Army vs Navy Football Game

The Army vs Navy  football game is not just a game. It is a big part of American history. This rivalry goes back many years and has many interesting stories. Let’s dive into 10 things you might not know about this famous game.

1. How It All Started

The Army-Navy game began on November 29, 1890. Dennis Mikey was a cadet at West Point. He wanted to start a football team. At that time, Navy already had a football team. So, Mikey came up with a plan. He asked Navy to challenge West Point to a game. He told the West Point faculty that their pride was at stake. This worked, and the game was on!

The Army team was not very experienced. Only three of the players had played football before. So, Navy won the first game 24-0. But the next year, Army got better and won 32-16. The rivalry had begun!

Army vs Navy

2. The First Football Helmet

In 1893, a player named Joseph Mason Reeves changed the game. He played for Navy. After some injuries, he visited a doctor. The doctor warned him that getting hit in the head could be very dangerous. So, Reeves asked a shoemaker to help him. Together, they made the first leather football helmet. He wore it during the Army-Navy game. Navy won that game 6-4.

3. A President on the Field

Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th president of the United States, was born just a month before the first Army-Navy game. He played football at West Point. He had a chance to play in the big game but got hurt just before it. His knee injury ended his football career. So, while he was on the team, he never actually played in the Army-Navy game.

4. The Game of the Century

The 1944 Army-Navy game was called the “Game of the Century.” Army was ranked number one, and Navy was number two. Both teams were very strong. To raise money for World War II, they made everyone buy war bonds to attend the game. Army won the game 23-7, but everyone raised a lot of money for the war effort.

Army vs Navy

5. A Historic Game in 1963

The 1963 game was special because it happened after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Many thought the game would be canceled, but his wife, Jackie Kennedy, wanted it to go on. So, they rescheduled it for December 7. This game was also the first to use instant replay, thanks to director Tony Verna. The game ended with Navy winning 21-15.

6. The Unique Tradition of the “Prisoner Exchange”

One fun tradition is the “prisoner exchange.” Cadets from each academy spend a semester at the other’s school. Before the game, they pretend to exchange prisoners at center field. It’s a fun way to show camaraderie between the two schools.

In 2016, midshipmen even wore messages on their clothes during the exchange, showing off their long win streak against Army.

7. A Game Played Across the Country

The Army-Navy game has been played in over 20 venues across 11 cities. The 1983 game was the first to be played west of the Mississippi River, at the Rose Bowl in California. Navy won that game 42-13.

8. No More Mascot Stealing

In 1992, both schools agreed to stop stealing each other’s mascots. Navy has a goat named Bill, and Army has a mule. There were many funny stories about Army cadets stealing Bill the goat. But after some wild plans, they decided to put an end to it!

Army vs Navy

9. Special Uniforms for the Game

Every year, both teams wear special uniforms designed by military historians. They work with Nike and Under Armour to create unique jerseys. These uniforms often tell stories about each school’s history. Fans eagerly await these designs every year.

10. More Than Just a Game

The Army-Navy game is about more than just football. It’s a celebration of honor, teamwork, and respect. After the game, both teams sing their fight songs. They sing the losing team’s song first, as a sign of respect.

This tradition shows how, despite being rivals on the field, both teams share a bond as future leaders of the military.

The Army-Navy game is a rich tradition in American sports. It brings together history, respect, and competition. Whether you cheer for Army or Navy, this game is a special event that everyone looks forward to every year!

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