Pageantry and pomp are to be expected whenever Army and Navy meet on the gridiron but Colin Joy managed to create a uniquely poignant moment before the two service academies kicked off for the 114th time in their storied rivalry. The offensive lineman for Army proposed to his girlfriend, Nicole Veroline, on the field at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia before the two service academies kicked off for the 114th time.
A photographer for The Associated Press, Matt Slocum, was on hand for the moment when Joy dropped to one knee and popped the question.
He was also there to snap what is arguably the most romantic sports image of 2013. Slocum photographed the couple kissing after she said, "Yes."
Thanks to a 34-7 win in the snow, Navy took home the Commander-In-Chief's Trophy. For those in the Joy family, however, that may have been only the second most important piece of hardware handed out on the day.