First played on Nov. 29, 1890, the Army-Navy Game stands as one of college football's oldest and most storied rivalries. Its tradition stretches beyond athletics, symbolizing the courage and commitment of America's service academies. It is the one game where every player has volunteered to serve the nation, and each player is willing to sacrifice his life for the people watching. As it is often said: "After the game, everybody on the field is on the same team."
"Few traditions in sports capture the heart of a nation the way the Army-Navy Game does," said NFF President & CEO
Steve Hatchell. "For more than a century, the game has transcended football, reminding us of the values of sacrifice, unity and service. It is a timeless celebration of young men who are not only great athletes but also future leaders of our military, willing to defend our freedoms. The game's history, pageantry, and enduring significance make it more than a rivalry — it is a national treasure, to be honored, protected, and respected."
General
Douglas MacArthur, a team manager while a cadet at West Point who would go on to be one of the NFF's early leaders famously observed: "On the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that on other days, on other fields, will bear the fruits of victory." Nowhere are those words more vividly illustrated than in the Army-Navy Game, where competition on the gridiron serves as preparation for a lifetime of service and leadership on behalf of the nation.
"Every December, the Army-Navy Game becomes one of the most powerful scenes in all of sports," said NFF Chairman
Archie Manning. "Two fierce rivals play their hearts out for 60 minutes, and then, side by side, they stand together to honor each other's alma maters. It's a vivid reminder that while they compete on the field, they are united in a higher calling to serve our country. Honoring the Army-Navy Game with the Distinguished American Award is a recognition of not only a tradition, but of its importance to our country."
The game, with Navy leading the series 63-55-7, has been televised nationally every year since 1945 with CBS holding the rights since 1996. It has been primarily played in the northeast, with Philadelphia hosting the event 90 times. On two occasions the game ventured west. The 1926 game, which would determine the national champion, was played in front of over 110,000 at the dedication of Chicago's Soldier Field. In 1983, the iconic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, played host. This December, Baltimore will take its turn in hosting the Brigade of Midshipmen and Corps of Cadets. Played on the second Saturday of December the rivalry is played unopposed by any FBS or NFL game, providing America's Game with the undivided attention of the nation.
The game's stature has attracted some of the most prominent figures in American history. Sitting U.S. presidents have attended more than 10 times, including
Theodore Roosevelt, who was the first in 1901, followed by
Woodrow Wilson,
Calvin Coolidge, Harry Truman, John F. Kennedy (1961 NFF Gold Medal Recipient),
Gerald Ford (1972 NFF Gold Medal Recipient),
Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and most recently
Donald Trump. Numerous vice presidents, cabinet officials, military leaders and other dignitaries have made it a priority to support the game's importance with their attendance.
The game has also been immortalized in movies, television and music, standing as an enduring symbol of pride, patriotism and tradition. A total of 40 Hall of Fame players (22 from Army and 18 from Navy) have appeared in the game, including five Heisman Trophy winners:
Doc Blanchard (Army-1945),
Glenn Davis (Army-1946),
Pete Dawkins (Army-1958),
Joe Bellino (Navy-1960) and
Roger Staubach (Navy-1963). Nine Hall of Fame coaches (four from Army and five from Navy) have paced the sidelines.
