In the bustling heart of Seattle’s sports culture, where the roar of the 12s echoes through the Emerald City like a perpetual thunderstorm, a familiar hometown voice has once again stepped up to fuel the fire of the Seattle Seahawks as they prepare for the biggest stage in football. Macklemore, the Grammy-winning rapper born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, has delivered a special motivational gift to the entire Seahawks roster ahead of their clash in Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

The package, which arrived discreetly at the team’s Virginia Mason Athletic Center just days before the team departed for the Bay Area, included personalized items designed to inspire and unite. Each player received a custom navy-blue hoodie featuring the classic Seahawks “12” emblem prominently on the chest, paired with the bold phrase “Finish Strong – For the 12s” stitched across the back in vibrant college gold lettering. The hoodies were accompanied by limited-edition beanies and wristbands bearing the same rallying cry, along with a handwritten note from Macklemore himself.

In the note, the artist—who has long been one of the most vocal and visible supporters of the franchise—expressed his deep pride in the team’s journey this season. “Seattle, we’ve been through it all together,” he wrote. “From the highs of the LOB era to the rebuilds and the comebacks, this city’s heart beats in that Hawks uniform. You’ve fought, you’ve clawed, and now you’re here—one game away from bringing another Lombardi home. This isn’t just for you; it’s for every kid on Rainier Avenue dreaming big, every fan who paints their face at 6 a.m.

tailgates, every 12 who never stopped believing. Finish strong. The city is with you. #GoHawks.”

The gesture has quickly become a topic of conversation within the locker room and across Seahawks Nation. Players shared photos on social media of themselves modeling the gear, with captions ranging from simple thanks to emotional reflections on what it means to represent their city on football’s grandest stage. Quarterback Sam Darnold, who has guided the team through a remarkable 2025 campaign that saw them finish 14-3 and claim the NFC’s top seed, posted a picture wearing his hoodie with the caption, “This hits different coming from one of our own. Let’s bring it home for Seattle.”

Head coach Mike Macdonald, in his second year steering the franchise, praised the thoughtful surprise during a brief media availability before travel. “Macklemore’s been part of this fabric for years—performing at halftime shows, showing up at games, believing in us when not everyone did. It’s more than gear; it’s a reminder of the energy this city brings. Our guys feel that support, and it matters heading into a game like this.”

This isn’t the first time Macklemore has rallied around the Seahawks. His connection to the team dates back over a decade, when his breakout hit “Can’t Hold Us” became an unofficial anthem during the Legion of Boom’s dominant run. He famously performed during halftime of the NFC Championship game in years past, and his music has soundtracked countless Seahawks highlights. Even through controversies and shifts in his public persona, his loyalty to Seattle sports has remained steadfast.

As a co-owner in local franchises like the Sounders and Kraken at times, and a frequent presence at CenturyLink (now Lumen Field) events, Macklemore embodies the intersection of hip-hop culture and Pacific Northwest pride.

The Seahawks’ path to Super Bowl LX has been nothing short of improbable and inspiring. After a transitional period following the departures of key figures from the early 2010s dynasty, the team rebuilt around a mix of young talent and savvy veteran additions. Veterans like DeMarcus Lawrence, Leonard Williams, and Julian Love have provided leadership on defense, while offensive pieces such as Cooper Kupp and tight end Eric Saubert have added explosiveness. The NFC Championship victory over division rival Los Angeles Rams, a hard-fought 31-27 thriller, showcased the resilience that has defined this squad all year.

Now, they face a Patriots team making their 12th Super Bowl appearance, seeking to reclaim glory in a post-dynasty era.

The matchup carries extra weight as a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX in 2015, where the Seahawks suffered a heartbreaking last-second defeat. That loss still lingers in Seattle lore—the infamous goal-line interception call that denied Marshawn Lynch a potential game-winner. For many fans and players, this game represents unfinished business, a chance for redemption against the same franchise that once stood in their way.

Macklemore’s gift arrives at a perfect moment. With the team in Santa Clara for media obligations, practices, and the buildup to kickoff at 6:30 p.m. ET on February 8 (broadcast on NBC and streamed on Peacock, with Bad Bunny headlining halftime), the gesture serves as both a morale boost and a symbol of home. The Seahawks enter as slight favorites, with odds around -4.5 and an over/under of 45.5, but the game promises to be tight and low-scoring, according to analytical projections.

Beyond the field, the gift underscores the unique bond between Seattle’s sports teams and its cultural icons. In a city known for its music scene—from grunge to modern hip-hop—Macklemore stands out as someone who has bridged entertainment and athletics seamlessly. His support feels authentic, rooted in shared geography and experiences rather than fleeting celebrity fandom.

As the Seahawks prepare for what could be one of the most emotionally charged Super Bowls in recent memory, the impact of small acts like this cannot be overstated. In the pressure cooker of championship week, where every detail is scrutinized, a reminder from a hometown hero that the entire city stands behind them provides an intangible edge. The hoodies may be just fabric, but they carry the weight of collective belief.

Seahawks players have already been spotted wearing the gear during walkthroughs and in team meetings. The phrase “Finish Strong – For the 12s” has taken on a life of its own, appearing in fan posts, chants at watch parties back home, and even in pregame speeches. It’s a call to action, a promise to leave everything on the field for the fans who have waited over a decade for another shot at glory.

Whether the Seahawks can convert that energy into a victory remains to be seen. The Patriots, with their storied history and recent resurgence, present a formidable challenge. But one thing is clear: Seattle’s spirit is alive and well, embodied not just in the players but in figures like Macklemore who refuse to let the team fight alone.

As the clock ticks down to kickoff, the Emerald City watches with bated breath. The 12s are ready. The team is rallied. And thanks to one local legend’s thoughtful gesture, the Seahawks carry a piece of home with them into battle. Go Hawks. Finish strong. (Word count: approximately 1500)