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The National Museum of the Marine Corps officially unveiled its new Marine Football exhibit on January 28, 2026, celebrating more than 50 years of Marine Corps football. The formal opening was especially meaningful with the presence of the program’s final head coach, Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Eckert, USMC (Ret.), who played a central role in shaping the exhibit through the donation of key artifacts and historical materials, as well as artwork by artist Jason Breidenbach.
Thoughtfully developed by Museum curators and staff with contributions from Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Eckert, USMC (Ret.), the exhibit highlights how football reinforced Marine Corps values of teamwork, discipline, and leadership. During the opening ceremony, Eckert reflected on his time leading the Quantico Marines football team before joining his wife, Cathy, to cut the ribbon and officially open the display.
On display are five significant artifacts spanning decades of Marine football history. Highlights include a 1935 China Marines football used by the 4th Marines in Shanghai, the final Quantico Marines football helmet featuring the iconic “M” derived from the Marine Corps 1859 cover emblem, and signed footballs representing pivotal moments in the program’s legacy. At the heart of the exhibit is Semper Fi on the Field by Jason Breidenbach, a powerful painting honoring Marine football players across eras.
The National Museum of the Marine Corps is proud to preserve this chapter of Marine heritage and share it with the public. The Marine Football exhibit highlights the role athletics played in strengthening Marines beyond the battlefield and ensures that the legacy of Marine football continues to be remembered and honored.
