USAA commits as title sponsor Insurance company finalizes new sponsorship deal

College football

USAA commits as title sponsor

Insurance company finalizes new sponsorship deal

By Bill Wagner

[email protected]

Naval Academy athletic director Chet Gladchuk and Army counterpart Eugene "Boo" Corrigan disappeared from the Army-Navy press luncheon for about 45 minutes on Dec. 2 in Philadelphia. Turns out they were meeting with a representative from the United Services Automobile Association in a club suite overlooking Lincoln Financial Field.

Gladchuk, Corrigan and Vice Adm. (Retired) John Bird, senior vice president of military affairs for USAA, were putting the finishing touches on a deal that was announced Thursday.

USAA announced that it will remain presenting sponsor of the Army- Navy football game through at least 2025, assuring the insurance giant's role as the primary supporter of the storied rivalry between the two service academies.

"USAA's commitment to the academies through the Army-Navy Game ensures we will be supporting college football's greatest rivalry for the foreseeable future," said Wayne Peacock, executive vice president of enterprise strategy and marketing at USAA. "Our mission is to serve the military community and their families, and being affiliated with this special game is nothing short of an honor that resonates with our members and each of our employees."

USAA's pivotal role in the game will again be seen when the 116th Army-Navy game is held on Saturday afternoon at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. USAA and the academies have also introduced a new game logo, which will be used starting in 2016.

As part of this renewal, USAA will expand its support across all Army versus Navy athletic contests through a first-ever presenting sponsorship of the Army-Navy Star Series, which tracks the inter- service rivalry throughout the year.

"There cannot be more aligned partners with the same values, vision and dedication to our military men and women in selfless service than USAA and the academies," Gladchuk said.

"Extending this relationship well into the future allows us to share our promotional enthusiasm for America's Game and create many more opportunities to feature our future leaders on the field and a united sense of patriotism throughout the stadium and the world. America's Game is in safe harbor due in many respects to the extraordinary commitment of USAA, one of the finest service organizations of our time. We're proud to continue this great alliance and now proud tradition."

USAA began its presenting sponsorship in 2009, when the famed Army-Navy Game took its place on the second Saturday of December as college football's regular season finale. USAA is among the premier providers of banking products, insurance, investments and financial planning to current and former members of the U.S. military and their families, including the cadets and midshipmen from the two academies.

"I would like to thank the leadership of USAA for their continued support of the Army-Navy Game and recognition of it as America's Game," Corrigan said. "The cadets and midshipmen will continue to compete on the fields of friendly strife and remain teammates for years to come, which speaks to what this game means to our country. USAA understands the importance of this rivalry, and we are thankful of their continued commitment to America's Game, our cadets and midshipmen."

DOWNFIELD THREAT: Jamir Tillman might be the most talented wide receiver to play at Navy during the current triple-option era, which began in 2001. The 6-foot-4, 206-pound junior is putting up numbers that back up that assertion.

Tillman is enjoying an outstanding season, leading the Midshipmen with 22 receptions for 468 yards and four touchdowns. The Las Vegas native is averaging 21.3 yards per catch.

Greg Jones recorded the most catches by a Navy wide receiver in the triple-option system with 33 in 2010. Jones had 662 receiving yards that season. Tillman's yardage total is second-highest for an option wide-out and he needs four more catches to surpass Jason Tomlinson (25 in 2005) for second in that category.

Tillman has been a big-play threat, hauling in a 72-yard bomb for a touchdown against SMU and a 39-yard scoring strike versus Tulsa. He set up a touchdown with a 44-yard catch against Colgate.

"It's all schemes. We run the ball, run the ball and run the ball. We make the defensive backs come up to stop the run, then throw it over their heads," Tillman said. "It's my job to make plays downfield when the opportunities are there."

Tillman established a career-high with 162 yards on five receptions in the loss to Houston. That marked the most receiving yards by a Navy player since Cory Schemm had 194 in the 1996 Aloha Bowl. Tillman admitted he got in trouble for the way he celebrated that score and was forced to do up-downs in practice the following Monday.

"I've learned that I need to just hand the ball to the referee," Tillman said sheepishly. "I knew that would be the only time I could get away with doing that. I like to push it sometimes and occasionally I go too far. I have to do my punishment and then we move on."

DOBBS COMEBACK: One of the heroes of Navy's current 13-game winning streak against Army is launching a comeback. Quarterback Ricky Dobbs, who led the Midshipmen to victory over the Black Knights in 2009 and 2010, hopes to get a tryout with the NFL after his military obligation ends.

"I am very excited to see what God has in store for me in the new few years. It is truly a blessing to be able to be in a position to pursue a lifelong dream," Dobbs said in a statement.

Dobbs plans to work himself back into shape, both physically and as a passer, while stationed at the Naval Academy and working in the admissions department. The Georgia native will complete his five- year commitment in March 2016.

Dobbs, who ranks ninth all-time at Navy with 2,770 passing yards and sixth with 2,665 rushing yards, will be part of a training program provided by Doyle Management Group in Atlanta.

"I've had a lot of love and support from family, friends and fans over the years, and I'm just excited to get the ball rolling for them as I am myself," Dobbs said.

ARMY VS. NAVY

Saturday, 3 p.m.

Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia

TV: Chs. 9, 13

RADIO: 1430 AM; 1090 AM

LINE: Navy by 23

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