In a heartwarming gesture of appreciation for military service, NFL legend Joe Theismann presented two cars to U.S. military families on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. This act of generosity took place just before the 125th Army-Navy football game, adding to the celebratory atmosphere of the historic rivalry.

Theismann, a College Football Hall of Famer who played against both Army and Navy during his time at Notre Dame, teamed up with fellow former Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III for the car presentation. They handed over the keys of two refurbished vehicles to local active-duty military families. Navy Seaman Matthew Walker and his family received a 2024 Chevy Malibu from Theismann, while Army Specialist Caleb Dooley and his family received a 2023 Chevy Equinox from Griffin. The car giveaway was organized through the Recycled Rides program in collaboration with USAA.

Theismann expressed the deep significance of this gesture, emphasizing his admiration for military personnel, particularly in the context of the historic Army-Navy game. He noted the practical impact of the gifts, saying, "The service members will have transportation which they sorely need." Theismann also shared his enthusiasm for the Army-Navy game, calling it his favorite matchup of the year and highlighting the intense, unwavering competition it always delivers.

This year's game saw the presence of prominent figures, including President-elect Trump, Vice President-elect JD Vance, and Marine veteran Daniel Penny. Vance announced Penny's attendance on social media. This marked Trump’s fifth appearance at the Army-Navy game, having previously attended in 2016 and three times during his first term as president.

The game itself featured a strong Army team (11-1) fresh off an American Athletic Conference championship win against Tulane, facing a Navy team (8-3) that had a promising 6-0 start to the season.