Tim Howard

Tim Howard
UKinUSA · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Name	Tim Howard
Caption	Howard with the United States in 2014
Birth date	6 March 1979
Birth place	North Brunswick, New Jersey, United States
Height	1.91 m
Position	Goalkeeper
Youth clubs	North Carolina Fusion, Robert Morris Colonials
Senior clubs	North Jersey Imperials, MetroStars, Bradford City A.F.C., Manchester United F.C., Everton F.C., Colorado Rapids
National team	United States men's national soccer team
Notable awards	CONCACAF Golden Glove, U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year

Tim Howard (born March 6, 1979) is an American former professional goalkeeper who played for clubs in the United States and England and served as a long-time member and captain of the United States men's national soccer team. Renowned for shot-stopping, reflexes, and penalty-saving ability, he reached prominence in Major League Soccer before moving to English Football League and Premier League clubs, earning individual awards and international recognition across multiple FIFA tournaments. His career includes record-setting performances, advocacy for health issues, and roles in media and coaching.

Early life and education

Born in North Brunswick, New Jersey, he grew up in a family with roots in Denver, New Jersey, and attended local youth programs before moving to North Carolina for collegiate and developmental soccer. He played collegiate soccer with the North Carolina Tar Heels and spent time with the U.S. U-20 men's national soccer team pipeline. During his youth he trained at regional academies and competed in tournaments affiliated with United States Soccer Federation development pathways, earning attention from professional scouts in Major League Soccer and European clubs.

Club career

He began his professional career with a stint at North Jersey Imperials before signing with the MetroStars in MLS, where he established himself as a starting goalkeeper and won the club's player accolades. A transfer to Bradford City A.F.C. in the Football League provided first experience in English football, followed by a move to Manchester United F.C. where he understudied established keepers and made appearances in domestic cup competitions and the UEFA Champions League squad lists. Seeking regular first-team football, he joined Everton F.C. in the Premier League, becoming the club's number one goalkeeper for multiple seasons and setting club and league records for clean sheets and saves, including a standout performance in a FA Cup run and notable matches against Liverpool F.C. and Arsenal F.C.. He later returned to MLS with the Colorado Rapids, contributing veteran leadership and mentoring younger players while continuing to compete at a professional level.

International career

He was capped by the United States men's national soccer team across multiple cycles, featuring in FIFA World Cup tournaments, including notable appearances in the 2014 FIFA World Cup knockout stages and qualification campaigns. He represented the United States in regional competitions such as the CONCACAF Gold Cup and friendly matches against nations including Brazil national football team, Germany national football team, and Mexico national football team. As a national team captain and veteran, he registered record numbers for appearances by a goalkeeper and produced memorable performances in penalty shootouts and high-pressure fixtures.

Playing style and achievements

Operating primarily as a goalkeeper, he was characterized by exceptional reflexes, long-range distribution, and resilience in one-on-one situations, often compared to contemporaries from clubs like Real Madrid C.F. and Chelsea F.C.. He earned individual honors including national player awards, tournament Golden Glove recognitions, and club-level accolades for consecutive clean-sheet runs and save metrics. Statistical highlights include high single-match save totals against teams such as Belgium national football team and record-setting performances in Premier League fixtures. His career also involved overcoming and managing a chronic medical condition while maintaining elite-level competition.

Personal life

He has been open about living with a medical condition that affected his immune system, receiving treatment and advocating for awareness through collaborations with health institutions like Mayo Clinic and patient advocacy groups. Off the field, he has been involved with charitable organizations, community initiatives in cities where he played such as Manchester, Liverpool, Denver, and philanthropic efforts connected to youth soccer development programs and foundations tied to professional clubs. Family life and residence have included periods in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

Media, endorsements, and post-retirement activities

Following active play, he transitioned into media roles including punditry for broadcasters covering Premier League and Major League Soccer fixtures, authored a memoir that discusses career and personal challenges, and participated in documentary and podcast projects alongside journalists and former teammates from clubs like Everton F.C. and Manchester United F.C.. Endorsement partnerships included sportswear and equipment deals with brands operating in global markets, and he has undertaken coaching, ambassadorial roles, and executive-level involvement in soccer-related enterprises and youth academies affiliated with organizations such as U.S. Soccer Federation initiatives.

Category:1979 births Category:Living people Category:American soccer players Category:Association football goalkeepers