Navy's Ken Niumatalolo, staff attend funeral for Army's Jackson

Amidst one of the most historic rivalries in college football history, two programs came together in a way that extends far beyond the football field.

The entire Army football team was on hand Tuesday for the funeral service of Brandon Jackson, the defensive back killed in a single-car accident the morning of Sept. 11, but the Black Knights were not the only ones present. Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo and his staff were also in attendance, showing support for their long-standing rivals, according to Sal Interdonato of The Times Herald-Record.

Army head coach Jeff Monken showed his gratitude toward Niumatalolo, a close friend of his, explaining how much the gesture meant to him and his players.

"That means a lot. That show of support," Monken said. "Kenny and I are friends. That's the thing that is so interesting about this rivalry and continues to be. Kenny and I are as close as brothers. We coached together. We have great affection for each other and our families. I was glad to have him there and it was a great show of support from him and representing the whole Navy football program to our players and coaches."

Monken and Niumatalolo were both assistant coaches at Navy under current Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson.