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The Seattle Seahawks are taking drastic action to crack down on unruly behavior in the stands this season.
Ahead of the first game of the season this weekend, the team announced on Thursday that it has devised a plan to reduce the number of abusive fans at Lumen Field.
In a move reminiscent of action film '22 Jump Street,' the Seahawks will plant undercover police officers in the stands to ensure fans are following the team's code of conduct, according to Gregg Bell.
The police officers will attend home games throughout the 2025 season in rival teams' jerseys to disguise themselves.
They intend to monitor and quickly identify guests who are violating the policy, including those who are exhibiting signs of over-intoxication or unruly behavior.
The team is implementing the measure in the hope of limiting disruptive or illegal behavior, drunken fans, abusive language and the harassment of rival fans.
The Seattle Seahawks are taking drastic action to crack down on unruly behavior at games
The plan is reminiscent of the plot of 22 Jump Street which follows undercover cops at college
They also plan to crack down on any interference with the game, including throwing items on the field, smoking or vaping, and the sale of any merchandise, tickets, food or beverage on Lumen Field property.
According to the team, 'fans can anonymously report any inappropriate activity that is disrupting their enjoyment during the game by texting a message to HAWK12 (429512).'
It isn't the first time that the Seahawks have employed a similar measure. Back in 2013, used undercover officers at home games as part of a similar strategy.
An epidemic of fan violence and abuse has swept the NFL throughout last couple of seasons.
Fan violence spiraled out of control at multiple NFL games at stadiums across the league of the past two years.
A fan even passed away in September 2023 following a fight at a New England Patriots game.
Patriots fan Dale Mooney, 53, collapsed and died after being beaten by a Dolphins fan at the Gillette Stadium.
Disturbing footage obtained by NBC10 showed the father-of-two and long-time Patriots ticket holder, who was donning Jones' No 10 jersey, being swung at by a Dolphins fan.
Undercover officers will be disguised as rival fans at Lumen Field throughout the 2025 season
The punch connected, with eyewitnesses saying Mooney fell to the ground moments later during the huge brawl. He was then rushed to a nearby hospital before being pronounced dead.
However, an autopsy concluded Mooney was not directly killed by the Dolphins fans' punch and may have succumbed to an undisclosed 'medical issue '.
Yet, the Giants, the 49ers, the Bengals, the Commanders, the Rams, the Broncos, the Ravens and the Seahawks all also have seen nasty scenes - in the stands or around the stadium – go viral.
A 2023 survey found nearly 40 per cent of NFL fans have witnessed criminality at or around an NFL stadium; around one in 14 has been a victim themselves. Nowhere have fans seen more disorder (63 per cent) than at Lincoln Financial Field – home of the Philadelphia Eagles. The most common crime witnessed? Physical violence.
The Seahawks kick start their 2025 season agains the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at 4:05pm ET at Lumen Field.
