This December 14th, one of America’s greatest sports rivalries will celebrate its 125th anniversary–the Army-Navy football game. Every December, this illustrious showdown takes center stage, combining fierce competition with time-honored traditions. It’s not just a football game; it’s an enduring symbol of patriotism and camaraderie that has captivated fans for more than a century. From legendary moments on the field to quirky pranks off it, the Army-Navy football game has a rich history worth celebrating.
The Army-Navy football game first began in 1890 when the Naval Academy challenged the Military Academy to a football match. Navy dominated that first game with a 24-0 victory, but Army evened the score the following year. The rivalry’s intensity was apparent early on—so much so that it caused riots between cadets and midshipmen, leading to a brief suspension of the game.
By the early 1900s, this iconic matchup became a cherished American tradition. In 1901, President Theodore Roosevelt attended, setting the stage for the game’s national importance.
The Army-Navy football game is famous not only for its on-field action but also for the traditions surrounding it. Both academies pull out all the stops during “spirit missions,” where students orchestrate elaborate pranks. One standout moment came in 2012 when Navy midshipmen “borrowed” an Army humvee, delivered it to the game with a ribbon on top, and earned legendary bragging rights.
Then there’s the breathtaking march-on, where every cadet and midshipman assembles on the field before kickoff. This solemn display of discipline and unity reminds everyone that these players are teammates in service to their country, no matter the outcome of the game.
The Army-Navy football game has provided some of the most iconic moments in college football. In 1963, future NFL star Roger Staubach led Navy to a thrilling 21-15 victory, earning the game the nickname “The Game of the Century.”
In 2001, just months after 9/11, the game became a poignant symbol of resilience. While Navy triumphed on the field, the day was marked by a shared sense of unity as players from both sides stood together during the National Anthem.
The Army-Navy football game has a storied tradition not just on the field but in the stands, where some of the nation’s most prominent leaders have cheered on the teams. Since 1901, ten sitting U.S. presidents have attended the legendary matchup, beginning with Theodore Roosevelt, who witnessed the rivalry firsthand in 1901 and again in 1905.
Harry S. Truman set a high bar for presidential attendance, making it to all but one game during his two terms in office (1945–1952), only missing the 1951 game while on vacation.
More recently, George W. Bush and Donald Trump each made three appearances. Bush showed his support in 2001, 2004, and 2008, while Trump attended in 2018, 2019, and 2020—and even made a special visit as president-elect in 2016.
The charismatic John F. Kennedy added his own legacy to the game, attending in 1961 and 1962. Tragically, he was assassinated just 15 days before the 1963 showdown.
Other commanders-in-chief to make an appearance include Woodrow Wilson (1913), Calvin Coolidge (1924), Gerald Ford (1974), Bill Clinton (1996), and Barack Obama (2011), each taking a moment to honor the fierce rivalry and camaraderie between Army and Navy. These presidential visits serve as a reminder of the game’s enduring significance, blending sportsmanship with patriotism in a uniquely American tradition.
Mascot Mischief: Goats vs. Mules
No conversation about the Army-Navy football game is complete without mentioning the mascots: Navy’s Bill the Goat and Army’s mule. Their rivalry is nearly as famous as the game itself. Over the years, pranksters from both academies have made a sport of stealing each other’s mascots.
One of the most infamous incidents happened in 1991 when Army cadets mistakenly captured four goats, thinking one was the real Bill. Spoiler: none were. The real Bill remained safely at Annapolis, likely enjoying the mix-up from afar.
More Than Just a Game
The Army-Navy football game is much more than a clash on the gridiron. It’s a celebration of honor, teamwork, and the sacrifices made by those in uniform. While only one team can walk away with the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy each year, both sides emerge victorious in embodying the spirit of service and dedication that defines our armed forces. Learn more about this year’s game and how to watch it by clicking here.
Whether you’re chanting “Go Army! Beat Navy!” or cheering for Navy to claim another victory, one thing’s for sure: this is one game where the stakes go beyond football—it’s about pride, tradition, and the bond between two of America’s greatest institutions.
Did You Know?
- The game has been played in snowstorms, rain, and even during World War II, when it was broadcast live to troops overseas.
- Philadelphia is the most frequent host of the Army-Navy Football Game, but it’s also been played in iconic venues like the Rose Bowl and Soldier Field.
- The Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, awarded to the winner, is a gold eagle perched on a block of granite—symbolic of strength and resolve.
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