Football Daily

In the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, where eagles soar and cadets march in precision, lies a different breed of gridiron warrior: the Air Force Academy Falcons. Their story is one of dedication, discipline, and a unique brand of football forged in the crucible of military service. Here's a glimpse into the world of the Falcons:

Sky's the Limit Offense: Forget flashy passing attacks, the Falcons take to the ground with precision and power. The "Triple Option" offense is their weapon, a masterclass in deception and ball control, where options abound for quarterbacks and dive backs, leaving defenses guessing. Think option pitches slashing through gaps, quarterbacks reading like military strategists, and a relentless focus on moving the chains.

More Than Just Wins: For the Falcons, football is more than just scoreboard numbers. It's a crucible where future Air Force officers learn leadership, teamwork, and resilience under pressure. Every play is a battle, every drill a mission, and every victory a testament to their unwavering commitment to duty and honor.

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The Air Force Academy Falcons football program has a rich history that dates back to its humble beginnings in 1955. With the establishment of the United States Air Force Academy just three years prior, the need for an athletic program to instill leadership, discipline, and teamwork became evident.
The academy's first athletic director, Colonel James C. Devereux, recognized the potential of football to achieve these goals. He envisioned a program that would not only compete athletically but also serve as a character-building experience for its players. Devereux recruited Ben Martin, a former coach at the University of Colorado, to lead the fledgling team.
Martin's arrival marked the start of a new chapter for Air Force athletics. He implemented a rigorous training program that emphasized discipline and physical conditioning. The team's distinctive triple-option offense, which focused on deception and ball control, was also introduced during this time.
Despite initial challenges, the Falcons quickly gained attention for their unique style of play and strong work ethic. They achieved their first winning season in 1958 and went on to win the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy (awarded to the top service academy team) for the first time in 1965.

The Air Force Academy Falcons and the Army Black Knights have been battling it out on the gridiron since 1959, creating a storied rivalry that transcends the mere outcome of the game. This clash of service academies represents not just athletic competition but also a display of discipline, honor, and respect.

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The Air Force Falcons' football helmets, like their unwavering spirit, have evolved through decades, reflecting changes in technology, team identity, and national events. Let's take a flight through their fascinating journey:

-Early Days (1950s-1960s):
The program's initial helmets were simple leather lids with minimal markings, often just the letters "AF" or a basic stripe design.

These humble beginnings reflected the nascent stage of the program and the limited availability of equipment.

-The B-52 Era (1970s):
In honor of the iconic B-52 Stratofortress bombers, the Falcons adopted a helmet design in the 1970s featuring a sea camouflage pattern and the B-52 silhouette.

This bold design emphasized the Air Force connection and became synonymous with the program's early successes.
Modern Tweaks and Refinement (1980s-Present):

The iconic "Charging Falcon" logo, depicting a fierce falcon in full stride, emerged as the dominant helmet design in the 1980s.

This dynamic image resonated with fans and players alike, symbolizing the team's aggressive spirit and relentless pursuit of victory.
Over the years, the logo underwent minor adjustments, refining the lines and color scheme for a modern aesthetic.


-Special Occasions and Alternate Designs:

Alongside the primary "Charging Falcon" design, the Falcons occasionally utilize alternate helmets for special occasions.

These might include variations of the falcon logo, commemorative designs honoring fallen military personnel, or tributes to specific aircraft or missions.


Blaise D'Sylva has a brilliant collection of images of the Air Force Falcons helmets of the past and present. What better tribute to the history of the programs than images of the past.

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Air Force Academy Falcons Football: A Look Back at the Last 30 Seasons
The Air Force Academy Falcons football program has a rich history, dating back to its inaugural season in 1955. While only sometimes known as national contenders, the Falcons have established themselves as a consistently competitive team known for their unique option offense and disciplined play. Let's take a look at the last 30 seasons of Air Force football:

1994-2006:

This period saw Air Force join the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and experience the most successful stretch in program history.
The Falcons won three conference championships (1995, 1997, 1998) and appeared in seven bowl games, including the 1998 Copper Bowl, where they defeated the Fresno State Bulldogs 45-20.

Notable players from this era include quarterback Beau Morgan, running back Chad Hall, and linebacker Reggie Rivers.
2007-2012:
Following Troy Calhoun's arrival as head coach in 2007, Air Force embarked on a new era.
Though the program experienced a different level of success than the previous decade, it remained competitive within the WAC, winning the conference championship in 2010 and appearing in three bowl games.
This period saw the emergence of notable players like quarterback Tim Jefferson, running back Asher Clark, and safety Chris Harris Jr.
With the WAC's dissolution, Air Force moved to the Mountain West Conference (MWC).
The program faced challenges adjusting to the new conference and experienced inconsistent seasons.
Despite the ups and downs, Air Force won the MWC Mountain Division championship in 2019 and appeared in three bowl games.

A Season for the Ages: Air Force Academy Falcons 1985
The 1985 Air Force Academy Falcons football season was nothing short of extraordinary. It was a year of unparalleled success, national recognition, and lasting memories.
Early Domination:
The Falcons opened their campaign with a resounding 48-6 victory over UTEP, showcasing the power and precision of their signature triple-option offense. They followed this up with impressive wins over Wyoming (49-7) and Rice (59-17), establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with.
Reaching New Heights:
As the season unfolded, the Falcons' exceptional performance captured the attention of the nation. They steadily climbed the national polls, reaching as high as No. 2 in the country. Their disciplined play, exciting offense, and unwavering commitment resonated with fans and pundits alike.
Defining Moments:
Two key moments solidified the Falcons' place in conference history. Their thrilling 21-14 victory over No. 16 Colorado State showcased their grit and determination under pressure. Although they suffered their only loss of the season to BYU (28-21), the game was a testament to their remarkable skill and resilience.
Victorious Conclusion:
Despite the setback against BYU, the Falcons remained focused and motivated. They finished the regular season with an impressive 10-1 record, earning a coveted berth in the Bluebonnet Bowl. Facing the formidable Texas Longhorns, the Falcons unleashed their full offensive power, securing a decisive 38-21 victory and etching their names in bowl game history.

The Gridiron Story of the Air Force Academy started in 1955 and the team has been high flying ever since. Take a look into the portal of our Pigskin Dispatch hand-picked favorite posts from around the web that tell us the story of the Air Force Falcons Football program.