San Francisco 49ers: Rivalry With Seahawks Escalated by Fans
By Tej Kamaraju
Dec 8, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) talks with Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) after the game at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Seahawks 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
So things are getting a bit out of hand. If you’re a San Francisco 49ers fan, and you actually have a pulse, you hate the trash-talking Seattle Seahawks and their fans. If you’re a Seahawks fan, and you have a pulse, you hate the arrogant 49er fans. It’s not crazy, it’s just sports. It’s no surprise that such a huge rivalry can be built on the seeds of hatred between to coached in Jim Harbaugh and Pete Carroll.
Who really started this rivalry? When the players are on the field, it seems like just your average game. What makes it the environment of two teams that hate each other, however are the fans. Everywhere, especially with playoff time coming up, Niner and Seahawk fans have been jawing at each other, making puns and insulting ruthlessly.
49er fans have reportedly raised 8,000$ to buy a billboard in Seattle taunting about the lack of championships that Seattle has. I don’t know about you, but that’s the craziest story that I’ve ever heard a sports fan do, just to insult the rival team. These hot-blooded fans are willing to go out of their way just to do this. Of course, Hawk fans are not much better.
Colin Kaepernick’s commercial with Beats caused an uproar from Seattle’s fans. They began protesting and boycotting the product. Of course, this won’t really make a dent in the sales, but again, it goes to show how angry and crazy these fans really are. Did you catch the commercial?
If you were a Seahawks fan, how much would this anger you?
The commercial makes a real statement. For the 49ers, it’s not exactly easy to avoid the Seahawks’ fans in the stadium, as they are extremely loud, but still, if Kaepernick can shut off the noise, he will be able to perform. Kaepernick was already despised by Seahawk fans before this commercial, and this just intensified their feelings. Kaepernick “arrogantly” walking through a sea of jeering fans, and casually strolling by, no problems.
"The billboard would come after Seahawks fans’ brought a brick at the 49ers’ new stadium and arranged earlier this month for a 12th Man banner to be flown over Candlestick Park, home of the 49ers.While the 49ers came close to a sixth title last season, the Seahawks have made just one Super Bowl appearance in their history. However, the Seahawks, who boast the NFL’s best record at 12-2, are currently the favorites to hoist their first Lombardi Trophy. Seattle and San Francisco split two games this season, each winning at home.”"
Per ESPN, the Niner fans purchased this billboard because the Seahawks fans flew a banner over the Niners’ stadium. I can see why the fans would be so angry about something like that. The usual comments are that the Seahawks have never won the Super Bowl, but currently have a better record than the Niners. They are favored to win this year and it’s going to be interesting, simply because the first place team usually never wins.
One can only imagine the horrors a Super Bowl victory for Seattle would bring to the Bay Area, or any area in between them.
Right now, the Niners are looking to clinch a playoff birth, and the Seahawks, should be clinching the NFC West pretty soon. Things are heating up, and both of these teams are likely going to make the playoffs. With a talented offensive and defensive unit, the Seahawks are looking to demolish teams left, right, and center. With one of the toughest-to-beat defenses in the NFL, the Niners are looking to find some offensive magic which they have shown lately.
From the return of Michael Crabtree, to the continuos brilliance of Anquan Boldin, the Niners have great receivers (TE Vernon Davis as well). They also have Kendall Hunter and Frank Gore at the RB position, and let’s not forget one of the best rushing quarterbacks in the league in Kaepernick. The series between the Niners and the Seahawks is at 1-1 right now, the Niners losing 29-3, then winning 19-17.
If the Niners do make it to the Super Bowl, they will likely have to get past the Seahawks, or whichever team beats the Seahawks. Either way, they have to be able to convert within the 10-yard line, as well as utilize all aspects of their offensive game. Sometimes, their offensive unit looks sluggish, but they can get the job done. They have top-notch receivers and a clutch quarterback. If they get it going in the postseason, they well nearly be unstoppable.