Deflate-gate: What the Seattle Seahawks Have Done This Week That You Missed

Seattle who? "Deflate-gate" steals the Super Bowl spotlight.

ByABC News
January 23, 2015, 1:23 PM

— -- The New England Patriots and "Deflate-gate" have totally taken the air out of their upcoming Super Bowl opponent: the Seattle Seahawks.

Sports fans are up in arms -- either attacking or defending -- Patriots coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady, both of whom deny knowing anything about using deflated footballs in their game against the Indianapolis Colts this past Sunday.

Seattle has tried to get attention this week -- anything to get noticed under the shadow of "Deflate-gate." Here's what's been happening with the Seahawks over the past week while you were too busy reading and arguing about the Pats:

1. Seahawks' Stunning Comeback

PHOTO: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks passes the ball during second half of the 2015 NFC Championship game against the Green Bay Packers at CenturyLink Field, Jan. 18, 2015 in Seattle.
Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks passes the ball during second half of the 2015 NFC Championship game against the Green Bay Packers at CenturyLink Field, Jan. 18, 2015 in Seattle.

On Sunday night, the Seahawks beat the Green Bay Packers 28-22 in overtime after trailing 19-7 with about four minutes left. It was an epic comeback and one that Seattle fans won't soon forget.

That game was followed by the New England Patriots 45-7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts later that evening. Late that night. That's when the "Deflate-gate" story broke, pushing the Seahawks into obscurity.

2. Seahawks "Illegal" Twitter Dispute Falls on Dead Ears

During Sunday's game against the Packers, football watchers decried on Twitter that the Seahawks' had used an "illegal" six-man wedge on a crucial onside kick.

Unlike "deflate-gate," the controversy lasted minutes. The official Twitter account of the NFL’s director of officiating Dean Blandino soon responded that it was legal.

3. Marshawn Lynch Fined for Obscene Gesture

PHOTO: Seattle Seahawks' Marshawn Lynch (24) celebrates his touchdown run during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Green Bay Packers, Jan. 18, 2015, in Seattle.
Seattle Seahawks' Marshawn Lynch (24) celebrates his touchdown run during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Green Bay Packers, Jan. 18, 2015, in Seattle.

Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch was fined $20,000 for an "obscene" gesture after scoring a touchdown on Sunday, ESPN reported. In case you missed the league's announcement of the fine -- which you probably did -- it was for grabbing his crotch.

4. "12th Man" Trademark Agreement

PHOTO: Seattle Seahawks fan displays his 12th man sign prior to the game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium, Sept. 29, 2013, in Houston.
Seattle Seahawks fan displays his 12th man sign prior to the game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium, Sept. 29, 2013, in Houston.

The Seattle Seahawks' repeated use of the term "12th man" -- referring to its record-breaking stadium volume and fans -- has been a part of an agreement with Texas A&M University.

The Seahawks paid the university a lump sum of $100,000 in 2006, plus $5,000 per year for their use of the "12th Man" mark. The initial term of the agreement was five years, so in 2011, the Seahawks renewed the agreement for five more years.

5. Will Richard Sherman Have Enough Elbow Grease?

PHOTO: Richard Sherman #25 of the Seattle Seahawks injures himself making a play against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter of the 2015 NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field, Jan. 18, 2015, in Seattle.
Richard Sherman #25 of the Seattle Seahawks injures himself making a play against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter of the 2015 NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field, Jan. 18, 2015, in Seattle.

Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman suffered a sprained elbow during Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers, NFL.com reported on Monday. During the game, Sherman appeared in pain after colliding with teammate Kam Chancellor on a play. But Sherman said Wednesday that his elbow is feeling "better."

“It’s a little sore, but not too bad," he said.

And he said he's certain he will play in the Super Bowl on Feb. 1.

“That’s my story and I’m sticking to it,” Sherman added.

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