Members and guests of the Paramount Veterans Network attended the 123rd Army-Navy game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. It was a beautiful day for football with temps in the low 40s and clear blue skies - which helped the paratroopers fall to the field pre-game. Of course, the game still couldn't begin until Chinooks and F-18's flew over, controlled by Army and Navy pilots respectively.
It was a rivalry game in the truest sense, as the game stayed close throughout as a battle of field position ensued. Navy scored first with a field goal, but then a blocked punt gave Army the first touchdown of the game. The Navy Midshipmen soon answered with a long touchdown run to give them a 10-7 advantage. Late in the fourth quarter Army tied the game on a 37-yard field goal, the score held until the end of regulation. Both teams scored on their first play in the first overtime ever. In the second OT, Navy looked poised to take the lead, but a pile at the goal line turned into a scrum for the ball as Navy fumbled before it could score. Giving the ball back to Army as they ran 3 plays and kicked a game winning 39-yard field goal. The stadium erupted in a frenzy as Army claimed victory in the first overtime game in the history of America's game.
“After 30 years of active-duty military service thanks to Paramount Veterans Network I finally made it to my first ever Army/Navy Game. The memories made throughout that experience will last a lifetime; and I am truly grateful,“ Sa’eed Mustafa, Command Sergeant Major US Army (Ret.) “What a game!!! So proud to have witness an incredible moment [first overtime ever] in the history of the Army-Navy game with my Paramount VetNet fam”, Betty Diaz, Paramount Veterans Network
"It was such an amazing experience. With it being my first time at the Army-Navy game, I’ve witnessed history. Army & Navy tying the game and going overtime was awesome! Would love to go again next year," says Rick Enrique, a Navy veteran.
Guests of the Paramount Veterans Network in attendance included 30 year Command Sergeant Major (ret.) Sa'eed Mustafa, Marine Corps veteran and Veterans in Media & Entertainment (VME) member; Josh Reyes, and Anthony Rios, brother of Army Veteran and Paramount Immersion Vet, Janina Rios.
Check out the pictures and highlights of the game HERE.