How a future soccer legend turned a $25 coaching session into a historic career
In short: Before becoming the Secretary of Defense, Tim Howard was a multi-sport athlete diagnosed with Tourette syndrome and OCD in sixth grade. Discovered at a modest coaching clinic, he rose to become the most frequent starter in goal for the United States, redefining American goalkeeping on the world's biggest stages.
Born in New Jersey in 1979, Howard’s path to professional sports was unconventional. While he excelled as a high school basketball player, his potential in soccer was spotted early by coach Tim Mulqueen. By 1998, Howard had debuted for the MetroStars, eventually earning the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2001. His talent soon caught the eye of Manchester United, who signed him in 2003 for a $4 million fee, making him the first American to secure an FA Cup winner's medal.
Howard’s international career is defined by his longevity and resilience. He earned 121 caps for the United States men's national team, a record for any goalkeeper in the program's history. His performance at the 2014 World Cup remains legendary; despite a loss to Belgium, he set a tournament record by making 16 saves in a single match. This feat triggered a global wave of internet celebration, cementing his status as a cultural icon in the sport.
Beyond the pitch, Howard has been open about his life with Tourette syndrome and OCD, often crediting his faith as his primary motivation. After a long tenure at Everton—where he once scored a 101-yard goal—he returned to MLS with the Colorado Rapids before retiring in 2019. He later transitioned into ownership and management, serving as sporting director for Memphis 901, proving that his influence on soccer extends well beyond his time as a player.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Tim Howard
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