The Army–Navy Game: A Rivalry Rooted in Service, Honor, and Football Greatness 

You’ll have to indulge me this week. The Army–Navy Game is here again, and while many around town may not follow it closely, those of us who came out of Annapolis or West Point, USNA Class of 1966 in my case, we are honor bound to spread the word. I don’t watch much football anymore, but this game is different.  It is in our USNA alumni DNA, dare I say West Pointers too, to get excited!   

Few American sporting events carry the emotional weight or tradition of the Army - Navy Game. Since its first kickoff in 1890, it has represented far more than bragging rights. It stands for duty, sacrifice, and a shared commitment that every midshipman and cadet understand long before they ever step onto the field. These athletes know that after graduation, the next uniform they put on won’t be for sport,it will be for service to the nation. 

For academy students, football is only one piece of a demanding education in leadership and character. They may battle fiercely on the field, and anyone who has marched into a packed stadium for this rivalry never forgets that energy, but come Monday morning life returns to the real work: academics, drills, ships, and training that shape them into future Navy, Marine Corps, and Army officers. That shared purpose gives the game a tone unlike anything else in college sports. They hit hard on Saturday, but they will stand together when the country calls. 

The rivalry has also produced remarkable talent. Navy’s Roger Staubach (and Vietnam Vet) and Joe Bellino wereHeisman Trophy winners and went on the Dallas Cowboys and Patriots respectively. In all, more than 40 USNA players went on to the NFL. Army has stars as well, including Heisman Trophy winners’ “Doc” Blanchard, Glen Davis, and Pete Dawkins.  Over 37 USMA players went on to the NFL.  Few make the pros, but the lesson is the same for all of them; service comes first. 

Today, despite facing much larger programs with very different recruiting advantages, Army and Navy still play with discipline, heart and pride. The game may lack the celebrity of modern powerhouse matchups, but it has something rarer, authenticity. It is football in its purest form: teamwork, grit, and commitment to something greater than oneself. 

Each December, when the Corps of Cadets and Brigade of Midshipmen march onto the field, they carry history with them. And every graduate feels it. These young men will soon serve a purpose far greater than football. 

So, on Saturday, Navy with its 9-2 record and Army with its 6-5 record face off again. The record now is Navy with 63 wins, Army with 55 and 7 ties. On Saturday, records won’t mean anything. No matter who wins, however, just watch the respect each has for the other when they honor each other’s alma mater. 

Victory lasts a year. Pride lasts a lifetime. But service endures forever. 

Go Navy—Beat Army.