Let us take a look back into the Seattle Seahawks storied history as we await the long 2016 off season.

The dream came alive during the 1970 merger of the AFL and NFL. At that time, discussion of expanding the league to 28 teams was decided upon. 

6 years later, that decision came to be a reality as the Seahawks joined the league alongside the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

In 1976, the Hawks played in the NFC. They did so for just a year before heading to the AFC where they remained from 77-2001. In 2002, they then headed back to the NFC where the remain today. Because of these conference switches, the team remains as the only NFL team to play in both the AFC and NFC Championship games.

When the team debuted in 76 their colors were royal blue and forest green. Their logo was an Ospreys head, which had a tribal look to it. For the first part of the teams existence they wore silver home jerseys and blue away jerseys. They did this while wearing black shoes for the first 4 years in Seattle... something seen rarely by teams.

The team played their home games at the Kingdome from 76 until 99. In 1997 Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen bought the team for 200 million dollars, and it was apparent the Kingdome was falling apart. This was quite literal, as ceiling pieces even fell during a game at one point. Plans for a new home were developed and in 2000 the kingdome was imploded to make way for a new stadium, which would be on the very same site.

That stadium would be the current Century link Field we now know, but it has had many names in between. These included Seahawks field from 2002-2004 and Qwest field from 04-11. The current stadium cost 430 million dollars and holds 69000 fans.

From the years 2000-20002 the team played their games at Husky Stadium...home of the university of Washington. Because of this tie to the vollege, and the team's Pacific Northwest location, they have a wide fan base with no NFL competition in the area. This includes fans from entire Pacific Northwest and even Canada.

The team has seen the most success within the past 5 years. This included back to back Superbowl appearances in 2014 and 2015. In 2014 they came away victorious 43-8 against the Denver Broncos to win Superbowl XLVIII. 

Other fun facts:

-one of few NFL teams to have a live mascot (actual hawk)

-first live hawk mascot Faith was with team in 03 and 04, but struggled with training.

-also have two costumed mascots Boom and Blitz

-current team colors are college navy blue, action green, and wolf grey

The Seahawks have had some struggles like many Seattle sport franchises. However, more recently they have been one of the more celebrated and decorated Seattle franchises. Since coming into the league they have seen their share of change, but have stayed an icon in the Seattle sports arena. 2016 should be another year of growth for the Pacific Northwest's only NFL franchise.

Mascot: https://www.flickr.com/photos/philiprobertson/9791252246/in/photolist-fV...

Kingdome Implosion: https://www.flickr.com/photos/seattlemunicipalarchives/3809445908/in/pho...

2000 seahawks @ Husky stadium: https://www.flickr.com/photos/seattlemunicipalarchives/2649837565/in/pho...

Superbowl pylon: https://www.flickr.com/photos/quintanomedia/12313394623/in/photolist-jL6...