Black Knights Unveil “The Big Red One” Uniforms Ahead Of Army-Navy Game

2018 marks the 100th anniversary of World War One so it only made sense the Black Knights would debut their Army-Navy game uniforms to commemorate the occasion —honoring the legacy of the U.S. Army’s first combat unit.

Traditionally, the uniforms of the Army-Navy game acknowledge a military event or specific unit. This year, Army stunned us again with a black and red combination that gives a great nod to the history of the 1st Infantry Division, also known as “The Big Red One” and “The Fighting First.”

Clad in all black with red details, the uniform color honors 1886 graduate of West Point, John “Black Jack” Pershing. A famed individual within the military community and those who consider themselves military history buffs, Pershing became the first four-star general in the country was and commanded the American Expeditionary Forces during WWI.

The shoulders of the jerseys showcase a black lion acknowledging the Black Lions of Cantigny and disks on the collar feature cross rifles and the acronym “U.S.,” insignias worn by enlisted soldiers in the unit. The back of the helmets, also blacked-out, feature a subdued WWI-era American Flag. The front of the helmets feature a replica of the unit patch which was used to identify the country’s vehicles from allies and enemies. It’s notated with the number “1”

In 2016, the Black Knights honored the 82nd Airborne Division. And last year, the team highlighted the contributions of the 10th Mountain Division, which in true Army fashion, camouflaged with the snow during the game.

This year’s Army-Navy matchup will take place on December 8 at 3:00 pm EST. at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

Check out this video for a first look: