The annual Army-Navy game began in 1890, and is seen as one of the most traditional and long standing rivalries in college football. The match brings together the United States Military Academy’s Army Black Knights from West Point, New York and the United States Naval Academy’s Navy Midshipmen from Annapolis, Maryland. Although several players have gone on to professional football careers the game is notable because the players are there “for the love of the game,” not the big paychecks and lucrative careers potentially offered by the NFL. The Academies rigorous academic entrance requirements and a five-year military commitment steer most high school athletes to non-military colleges and universities. This football was used in play during the 75th Army-Navy game held on November 30, 1974, which President Ford attended at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Prior to kickoff the President greeted Army team captain Robert Johnson and Navy team captains Cliff Collier and Tim Harden, and participated in the coin toss. He watched the first half of the game from the Navy side of the stadium then switched to the Army side for the second half. Navy’s Midshipmen won that years contest 19-0 and went on to continue their winning streak until 1976.
Posted on: Sat, 13 Dec 2014 15:00:00 +0000