Intro
Discover the rich Army Navy Game History, featuring iconic rivalries, memorable matchups, and patriotic traditions, showcasing college footballs greatest spectacle.
The Army Navy Game is one of the most iconic and enduring rivalries in American sports, with a rich history that spans over a century. The game is played annually between the Army Black Knights of the United States Military Academy and the Navy Midshipmen of the United States Naval Academy. The rivalry between the two teams is not just about football, but also about the values of duty, honor, and country that are at the heart of both institutions.
The first Army Navy Game was played in 1890, and it has been a annual tradition ever since, with the exception of a few years during World War I and World War II. The game is typically played on the second Saturday of December, and it is often referred to as "America's Game." The rivalry between the two teams is intense, with both sides having their own unique traditions and customs. The Army Black Knights are known for their black uniforms and their iconic "Sing Second" tradition, where the team sings the Army fight song after the game. The Navy Midshipmen, on the other hand, are known for their navy blue uniforms and their "Anchors Aweigh" fight song.
The Army Navy Game has a long and storied history, with many memorable moments and games over the years. One of the most famous games in the series was the 1963 game, which was played just 13 days after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The game was played at John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, and it was attended by over 100,000 fans. The Army Black Knights won the game 21-15, but the real story of the day was the tribute paid to the fallen president. The Navy Midshipmen presented the Army Black Knights with a plaque that read, "To the Black Knights of the Hudson, from the Midshipmen of the Navy, in memory of our commander-in-chief, John F. Kennedy."
Early Years of the Army Navy Game
The early years of the Army Navy Game were also marked by a series of notable players and coaches. One of the most famous players in the series was Jim Thorpe, who played for the Army Black Knights in the early 1900s. Thorpe was a legendary athlete who is widely considered to be one of the greatest football players of all time. He was a two-time All-American and won the Olympic gold medal in the decathlon in 1912.
Notable Coaches in the Army Navy Game
The Army Navy Game has also been marked by a series of notable coaches over the years. One of the most famous coaches in the series was Earl Blaik, who coached the Army Black Knights from 1941 to 1958. Blaik is widely considered to be one of the greatest coaches in college football history, and he led the Army Black Knights to three national championships during his tenure. Another notable coach in the series was Wayne Hardin, who coached the Navy Midshipmen from 1959 to 1964. Hardin led the Navy Midshipmen to a 5-1 record against the Army Black Knights during his tenure, and he is widely credited with helping to establish the Navy Midshipmen as a major force in college football.Modern Era of the Army Navy Game
One of the most notable games in the modern era of the Army Navy Game was the 2016 game, which was played at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. The Navy Midshipmen won the game 21-17, but the real story of the day was the tribute paid to the victims of the 9/11 attacks. The game was played on the 15th anniversary of the attacks, and it was attended by over 70,000 fans. The Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen both wore special uniforms to commemorate the occasion, and the game was marked by a series of emotional tributes to the victims and their families.
Impact of the Army Navy Game on College Football
The Army Navy Game has had a significant impact on college football over the years. The game is widely considered to be one of the most iconic and enduring rivalries in the sport, and it is often referred to as "America's Game." The game has also been the subject of numerous books, films, and documentaries, and it has been recognized as a national treasure by the National Football Foundation.The Army Navy Game has also had a significant impact on the players who participate in it. Many of the players who have participated in the game have gone on to have successful careers in the military and in other fields. The game is also seen as a way for the players to honor their country and to demonstrate their commitment to the values of duty, honor, and country that are at the heart of both the Army and the Navy.
Traditions and Customs of the Army Navy Game
Another notable tradition is the exchange of gifts between the two teams. The Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen exchange gifts before the game, and the gifts are often symbolic of the rivalry between the two teams. The gifts can range from humorous items like stuffed animals to more serious items like commemorative plaques.
The Army Navy Game is also marked by a series of pre-game and post-game ceremonies. The game is typically preceded by a series of parades and ceremonies, including the Army Navy Game parade and the Navy Midshipmen's pre-game ceremony. The game is also followed by a series of post-game ceremonies, including the singing of the Army and Navy fight songs and the exchange of gifts between the two teams.
Media Coverage of the Army Navy Game
The Army Navy Game is widely covered by the media, with numerous television networks and radio stations broadcasting the game. The game is also streamed online, and it is widely covered by social media and other online platforms.The media coverage of the Army Navy Game is often intense and dramatic, with many outlets focusing on the rivalry between the two teams and the significance of the game. The game is also widely covered by sports journalists and commentators, who often provide analysis and commentary on the game.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The Army Navy Game is also marked by a series of unique traditions and customs, including the "Sing Second" tradition and the exchange of gifts between the two teams. The game is widely covered by the media, with numerous television networks and radio stations broadcasting the game.
We invite you to share your thoughts and opinions on the Army Navy Game. What is your favorite memory of the game? What do you think makes the game so special? Share your comments and join the conversation.
Army Navy Game Image Gallery
What is the Army Navy Game?
+The Army Navy Game is an annual college football game played between the Army Black Knights of the United States Military Academy and the Navy Midshipmen of the United States Naval Academy.
When is the Army Navy Game played?
+The Army Navy Game is typically played on the second Saturday of December.
What is the significance of the Army Navy Game?
+The Army Navy Game is significant because it is a rivalry that is steeped in tradition and history, and it is often referred to as "America's Game." The game is also seen as a way for the players to honor their country and to demonstrate their commitment to the values of duty, honor, and country that are at the heart of both the Army and the Navy.