Seahawks Eye NFC Title, Aim to Cinch Washington's Best Sports Year of the Century

As the calendar turns to 2026, the NFL's 2025 season continues, presenting the Seattle Seahawks with a monumental opportunity. Today, in their home NFC Championship game against the Rams, the Seahawks have a chance not only to add another significant chapter to their storied legacy but also to firmly etch 2025 into the annals of Washington state's professional sports history as its most successful year this century. This afternoon's contest is more than just a game; it's a potential culmination of unprecedented regional sporting achievements.

A Golden Age for Washington Sports

While the immediate focus is on the NFC title game, the context of 2025 extends far beyond the gridiron. Even if the Seahawks do not emerge victorious today, the year may still be recognized as an unparalleled period in Washington’s professional sports landscape. Historically, professional sports in the state have revolved around three major franchises: the Mariners (baseball), Seahawks (football), and Sounders (soccer). These teams have often found success in isolation. When the Mariners and Seahawks have struggled, the Sounders have frequently stepped up, clinching MLS Cups in 2016 and 2019, for example, during periods of mediocrity for their NFL and MLB counterparts.

However, 2025 represents a rare convergence of success across multiple franchises. The bar for "best-ever year" has long been held by 2013, highlighted by the Seahawks' dominant Super Bowl victory over Peyton Manning's Denver Broncos. That year, the "Legion of Boom," Russell Wilson's dynamic play, and Pete Carroll's leadership created an indelible memory, overshadowing the Mariners' sub-.500 season and the Sounders' modest success in the CONCACAF Champions’ League. Before that, the 2001 Mariners, with their record-tying 116 wins and American League Championship appearance, were strong contenders for the title, despite the Seahawks finishing 6-10 and the Sonics also being under .500. This current 2025 season offers a chance to surpass even those lofty benchmarks. As The Spokesman-Review notes, this isn't hyperbole; the receipts are in hand, detailing the widespread athletic triumphs.

The Echoes of Past Heartbreak and the Promise of Redemption

The potential triumph of 2025 holds particular significance for Seahawks fans, offering a chance to finally erase the lingering sting of Super Bowl XLIX. In 2014, a second consecutive Super Bowl victory seemed within reach, which, combined with the Mariners narrowly missing the postseason and the Sounders securing another Supporters’ Shield and their fourth U.S. Open Cup, would have elevated that year to "rarified air." However, Russell Wilson’s fateful interception to Malcolm Butler secured the Patriots' dynasty and left Seattle with a deep disappointment that felt "like a virus for years." Today’s NFC Championship game presents an opportunity for an "inoculation that everyone can agree will wash away the ugly taste" of that defeat. Ironical, a win today means the Seahawks would potentially face either the Broncos or the Patriots in the Super Bowl, two teams inextricably linked to their past glories and heartbreaks.

Mariners and Sounders Bolster 2025's Claim

Crucially, the Seahawks' potential Super Bowl run in 2025 is not an isolated success. The Mariners have contributed significantly to the year's exceptional standing, experiencing their "best-ever year." They clinched an American League West division title, secured a postseason series victory, and came within one game of their first World Series appearance, a designation that firmly cements their historic performance. Not to be outdone, the Sounders also celebrated a significant victory in 2025, winning the Leagues Cup title. While a "fairly new invention," this trophy represented the one North American honor that had eluded the franchise, marking another significant achievement for the region. As The Spokesman-Review humorously points out, it's something the Sounders won, adding another layer to 2025's remarkable resume.

The Stakes: Legacy Defined

The ascension of 2025 to the "top pro year" for Washington is not yet a certainty. A Seahawks victory today in the NFC Championship game would "only open the door," initiating debates and arguments about its place in history. To truly solidify this standing, the Seahawks must not only win today but also emerge victorious in the Super Bowl in a couple of weeks. This would elevate 2025 to a level "hard to match," leaving no doubt about its unparalleled success. Conversely, a loss today would also define 2025, but in a way "no region with professional sports wants: The year of coming this close. Twice." The path to an undisputed legacy runs directly through today's game. Dave Boling, a respected sports journalist, believes this is the Seahawks' game to win, provided they can hold onto the ball, a sentiment echoed by The Spokesman-Review.