The 12th Man’s reputation has taken a serious hit this year, I am terribly sad to report. The once vaunted roar of the 12’s was effectively combated by raccous chants of “GO PACK GO” that could be heard throughout the night. Opposing fanbases invading Lumen Field has regrettably become the norm, as the visiting sideline is now routinely draped in the away team’s colors. Green Bay is one of the few national brands in the NFL, and their fans are everywhere. Unfortunately, that meant there was always going to be a high possibility of a cheddar invasion, and it became reality. Niners fans, Bills Mafia, and now the Cheeseheads have effectively stolen home field advantage away from the Seahawks. Even last year was brutal, when the Steelers took over as well. Next week could be more of the same, as the Vikings will be coming to town.

It was a tough showing for the 12th Man on the 40th anniversary of No. 12 being retired in their honor. Following the Bills Mafia invasion, I wrote an open letter to the 12th Man about the situation. I opined “I can only imagine what it will look like when it’s the Week 15 game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football.” I lament that it lived up to my worst fears.