Sport

Navy Athletics and Under Armour Unveil 2024 Army-Navy Uniform Honoring the Jolly Rogers

2024-11-20

Author: Ying

In an exciting announcement, Navy Athletics has teamed up with Under Armour to reveal the 2024 Army-Navy game uniform, which will pay tribute to the storied history of the Jolly Rogers. This year's matchup, taking place on December 14 at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, marks the 125th installment of the Army-Navy Game and will kick off at 3 PM, broadcast nationally on CBS.

Established in 1943, the Jolly Rogers are renowned as one of the most lethal squadrons in Naval Aviation history, symbolizing the excellence and professionalism of the United States Navy. Their legendary callsign, "Victory," and the ominous tagline, "Fear the Bones," represent a legacy of bravery and achievement. The skull and crossbones insignia, first seen on the F4U Corsairs of VF-17 during WWII, has become one of the most recognized symbols in aviation, with this squadron achieving over 150 kills in the Pacific Theater by war's end.

As the colors and designs of the 2024 uniform reflect the Jolly Rogers’ aircraft, the Navy football team is continuing a tradition of honoring this elite squadron. In a nostalgic nod, the team's color blocking mimics the Jolly Rogers' historic aircraft colors. The uniform's neck features a dark Navy blue color along with the iconic insignia, while the collar stripes echo the classic tail fin design—marking another chapter in a rich narrative of valor and aviation excellence.

Moreover, the uniform details are packed with meaning. The sleeves carry the traditional Jolly Rogers' angled stripe, featuring nine chevrons—each representing the nine distinct types of aircraft operated by the squadron. Hidden within the design, players will find the phrase "Fear the Bones" subtly embedded in the interior collar, a poignant reminder of the squadron's formidable legacy.

The helmet design creatively integrates elements from both past and present Jolly Rogers aviator helmets, showcasing chevrons alongside the skull emblem, and honors the various aircraft flown throughout the years. A reflective white base coat symbolizes the modern iteration of the VFA-103’s helmet.

The last time the Navy football team donned Jolly Rogers-inspired gear was in 1962, when Heisman Trophy winner Roger Staubach led the Mids to a 34-14 victory over the Cadets. This year's homage serves as not just a celebration of military heritage but also as a recognition of the ongoing commitment to excellence in both sports and military service.

As anticipation builds for this historic game, fans are encouraged to explore the special edition merchandise designed to commemorate this momentous event. With the Jolly Rogers' emblem shining brightly on the uniforms, the legacy of "The Bones" is sure to inspire both players and supporters alike in what promises to be a thrilling Army-Navy showdown.