Fansided

5 numbers that define Super Bowl 49

By J.P. Scott

Oct 16, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the second half of a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the second half of a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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November 27, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks fan holds a 12th man flag before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi
November 27, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks fan holds a 12th man flag before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi /

Twelve

You knew this one was coming.

Both teams arrive in Arizona as the top seeds in their respective conferences. They earned those top seeds by way of winning 12 games during the regular season.

Perhaps the greatest advantage the Seattle Seahawks have over most NFL teams is their loud and loyal fanbase — also known as “The 12th Man.” The Seattle faithful invaded New York a year ago and took over MetLife Stadium in support of their team. That was with the Super Bowl being played on the opposite side of the country. One can only imagine the number of 12th Man flags and jerseys that will be spotted in the Phoenix area this week leading up to the game on Sunday.

As excited as they’ll be, every knowledgeable member of the 12th Man will approach Super Bowl XLIX with cautious optimism, as they know that in order for their team to take home a second consecutive Lombardi Trophy, they’ll have to defeat arguably the greatest player in the history of the game to wear the number 12 on his jersey.

Next: Ranking All 48 Super Bowls

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