neighborhood since 2002, during which time the field was known at various points as Seahawks Stadium, Qwest Field, and CenturyLink Field. The team is named for the osprey, a species of bird also referred to as the sea hawk.

The Seahawks joined the NFL in 1976, as an expansion team in the NFC West. From 1977 to 2001, Seattle was assigned to the American Football Conference (AFC) West; the team rejoined the NFC in 2002.