IRVING, Texas (Nov. 11, 2026) – As the nation celebrates Veterans Day and America’s 250th anniversary year, the National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame honors the millions of Americans who have served in the United States Armed Forces, reflecting on its historic military ties and the enduring words of early NFF leader General Douglas MacArthur.
“Upon the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that, upon other fields, on other days, will bear the fruits of victory,” MacArthur said.
MacArthur’s passion for football began at West Point, where he managed the Army football team before graduating first in his class in 1903. He later served as superintendent from 1919 to 1922, championing athletics as essential to developing military leaders.
“General MacArthur understood that football was about more than winning games,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “He recognized that the lessons learned on the field shape leaders who serve their communities and country. On Veterans Day, we honor the sacrifices of our servicemen and women and celebrate the values that connect football with a lifetime of service.”
MacArthur joined the NFF’s National Advisory Board as chairman in 1958 and received the NFF Gold Medal, the organization’s highest honor, in 1959. His legacy continues through the NFF MacArthur Bowl, presented annually to college football’s national champion since 1959 and bearing his famous words: “There is no substitute for victory.”
ABOUT THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION & COLLEGE HALL OF FAME
Founded in 1947 with early leadership from General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army coach Earl “Red” Blaik, and journalist Grantland Rice, the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) is a nonprofit organization that leverages the power of amateur football to build leaders. With 120 chapters in 47 states, the NFF oversees initiatives such as the NFF College Football Hall of Fame, the William V. Campbell Trophy®, the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards Presented by Fidelity Investments, Future For Football, and I Played. Learn more at footballfoundation.org and follow @NFFNetwork on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
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