absolutely fabulous book. Made me stroll down memory lane a little too hard...

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I loved reading about the ups and downs of my favorite football team. I would love it if Mark Tye Turner came out with and updated version in a few years, especially after having a season like we did in 2012!! GO HAWKS!!!

[Bryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

a little disorganized in parts, but a great review. dates itself a little, complete thru 2008 season, but wrtten in a way stating "this is still the longest record" rather than "was the longest record as of 2008"... great read for a non-washington based fan!

[Gary Blum]

A truly great book and a must read for all Seahawks fans!

[Brad Bohannan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book can't wait for the new one.

[Lucas]

I loved it as a seahawk fan I wish. I could keep it without buying it. This book has great details and has most games. I am glad the mark included super bowl 40 in the book. I loved it

[Chris Seltzer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not a Seahawks fan and I can imagine this book would be more interesting to someone who is.

As written it's not interesting enough to recommend it to the average NFL fan.