Fort Worth, Texas. (December 23, 2023): In this photo by Rayna Grace, the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Football Squad celebrates their win against James Madison University at the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl game. The Falcons capped their 2023 season with a 9-4 record defeating JMU, 31-21, in a wild game at Amon G. Carter Stadium.

The Falcons are a member of the Division 1-A Mountain West Conference and play their home games at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colorado. These football players/cadets are full-time military who are studying to become Air Force officers. Upon graduation, they will serve a minimum of six years as the new generation of Navy leaders.

The Falcons football program began in 1956 and won its first conference championship in the Orange Bowl that year. The program has gone on to win three major bowl games (1985 Liberty, 2004 Emerald, 2023 Armed Forces) and three conference titles. The Falcons also boast seven alumni in the College Football Hall of Fame including Heisman Trophy winner Chad Hennings who played defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys.