40 Facts About Army Black Knights Football

The Legacy of Army Black Knights Football

The Army Black Knights football team has a rich history filled with remarkable achievements and memorable moments. Here are some fascinating facts about this storied program.

1. The Army Black Knights football team represents the United States Military Academy at West Point.
2. The team was established in 1890, making it one of the oldest college football programs in the United States.
3. The Black Knights have won three national championships: in 1944, 1945, and 1946.
4. Army's football team has produced three Heisman Trophy winners: Doc Blanchard (1945), Glenn Davis (1946), and Pete Dawkins (1958).
5. The team's home games are played at Michie Stadium, which opened in 1924 and is named after Dennis Michie, the team's first head coach.
6. The Black Knights' traditional rivals include the Navy Midshipmen and the Air Force Falcons, with the annual Army-Navy game being one of the most storied rivalries in college football.
7. The Army-Navy game is traditionally played on the second Saturday in December and is one of the most-watched college football games each year.
8. The Black Knights have a unique mascot, a mule, which symbolizes the strength and perseverance of the Army.
9. The team's colors are black, gold, and gray, representing the traditional colors of the United States Military Academy.
10. The Black Knights have appeared in 9 bowl games, with their first appearance in the 1984 Cherry Bowl.

Notable Players and Coaches

The Army Black Knights have been home to many legendary players and coaches who have left an indelible mark on the program.

11. Earl "Red" Blaik, who coached the team from 1941 to 1958, is considered one of the greatest coaches in college football history.
12. Blaik led the Black Knights to two national championships and compiled a record of 121-33-10 during his tenure.
13. Glenn Davis, also known as "Mr. Outside," was a standout halfback who won the Heisman Trophy in 1946.
14. Doc Blanchard, known as "Mr. Inside," was a fullback who won the Heisman Trophy in 1945 and was Davis's backfield partner.
15. Pete Dawkins, a halfback and team captain, won the Heisman Trophy in 1958 and later became a Rhodes Scholar.
16. Arnold Tucker, a quarterback, was a key player during the Black Knights' national championship runs in the mid-1940s.
17. Mike Mayweather, a running back, set the Army career rushing record with 4,299 yards from 1987 to 1990.
18. Trent Steelman, a quarterback, holds the record for most career rushing touchdowns by a quarterback at Army with 45.
19. Bob Sutton, who coached the team from 1991 to 1999, led the Black Knights to a 10-2 record and a victory in the 1996 Independence Bowl.
20. Jeff Monken, the current head coach, has revitalized the program since taking over in 2014, leading the team to multiple bowl appearances and victories.

Memorable Games and Moments

The Army Black Knights have been part of many unforgettable games and moments that have defined the program's history.

21. The 1944 Army-Navy game, played during World War II, was attended by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and is considered one of the most significant games in the rivalry's history.
22. In 1958, the Black Knights defeated the Navy Midshipmen 22-6 in a game that featured Heisman Trophy winner Pete Dawkins.
23. The 1963 Army-Navy game, played just weeks after President John F. Kennedy's assassination, was a poignant and emotional event for the nation.
24. In 1984, the Black Knights played in their first bowl game, the Cherry Bowl, against Michigan State.
25. The 1996 Army-Navy game saw the Black Knights secure a thrilling 28-24 victory, clinching the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy.
26. In 2016, Army ended a 14-game losing streak to Navy with a 21-17 victory, sparking jubilation among the cadets and alumni.
27. The 2018 Army-Navy game featured a dramatic 17-10 victory for the Black Knights, securing their third consecutive win in the rivalry.
28. Army's 70-14 victory over Houston in the 2018 Armed Forces Bowl set a record for the most points scored in a bowl game by a service academy.
29. In 2020, the Black Knights won the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy for the fourth time in five years with a 10-7 victory over Air Force.
30. The 2021 Army-Navy game, played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, marked the first time the game was held at a neutral site since 1942.

Traditions and Culture

The Army Black Knights football program is steeped in traditions and a unique culture that sets it apart from other college football teams.

31. The "March On" is a pre-game tradition where the entire Corps of Cadets marches onto the field in formation before the Army-Navy game.
32. The "Army Mule" mascot has been a symbol of the team since 1899, representing the strength and endurance of the Army.
33. The "Black Knights" nickname was adopted in 1999, replacing the previous nickname "Cadets."
34. The "Long Gray Line" refers to the unbroken line of West Point graduates who have served in the U.S. Army since the academy's founding in 1802.
35. The "Go Army, Beat Navy" chant is a rallying cry for the Black Knights and their fans, especially during the annual Army-Navy game.
36. The "Army Fight Song," also known as "On, Brave Old Army Team," is played by the West Point Band during games and other events.
37. The "Ring Knockers" are West Point graduates who wear their class rings and often tap them on hard surfaces to identify themselves to fellow alumni.
38. The "Firstie Club" is a tradition where senior cadets, known as "Firsties," gather to celebrate their final year at the academy.
39. The "Spirit Missions" are covert operations carried out by cadets to boost morale and show support for the football team.
40. The "Army-Navy Prisoner Exchange" is a lighthearted tradition where cadets and midshipmen who are studying at the rival academy are exchanged before the Army-Navy game.

The Final Whistle

Army Black Knights football has a rich history filled with tradition, honor, and excitement. From their early days of dominance to their modern resurgence, the team has always embodied the spirit of West Point. Whether it's the intense rivalry with Navy, the unforgettable players like Glenn Davis and Doc Blanchard, or the unique traditions like the "March On," there's always something special about Army football.

The Black Knights have not only contributed to the world of sports but have also produced leaders who have served the nation with distinction. Their story is one of perseverance, excellence, and unwavering commitment. As fans, we celebrate their past achievements and look forward to many more thrilling moments on the field. So, next time you watch a game, remember the legacy and pride that come with every play. Go Army!