On Saturday, Seahawks fans in the Pacific Northwest and around the world learned of the passing of an original 12 – Patti “Mama Blue" Hammond. On Friday, the Seahawks celebrated "Mama Blue Friday" to honor Hammond, the original Seahawks super fan.

In 1976, Hammond made Seattle history as an initial season-ticket holder for the expansion franchise. What started as a birthday gift for her husband Richard “Tricky” Hammond grew to be more than weekend entertainment. A hairstylist by trade, Mama Blue’s sense of style and passion on gameday set her apart, becoming a voice for the team from the sidelines. Over the course of 45 seasons as the Seahawks most colorful and passionate fan, Hammond captured the hearts of players and fellow fans alike. In 2020, Hammond was named the team’s first-ever Fan of the Year.

On Friday morning, Seattle welcomed four generations of Hammond family to Lumen Field for a special commemoration. Hammond's love for the Seahawks has been passed down through the family like an heirloom, as the descendants of the 92-year-old filed into the facility with a range of current and vintage Seahawks jerseys.

VP of marketing and community engagement Jeff Richards shared thoughts on the legacy of Mama Blue with the family, as he was joined by VP of community outreach Mike Flood hosting the Hammond family.

"You have these well-known fans," said Richards. "And the way it works for most teams and even here, they can be polarizing. But Mama Blue was so loved and respected here, from the front office, to the players, to Pete. They had a relationship as well. But even with her fellow fans, how much they revered and respected her here. She's just very beloved - and that's pretty unique."

An outpour of emotions came from those in attendance as the family visited Lumen Field. Memories of Hammond over the years dating back to the days at the Kingdome played on the jumbotron, as Bittersweet Symphony blared through the stadium speakers. Each family member took a turn raising the 12 flag in honor of Mama Blue. The flag was lowered at half-staff, where it will remain for the evening.

The Seahawks will continue to honor Hammond this year, including recognizing her seat near the southwest tunnel of Lumen Field where she would cheer on her favorite team as players came on and off the field.

"They asked me, 'Mama, where do you want to sit?'" Hammond once said of her seat assignment. "I said, 'Where do my boys come out?'"

The team will kick off the 2023 home opener by commemorating Mama Blue's seat in Seahawks history, and in the hearts of 12s all over.