On Jan. 2, 1922, E. King Gill, a basketball player and former member of the Texas A&M football team, was in the stands during the Dixie Classic as the Aggies faced top-ranked, undefeated Centre College. Outgunned and with nearly all players injured, Coach Dana X. Bible called Gill down to the sideline. Gill suited up and stood ready to play throughout the game, forever becoming “the 12th Man” in what was one of the greatest upsets in college football history, with the Aggies winning 22-14. This willingness to serve is tradition at Texas A&M and in 2022, we’ll celebrate the centennial of the 12th Man!
The 100th anniversary of the birth of Texas A&M’s world-famous 12th Man tradition will be celebrated across Texas A&M Athletics throughout the 2021-22 school year. As part of the 12th Man Centennial celebration, Texas A&M is planning a multitude of content, collectibles and activities that honor the renowned 12th Man tradition.
Before he became the first 12th Man, an Aggie by the name of E. King Gill was a basketball player and former member of the Texas A&M football team. Little did he know that his willingness to serve would become his legacy, one that lives on nearly 100 years later.
As the spirit of the 12th Man is embraced by the Texas A&M student body, references to the tradition begin appearing around campus, including this formation by the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band.
Over 580
Trademark infringement issues
99 years
since E. King Gill
1990
Trademark issued
Texas A&M Signs Deal With Seattle Seahawks
Texas A&M reaches a licensing agreement with the Seattle Seahawks. The agreement allows the Seahawks organization to use “12th Man” in a limited fashion.
The Seahawks licensing agreement was renewed for another five-year term in 2011.
Seahawks Agreement PDFTexas A&M Signs Deal With Buffalo Bills
Texas A&M grants a license to the Buffalo Bills to feature “12th Man” on the side of Ralph Wilson Stadium, the Bills’ home stadium.
Read Bills AgreementTrademark Suit Against Indianapolis Colts Settled
Read the ArticleNew Licensing Agreement with Seattle Seahawks
Texas A&M University and the Seattle Seahawks reach a new license agreement regarding the university’s 12th Man trademark that ran through 2021.
Read Seahawks Agreement
