JANUARY 27, 2026 – The National Museum of the Marine Corps proudly announces the upcoming unveiling of its newest artifact display, Marine Football, which explores the unique and largely untold history of Marine Corps football and its lasting impact on both the Marine Corps and American sports.
Following a formal ceremony in the Museum, the Marine Football display will be formally unveiled to the public on January 28, 2026. The event will feature music by the Quantico Marine Band and remarks by Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Eckert, USMC Retired, and Museum leadership.
The Marine Football display brings to light more than 50 years of Marine Corps football, from early teams to highly competitive inter-service matchups. Visitors will encounter five remarkable artifacts, including three signed footballs. Among these is a 1935 China Marines football used by the 4th Marines team in Shanghai, China, as well as the final version of the Quantico Marines football helmet featuring the iconic “M” decal derived from the Marine Corps 1859 cover emblem.
The centerpiece of the display is the painting Semper Fi on the Field by artist Jason Breidenbach that commemorates the legacy of Marine football at Quantico.
Showcasing Marine football’s lasting impact, the display notes that during its history the Marine Corps fielded 13 of the most talented football teams in the country, and produced 21 All-Pro NFL players.
Marine Football will offer visitors a new perspective of Marine identity beyond the battlefield by highlighting how competition, discipline, and teamwork shaped Marines in every era through Football. The display will demonstrate how sport reinforced unit cohesion, leadership, and resilience while also connecting Marines to the wider American public through shared traditions of athletics.
“This display celebrates teamwork, discipline, and the Marine spirit beyond the battlefield,” said Keil Gentry, Director of the National Museum of the Marine Corps. “It reminds us that competition, resilience, and camaraderie are as much a part of Marine identity as service in combat.”
Unveiling Ceremony Details:
Location: National Museum of the Marine Corps
Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 @ 11 a.m.
About the National Museum of the Marine Corps
The National Museum of the Marine Corps preserves and exhibits the material history of the U.S. Marine Corps, honors the commitment, accomplishments, and sacrifices of Marines, supports recruitment, training, education, and retention, and provides the public with an accessible platform to explore Marine Corps history.
Located at 1775 Semper Fidelis Way, Triangle, VA, the Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission and parking are free.
For more information, visit www.usmcmuseum.com.