The United States Army and Navy are gearing up for the 126th edition of the Army-Navy Game, a historic event that has seen the teams donning special uniforms for the NCAA football rivalry series over the past decade.
This year, however, both teams have raised the bar, with the Army stating, "We will carry the Army's Warrior Ethos with us onto the gridiron."
The Army recently unveiled their jerseys for the game, scheduled for December 13th at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. The design theme for this year is "250 Years of Service & Sacrifice," with the Army drawing inspiration from its ethos: "I will always place the mission first, I will never accept defeat, I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade."
According to The Blaze, the team has also emphasized the U.S. Constitution and the Revolutionary War, with "1775" inscribed on the back of their helmets. The Army, in a press release, highlighted how "Washington transformed the Continental Army into a disciplined fighting force," and how his soldiers "boldly regained the initiative by crossing the Delaware River on Christmas in 1776 and seized Trenton and Princeton." These disciplined soldiers were able to stand their ground against the British, securing American independence.
The uniform features Constitution-style text on the nameplate, honoring America's founding documents and emphasizing "the importance of having an Army that swears loyalty to a set of ideas rather than a monarch." It also showcases the Great Chain, a tribute to West Point's strategic value during the American Revolution, and purple streaks through the jersey numbers and helmet, symbolizing the sacrifices made by soldiers and Gold Star families.
The Army's commitment to defending liberty is evident in the design, reinforcing its motto, "This we'll defend," while promising victory. The team declared, "We will carry the Army's Warrior Ethos with us onto the gridiron in Baltimore as we defeat our rivals and seize the Commander-in-Chiefs trophy."
Meanwhile, Navy football has also unveiled its iconic uniforms, focusing on the historic copper and the Navy's longest-serving ship, the USS Constitution. The ship, the only remaining frigate from the original six frigates fleet and the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat, is given special recognition. The design includes ship knots around the jersey's sleeves, the American flag, and the nautical Navy and heritage red colors, symbolizing its battle-worn hull.
The USS Constitution, nicknamed "Old Ironsides" because cannonballs seemed to bounce off its hull during the War of 1812, remains undefeated in battle and has never lowered its flag. The Navy's uniform also highlights the crucial role copper has played in preserving the original U.S. frigates. The copper not only protects the wooden hulls, but it was also used for the 1797 and 1798 one-cent pieces placed beneath each mast of the USS Constitution for good luck.
The helmet for the 2025 game is coated in oxidized copper, featuring a detailed sketch of the historic ship and a wooden plank down the center, bound by six ropes to honor the original six frigates. The ropes on the helmet have 126 knots, referencing the 126th Army-Navy game.
The Army's uniform reveal has garnered much praise online, even from rivals. Comments on the Navy's page were equally positive, with fans commending the designers for their "incredible storytelling in this design." The 2024 Army-Navy Game, according to the game's official website, drew an average of 9.4 million viewers on CBS, surpassing the previous record of 8.45 million set in 1992.
This year's game, with its heightened anticipation and unique uniforms, promises to be another historic event in this storied rivalry.
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