Were you ecstatic when the Seattle Seahawks flew into Super Bowl XL? In 2005, the Seahawks achieved their greatest NFL success, by playing in the NFL title game. However, the Seahawks' lore extends over three decades, to 1976. From hatching into the NFL world, to battling the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XL, the Seahawks have had several memorable seasons:

1. First NFL season (1976)

The Seattle Seahawks did not fly smoothly through their first NFL season. Prior to playing their first game, the Seahawks' owner, Lloyd W. Nordstrom, died while vacationing in Mexico. The Seahawks then experienced a heartbreaking loss in their first game, falling 30-24, to other NFL birds: the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals had intercepted the Seahawks in the end zone, during the game's final play. Ultimately, the Seahawks would finish the season with a 2-12 record, defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons.

2. Rookie season of Steve Largent (1979)

In 1979, Steve Largent, the only Seahawks Hall of Famer to play his entire career in Seattle, played his rookie season. Ironically, the Seahawks selected Largent in the fourth round of the NFL draft. Largent would play outstandingly for the Seahawks, racking up 819 receptions (a Seahawks record) for over 13,000 yards, and 101 career touchdowns. The NFL selected him for seven Pro Bowls, and chose him for the 1980s All-Decade team. Largent's jersey number (#80) is the only one that the Seahawks have retired.

3. First conference championship game (1983)

During the 1983-1984 season, the Seahawks earned a 6-6 record, before soaring back into playoff contention. They ended the season strongly, completing it with a respectable 9-7 record. In the playoffs, Seattle would demolish the Broncos (31-7), and then edge the Dolphins 27-20. The Seahawks then faced the Los Angeles Raiders, in the AFC Championship game. The Raiders took a commanding 20-0 lead by halftime, and eventually defeated the Seahawks, 30-14.

4. First Super Bowl appearance (2005)

The Seahawks played in their second NFL conference championship, as a member of the NFC. They flew high all season long, ending the regular season with a record of 13-3. The record was a franchise record. Seahawks Shaun Alexander (Running Back) earned the NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year awards. In the playoffs, the Seahawks beat the Redskins (20-10), and then tamed the Carolina Panthers (34-14).

In the Super Bowl, the Seahawks faced the Pittsburgh Steelers, a powerhouse during the 1970s. Seattle played the Steelers closely in the first half, which ended with the Steelers maintaining a slim 7-3 lead. In the second half, the Steelers would score another two touchdowns, while the Seahawks scored just one. While the game included multiple controversial calls, the Steelers would ultimately win the game, 21-10.

Throughout their three decades in the NFL, the Seattle Seahawks' biggest success has occurred recently. However, their goal remains to fly off with the biggest catch of the NFL: a Super Bowl trophy. Use Seattle Seahawks merchandise to cheer on your favorite birds!