This weekend, my son Benjamin and I will be attending one of the most meaningful football games of the season—no, it’s not the NFL playoffs or any high-profile college bowl game. We’re heading to Landover, Maryland, to witness the 125th Army-Navy football game, a rivalry that dates back to 1890 and has become one of America’s most cherished traditions.
For me, this game is a deeply personal experience. As a Navy man’s son, my connection to this game is rooted in memories of my own father, who served in the Pacific during World War II. The first Army-Navy game I attended was in 1955, when I was just 12 years old. My father took me to the stadium, where I was in awe of the young men on the field—athletes who were not just skilled football players but also dedicated to serving their country. That admiration has only grown over the years.
Even after all these decades, the Army-Navy game retains its emotional power. One of the most moving moments for me is still the “March On,” when thousands of midshipmen and cadets march into the stadium, proudly representing their respective branches. The sense of unity and patriotism is palpable—there’s an energy in the air that transcends the rivalry on the field. From the breathtaking flyovers to the parachute jumps and the presence of aging veterans in the stands, the game is a celebration of service, duty, and American pride—values that seem all the more important in today’s polarized world.
Unlike the controversy surrounding NFL players kneeling during the national anthem in protest of social injustice, the Army-Navy game is a full-throated celebration of patriotism. The men and women on the field and in the stands are committed to something much greater than sports—protecting and defending the freedoms we often take for granted. Sportswriter John Feinstein, who has covered this game for years and authored a book about the rivalry, spoke to me about the emotional weight he feels when witnessing the “March On.” He noted that every person marching in that formation has volunteered to put their life on the line for the country, if necessary—a reminder of the true stakes involved in the game.
This year’s matchup will be exciting. Army enters the game with an 11-1 record and a conference championship, placing them in the top 25 nationally. Navy, while not as dominant, has had a solid season, winning eight of its eleven games. Both teams are vying for the prestigious Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, awarded to the service academy that wins the most games against the others. The last time both teams entered the game with such impressive records was in 1996, and though Army is favored to win, the Army-Navy game is known for its unpredictability. In the cadet and midshipman culture, the outcome of this game is seen as the true measure of a team’s season, no matter how the rest of the year goes.
The history of this rivalry is rich with stories of legendary figures. Dwight D. Eisenhower, who later became president and Supreme Allied Commander during World War II, and General Omar Bradley, both played for Army. Even generals like Douglas MacArthur and William “Bull” Halsey, who would go on to make their mark in World War II, were part of the Army-Navy legacy. This tradition of exceptional leadership and commitment continues to be reflected in the young men and women who now march into the stadium each year.
While the Army-Navy rivalry stirs fierce competition, the bond between the two services is undeniable. After the game ends, regardless of who wins, the teams will join together in a final show of respect—singing each other’s alma maters in a tradition that reinforces the mutual admiration shared by the soldiers and sailors in training.
Though I’ll be cheering for Army this year—sorry, Dad, I know you’re watching from above—it’s hard not to feel that the true victory here is in the unity and service these young men and women embody. The Army-Navy game is more than just a football contest; it’s a celebration of the values that make America great: service, sacrifice, and a shared sense of purpose. It’s a game that, in its essence, reminds us of what truly matters and brings us together in a time when we need it most.
