Is There Anything More American Than the Army-Navy Game?

2020 has been a difficult year. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on unexpected challenges. Challenges that have tested the resilience and perseverance of this country.

But this is America. We overcome. It’s what we do.

The Army-Navy game is the epitome of that resilience and perseverance. Whether it’s on the field or off it, every participant in this football game represents everything that’s great about the United States.

You won’t see a single player on the field today who isn’t willing to sacrifice it all. To fight — and die — for the freedoms in which this country was built. That’s bravery, folks. That’s committing yourself to a cause, and fighting for what you believe in.

But one day out of the year, these two teams come together to pay homage to the men and women who have sacrificed. And they do so by playing the greatest game American has to offer … football.

Due to the pandemic, Saturday will be the first time in 77 years that the Army-Navy game hasn’t been played at a neutral site in Philadelphia. For those not counting, America was still fighting in World War II in 1943.

Navy cornerback Cameron Kinley recently sat down with the New York Times to discuss how foreign it feels to not play at that traditional location. But once again, adapt and conquer is the approach. It’s what they do.

With a 7-2 record, the Black Knights are clearly having a better season than the 3-6 Midshipmen, but in this game, records don’t really matter. Last year was the first time since 2013 this contest wasn’t decided by seven points or less.

As 2020 comes to an end, there has never been a better time to take stock and thank our men and women who serve this country. Their sacrifices allow us to do things like kick back and watch a football game on a Saturday afternoon.

God bless each and every one of them.

Follow Clint Lamb on Twitter @ClintRLamb.