What is the '12th Man?' What to know about Texas A&M football traditions

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Texas A&M football is making its College Football Playoff debut against No. 10 Miami at home on Saturday, Dec. 20, after the Aggies completed one of their best regular seasons in program history.

The home matchup on the biggest stage in the sport will introduce many to the Aggies' iconic traditions, from Reveille on the sideline to why Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, is home to the "12th Man."

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Texas A&M's Marcel Reed was one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football this season, passing for 2,932 yards with 25 touchdowns to 10 interceptions, while rushing for 466 yards and six more scores. The Aggies will need every bit of Reed and receivers KC Concepcion and Mario Craver after being held to 17 points in a 27-17 road loss to rival Texas in the regular season finale.

Miami is led by veteran quarterback Carson Beck, a first-year transfer from Georgia. Beck has 3,072 passing yards with 25 touchdowns to 10 interceptions, and his favorite target has been true freshman Malachi Toney, who has 84 receptions for 970 yards with seven touchdowns.

Here's everything to know about Texas A&M, for those unfamiliar with the ins and outs of the program and its history.

What is the 12th Man at Texas A&M?

The "12th Man" tradition at Texas A&M dates back to 1922, and it represents the Aggies' 38,000 students and over 106,000 fans at Kyle Field.

Texas A&M was facing top-ranked Centre College in the Dixie Classic in Dallas when E. King Gill, a basketball player at the school, was in the press box at the game helping reporters identify players. Texas A&M was riddled with injuries in the game, and coach Dana X. Bible remembered Gill was at the game and asked him to change into injured running back Heine Weir's uniform.

Gill never entered the game, but he was ready to go on the bench as Texas A&M's "12th Man." The Aggies went on to upset Centre College, despite Gill serving as the lone player on Texas A&M's bench.

"The power of the 12th Man is demonstrated in the unity, loyalty and willingness of Aggies to serve when called to do so," Texas A&M's official website writes of the "12th Man." "It may be most visible on gamedays, but students also embrace this spirit through generosity and service to their peers, community and the world. Texas A&M has become known as the 'Home of the 12th Man,' a name that embraces Gill’s simple gesture of service."

What does 'Gig 'em' mean?

"Gig 'em" is a rallying cry at Texas A&M and is often accompanied by a thumbs-up gesture. The phrase was created in 1920 by P.L. "Pinkie" Downs, a member of Texas A&M's Board of Regents, according to the university.

Downs said "Gig 'em, Aggies" during an address to the crowd before a game against TCU, as he was referencing a tool called a gig, which is used to hunt frogs. Downs also gestured with his thumb up.

What is an Aggie?

"Aggie" is the official nickname of the student body, and was first referenced in the 1920s, according to the school. Texas A&M is one of multiple schools with "Aggies" as its athletics nickname, which stems from the program's background as an agriculture and mechanical college, hence "A&M" in its name.

Who is Reveille?

Reveille, also known as the "First Lady of Aggieland," has been Texas A&M's official mascot since 1931. "Miss Rev" is a Rough Collie dog.

Reveille, the highest-ranking member of Texas A&M's Corps of Cadets, is on the sideline at every Aggies football game. She is cared for by a sophomore in the Corps of Cadets' Company E-2, who is selected from within and escorts her to various events.

The current mascot is Reveille X, the school's 10th full-blooded Rough Collie. Reveille X was born in 2019 and assumed mascot duties in 2021.

What is a yell leader?

"Yell Leaders" at Texas A&M consist of five elected students – three seniors and two juniors – that make up the official spirit organization at the school.

"Yell Leaders" don't cheer at games but instead lead "yells" to hype up the crowd at games. The "Yell Leaders" dress in all-white jumpsuits and attend all sporting events.

The origin started in 1907, when Texas A&M was an all-male college.

What is the Midnight Yell?

On Friday nights before games, thousands of Texas A&M students gather at Kyle Field for the "Midnight Yell." The "Yell Leaders" lead students in "yells" in preparation for the game.

The first "Midnight Yell" was held in 1931.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is the 12th Man? Texas A&M football traditions explained

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