The logo of the 12th Man Foundation, designed by Chris Silver Smith
The recent Super Bowl hoopla brought the Seahawks 12th Man to national attention, but I wonder how many realize that this fan support concept was founded by Texas A&M University? Most of my friends and acquaintances are unfamiliar with my past ties to the A&M organization and its iconography as well. Shortly after college, I worked for TAMU as a scientific illustrator, mapmaker and graphic designer. While in that capacity, I designed the 12th Man’s iconic logo.
If you’ve driven around the state of Texas for any length of time, chances are good that you’ve seen this logo on decals on the back windows of a great many vehicles. I think it’s probably the most widely visible thing I’ve ever designed.
So, how did the 12th Man itself come to be associated with the Seahawks, way up in Seattle, Washington? (more…)
Seattle Seahawks File For Trademarks To Escape 12th Man Agreement – Can They Do This?
Wednesday, January 28th, 2015The Eagle’s article on the subject quotes A&M’s Interim V.P. of Marketing & Communications, Shane Hinckley, stating merely that the licensing arrangement satisfies A&M’s needs and that the Seahawks have been a “great partner”. However, the agreement will expire in mid-2016 if the two teams do not renew it.
Home of the 12th Man by UW Dawgs – October 13, 2013 game between the Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans at CenturyLink Field. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
Can A&M officials actually be happy about the Seahawks’ efforts to trademark variations around the number 12? (more…)
Tags: 12th man, brand names, branding, brands, logos, Seattle Seahawks, Texas A&M University, trademarks
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