West Coast Clash: The Key Moments That Defined the 49ers-Seahawks Rivalry
The San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks. Two franchises, separated by a relatively short distance, but divided by a fierce rivalry that has produced some of the most memorable moments in NFL history. More than just a divisional matchup, this West Coast clash has evolved into a battle for bragging rights, playoff berths, and Super Bowl aspirations. While the series began in 1976, it wasn’t until the 2002 realignment that placed the Seahawks in the NFC West that the rivalry truly began to take shape, leading to two annual meetings filled with passion, intensity, and unforgettable plays. As of September 7, 2025, the Seahawks lead the all-time series 31-24. Let’s delve into the key moments that have defined this captivating rivalry.
The Rise of a Rivalry: The Early 2000s
Before the NFC West realignment, the 49ers-Seahawks matchups were infrequent and lacked the intensity that would later define the series. In the early years, the 49ers held the upper hand. However, with the Seahawks’ move to the NFC West in 2002, the stage was set for a more consistent and meaningful rivalry. Although the 49ers won both games in 2002, the Seahawks quickly rose to prominence, becoming a consistent contender in the NFC.
The Harbaugh-Carroll Era: A Collision of Coaching Titans
The 2010s marked a significant turning point in the 49ers-Seahawks rivalry, fueled by the arrival of two coaching titans: Pete Carroll in Seattle (2010) and Jim Harbaugh in San Francisco (2011). Their pre-existing rivalry from their days at USC and Stanford, respectively, added another layer of intrigue to the matchups. Both coaches instilled a physical, hard-nosed mentality in their teams, leading to intense, closely contested games.
In 2011, Harbaugh’s arrival in San Francisco marked a turning point. The 49ers, after years of mediocrity, surged to the top of the NFC West, finishing with a 13-3 record. The intensity of the rivalry escalated, with accusations of “cheating” and deliberate attempts to unsettle the opposition adding fuel to the fire.
2013 NFC Championship: The Tip That Echoed Through the NFL
Perhaps the most iconic moment in the 49ers-Seahawks rivalry came in the 2013 NFC Championship game. With a Super Bowl XLVIII berth on the line, the Seahawks held a narrow 23-17 lead late in the fourth quarter. The 49ers drove down the field, and with seconds remaining, Colin Kaepernick attempted a pass to Michael Crabtree in the end zone. Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman, known for his aggressive play and outspoken nature, leaped and tipped the ball, which was intercepted by teammate Malcolm Smith.
The play itself was dramatic, but it was Sherman’s immediate post-game interview that cemented its place in NFL lore. In an impassioned rant, Sherman declared himself the “best corner in the game” and called out Crabtree, creating a soundbite that reverberated throughout the sports world. The Seahawks went on to win Super Bowl XLVIII, further intensifying the rivalry with the 49ers, who had lost Super Bowl XLVII the previous season.
Thanksgiving Turkeys and Taunting: Sherman’s Reign of Intensity
Richard Sherman’s impact on the 49ers-Seahawks rivalry extended beyond his on-field play. In a 2014 Thanksgiving night game, after the Seahawks defeated the 49ers, Sherman and quarterback Russell Wilson were seen eating turkey on the 50-yard line of Levi’s Stadium, the 49ers’ home field. This act was viewed by many as a deliberate taunt, further fueling the animosity between the two teams and their fan bases. Sherman also called 49ers fans “vulgar” that night.
The Seahawks’ Dominance: The Russell Wilson Era
From 2012, when the Seahawks drafted Russell Wilson, until his departure in early 2022, Seattle dominated the rivalry, posting a 17-4 record against the 49ers. Wilson’s mobility, arm talent, and clutch performances made him a constant thorn in the side of the 49ers. During this period, the Seahawks won 10 straight games against the 49ers from 2014-2018, and 8 straight at home from 2012-2018.
Sherman’s Switch: Crossing Enemy Lines
In a surprising turn of events, Richard Sherman, the embodiment of the Seahawks-49ers rivalry, signed with San Francisco in 2018. This move added another layer of intrigue to the series, as Sherman now faced his former team twice a year. While some questioned his loyalty, Sherman maintained that he was simply making the best decision for his career. In 2018, Sherman helped take the 49ers to Super Bowl LIV.
Recent Battles: A Shifting Tide
After Wilson’s departure from Seattle in 2022, the 49ers turned the rivalry around, winning six straight games before the Seahawks ended the streak with a 20-17 victory on November 17, 2024, courtesy of a Geno Smith rushing touchdown. The 49ers, however, emerged victorious in their most recent encounter on September 7, 2025, with a 17-13 win.
Key Players and Performances
Throughout the history of the 49ers-Seahawks rivalry, numerous players have delivered memorable performances. For the 49ers, names like Steve Young, Terrell Owens, Frank Gore, Colin Kaepernick, and George Kittle stand out. On the Seahawks side, players like Matt Hasselbeck, Shaun Alexander, Marshawn Lynch, Russell Wilson, and Richard Sherman have left their mark on the series.
The Rivalry Today
The 49ers and Seahawks continue to be key contenders in the NFC West. The rivalry retains its intensity, with each game carrying significant implications for playoff positioning. While the faces may change, the passion and competitiveness that define this West Coast clash remain as strong as ever.