There is now a new reason to root against the brash and cocky Seattle Seahawks in the upcoming NFL playoffs, and it has everything to do with the team’s blossoming relationship with jam band Phish. In a new “NFL Films Presents” video, the Vermont-based hippie-cult band has been linked to the NFL’s best team through vocalist/guitarist Trey Anastasio’s 1987 college senior project The Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday.
The musical story features an evil dictator named Wilson, and somehow ‘Hawks quarterback Russell Wilson became intertwined with the tale when Phish played songs from the project live on stage.
Oddly, Russell Wilson doesn’t comment in the video, so we don’t know how he feels about all this. But the clip talks to head coach Pete Carroll as well as fans of both the band and the ‘Hawks about how the “Wilson” thing has crossed over into the team’s quest for the Super Bowl. One fan has even come up with some Phish/Seahawks merchandise. The fans claim that Phish fans have a lot in common with CenturyLink Field’s 12th Man brigade because of their passion and relationship with the band and team.
And now the “Wilson” chant can be heard during home games in Seattle.
We’re not sure if this is cooler or worse than Hulk Hogan declaring his support for the New England Patriots this week.
Either way, we hope the Pats and the Seahawks settle it on the field at next month’s Super Bowl XLVIII at Metlife Stadium in New Jersey.
Featured Phish photo by Danny Clinch