Texas A&M football names Nana Boadi-Owusu their 12th Man for the 2024 season
One of the greatest institutions in the sport is Texas A&M football’s tradition of the 12th Man. From the beginning, with E. King Gill coming down from the bleachers to stand ready for the team if they should need him, this tradition has symbolized the Aggie spirit in a very direct way.
Since Jackie Sherrill instituted the 12th Man kickoff team during his tenure, the tradition has seen a revival in the football program specifically. Sherrill would enlist the help of a kickoff coverage team made up of entirely walk-on players in order to give feet to the idea behind the 12th Man.
Since then, the Aggies have utilized the no. 12 jersey as an honor given to a former walk-on. This distinction is given to a player who best embodies the spirit of the tradition on the team. There have been some extremely notable no. 12s in recent history, including fan favorite Cullen Gillaspia—who, as Aggie fans remember, notched a career highlight when he blocked J. K. Scott’s punt in A&M’s 2017 game against Alabama.
In last year’s game against Abilene Christian, the Aggies once more rolled out the all-walk-on kickoff coverage team. This led to another highlight—a forced fumble on a huge hit. Though it was later overturned, this was still a big moment that got the crowd going crazy.
Now, the Aggies have their 12th Man for this season. Texas A&M football has named Nana Boadi-Owusu their 12th Man for 2024.
Beyond blessed and honored to be able to wear this jersey🙏🏾. GigEm https://t.co/6ioVpMEgDq
— Nana Boadi-Owusu (@nana_b23) August 6, 2024
Boadi-Owusu, a defensive lineman, hails from Arlington-Martin—the alma mater of Myles Garrett. Only a sophomore, he has seen the field sparingly so far, but I’d bet that changes here soon.
Congratulations, Nana!