Greg McElroy defends Texas A&M Yell Leaders

The Texas A&M Yell Leaders are unique to the school and while they’re great for the Aggies, they aren’t too popular for opposing teams.

However, Greg McElroy defended the unique fandom at Texas A&M and said that’s one of the many things he loves about college football. The Yell Leaders lead the Texas A&M fans in chants at football games and other events around campus.

While they can certainly be a pain for others, it’s an Aggie tradition unlike any other.

“I put the Texas A&M Yell Leaders in and that’s something I love about college football,” McElroy said on Always College Football. “People always make fun of Texas A&M and say how ridiculous it is. Now, it’s weird that people leave the bars at midnight to go practice their cheers. To me, I think it’s super cool. It’s unique to the place. And I’ve always thought that if you have things that make you stand out that you make you different, that make you fun, I guess. 

“If you want to engage in that sort of thing, then so be it. So I had the Yell Leaders under the mascot part because they’re leading the cheers. What is more important than getting fans fired up? Isn’t that the mascot’s job? I feel like Yell Leader (do) that pretty dang well, whether it be at Midnight Yell, or (anything else), they’re in the stadium on game day.”

Heck, the history of the Yell Leaders is something else.

“For over 100 years, the Yell Leaders have embodied the unique Aggie Spirit for which Texas A&M is so well known,” the group’s description reads on their website. “The Yell Leaders are comprised of five students that are elected by the student body. They are the official spirit organization of the university and they lead Aggie fans in ‘yells’ during athletic and other university events. Unlike cheerleaders, the Yell Leaders do not perform gymnastic feats. Instead they use a variety of hand signals, called ‘pass backs,’ to direct and intensify the crowd. 

“The Texas Aggie Yell Leaders represent the 12th Man at Aggie athletic events, serve as campus ambassadors to A&M and Aggie Mother’s Clubs across Texas and the U.S., and regularly make appearances at campus-wide events for current, new, and prospective students, former students, campus administrators, visitors, and dignitaries.  Midnight Yell Practice has been dubbed a ‘College Football Bucket List’ item and is one of Texas A&M’s most well-known traditions.”

The Yell Leaders better be loud and proud this year if Jimbo Fisher and Texas A&M want to compete for an SEC title.