twelfth man

noun

1. a reserve player in a cricket team
2. anything that is regarded as a contributory factor to the success of a football team, esp a large and vocal home support

Example Sentences

A twelfth man, a former police officer, is accused of offering material support to the group.

From BBC

Seattle's football crowd is knows as "the twelfth man" because they cheer so loud that the visiting team can not talk to each other.

From New York Times

In “12,” Layton “takes us inside the community of the Twelfth Man, Seattle’s dedicated Seahawks football fans. We are part of the parade, preparing for the game with the players, making the calls and cheering them on,” according to the Winston Wachter Fine Art gallery, where “12” is being shown.

From Seattle Times

In “12,” Layton “takes us inside the community of the Twelfth Man, Seattle’s dedicated Seahawks football fans. We are part of the parade, preparing for the game with the players, making the calls and cheering them on,” according to the Winston Wachter Fine Art gallery, where “12” is being shown.

From Seattle Times

Cricket teams consist of eleven players plus an extra player in the side called the twelfth man, who serves as a substitute in case someone gets injured.

From Time