Sam Adkins

Sam Adkins holds a unique distinction in Seattle Seahawks history as the only player ever to wear the iconic number 12 before it was retired to honor the fans in 1984. Born on May 21, 1955, in Van Nuys, California, Adkins attended Cleveland High School in Reseda before playing college football at Wichita State University in Kansas.

Selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the tenth round (254th overall) of the 1977 NFL draft, the 6-foot-2, 214-pound Adkins served as a backup quarterback to the left-handed starter Jim Zorn throughout his career from 1977 to 1982. In an era when backup quarterbacks rarely saw playing time, Adkins appeared in just 11 games, completing 17 of 39 passes for 232 yards and two touchdowns. Despite his limited action, he was active for all 16 games during the 1978 season, providing crucial support from the sideline. A hand surgery forced him to miss the 1983 season, leading to his retirement.

Adkins's playing strengths embodied the consummate backup: an exceptional preparation mentality, approaching every week as if he were the starter; dedicated film study and charting responsibilities, assisting head coach Jack Patera with play analysis; a genuine love for the game of football that drove his commitment; and right-handed versatility behind the left-handed Zorn, providing different looks in limited action.

His greatest moments showcased his readiness and professionalism: the legendary jersey swap against the Chargers, when Zorn's uniform was torn during the game, the officials discovered they couldn't find Zorn's backup jersey, so Adkins surrendered his number 12, allowing Zorn to technically wear the number for half a game; his appearances against the Houston Oilers, where he threw several passes after entering the game; the first Monday Night Football game in Seahawks history, against Atlanta, where the defensive coordinator Jerry Glanville became confused, believing Adkins could throw both left- and right-handed after seeing the film from the jersey-swap incident.

Following his retirement, Adkins became a Seattle institution through four decades of broadcasting work. He served as a color commentator for Washington Huskies football radio broadcasts and worked extensively as a host and correspondent on Seahawks pre- and postgame shows, becoming a familiar voice to generations of fans. Beyond broadcasting, Adkins built a successful construction company as a third-generation contractor. He maintains his connection to the franchise by raising the 12 flag before Seahawks home games at Lumen Field, standing high above the stadium while the crowd roars in appreciation.