Fans send off Seahawks at huge rally

SEATTLE — Hundreds of screaming fans rallied Friday afternoon to send off the Seattle Seahawks to Washington, D.C., for Sunday’s game versus the Redskins.

Many devoted Seahawks fans were in SeaTac to cheer on the team as its buses passed through on their way to the airport.

KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reporter Amy Clancy spoke with many fans at the rally.

“Seahawks fans need to rep the Seahawks because they’re going to D.C. and this is the last thing they’re going to see before they get on that plane,” said Beth Hughes of Tumwater.

“We haven’t won the Super Bowl yet. We need to win the Super Bowl and it’s this year!” said Brandon Schouten of Puyallup.

Also on board the bus was KIRO 7’s Steve Raible, the voice of the Seahawks, who said the huge crowd sends a message to the players.

"Believe me, they notice. It's exciting for these guys. So many of these guys are so young, so to see people come out and line the streets and see flags, Seahawks 12^th Man, the Seahawks Blue, it's a big deal for them. Now they have to pay it off. We have to come back with a win on Sunday night," Raible said.

Raible said the players were impressed by the size of the crowd and are further motivated to win on Sunday.

Mayor Mike McGinn declared Friday as Blue Friday in honor of the Seahawks making it into the playoffs.

The 12^th Man flag was raised by McGinn and several Seattle musicians on top of the Space Needle.

Along with the Space Needle, the Great Seattle Wheel was lit blue for the remainder of the day for Blue Friday.

The Seahawks went 11-5 in the regular season, which included a perfect 8-0 record at home.

Join KIRO 7 at 6:30 p.m. Sunday for a special post-game show. Steve Raible -- who will call the game on radio -- will add his insight; Gary Horcher will be on the field, and Chris Francis will show all the action and reaction.

KIRO