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Texas A&M 12th Man Tradition |
College Football Traditions: Texas A&M's 12th Man
One of the greatest College Football Traditions of All-Time is the
12th Man of Texas A&M.
It was created in January 1922, when Texas A&M was playing Centre
College, the top team in the nation. The Aggies were playing with a
limited roster as several players were injured.
Because the team was short on players, Texas A&M coach Dana X. Bible
knew a student in the stadium by the name of E. King Gill, a former
football player turned basketball player.
Gill was asked to suit up for the game to back up the squad. He stood
on the sideline in uniform, and although he never played in the game,
the Aggies ended up winning. At the end of the game, Gill was the
only remaining man on the sidelines.
The students of Texas A&M have ever since been known as the original 12th Man.
In the 1980s, Coach Jackie Sherrill created a new version of 12th Man
for the Aggies. He started the "12th Man Kickoff Team" composed of
regular students who tried out for the team, instead of players. These
students were placed on the roster for the sole purpose of running the
kickoffs.
Later, the "12th Man Kickoff Team" was modified down to one student
player. Currently one "walk-on" player represents the Texas A&M
student body each game, and wears uniform #12.
The 12th Man has become one of the greatest traditions at Texas A&M.
The tradition has evolved into a campus-wide commitment to support the
football team. Students stand for the entire game at Kyle Field and
sometimes fans will even join arms and sway in unison, causing the
stadium to rumble.
The "12th Man" gives the team momentum and is
always ready to help the team when needed. The fans will get loud
when the Aggies are on defense, to draw false starts on the opposing
offense and deter audible calls at the line of scrimmage.
The "12th Man" is a popular phrase. So popular, other teams have been
seen using it. So, in 1990 Texas A&M trademarked the term. After
sending request to stop using the phrase, the Buffalo Bills and the
Chicago Bears have ceased using it.
However, Texas A&M got invloved in a legal battle with the Seattle
Seahawks. The Seahawks still use the "12th Man" Phrase, and have been
6 years before Texas A&M filed for the trademark.
In January 2006, Texas A&M filed suit against the Seattle Seahawks to
protect the trademark and in May 2006, the dispute was settled out of
court. In the agreement, Texas A&M allows the Seahawks to continue
using the phrase provided they acknowledge that the trademark on the
slogan belongs to Texas A&M.
The Texas A&M Aggies have some of the best fans in all of College
Football. If you get the chance, I highly recommend seeing a game at
Texas A&M. The intensity and the atmosphere will provide a great
experience, and you too can be a part of the "12th Man".
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