The Keeper's Legacy

🧤 A Goalkeeping Icon

Timothy Matthew Howard, born March 6, 1979, is an American former professional soccer goalkeeper widely regarded as one of the greatest American players of all time. His commanding presence in goal and exceptional shot-stopping abilities earned him the nickname "Secretary of Defense." Beyond his playing career, Howard has transitioned into significant roles within the sport, including club ownership and ambassadorship.

💼 Post-Playing Career

Howard's influence extends beyond the pitch. He is a part-owner of Houston Dynamo FC in Major League Soccer and Dagenham & Redbridge, a National League South club in England. Additionally, he serves as an international ambassador for his former Premier League club, Everton, in the United States. These roles highlight his enduring commitment to the sport's development and his strategic vision for its future.

🇺🇸 American Soccer Pioneer

Howard's career trajectory, from the nascent stages of Major League Soccer to the pinnacle of European football and the global stage of the FIFA World Cup, exemplifies the growth of American soccer. His achievements, particularly his record-setting performances for the U.S. Men's National Team, have inspired a generation of athletes and elevated the profile of American players internationally.

🗽 MLS Beginnings: MetroStars

Howard's professional journey began with the North Jersey Imperials in 1997, making six appearances. He then moved to the MetroStars (now New York Red Bulls) in 1998, where he quickly established himself. His tenure with the MetroStars saw him earn the 2001 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award, recording 146 saves and four shutouts. He was also recognized with the MLS Humanitarian of the Year Award in 2001 and named to the MLS Best XI in both 2001 and 2002, showcasing his dual impact on and off the field.

🔴 Manchester United Chapter

In 2003, Manchester United secured Howard's services for a reported $4 million, where he initially replaced Fabien Barthez as the first-choice goalkeeper. His early success included saving a decisive penalty in the Community Shield against Arsenal and winning the 2003–04 FA Cup, becoming the first American to do so. He was also named in the Premier League PFA Team of the Year for that season. Despite some challenges and competition, Howard signed a new contract until 2009 before the arrival of Edwin van der Sar in 2005 shifted his role.

🔵 Everton: A Decade of Dominance

Howard joined Everton on loan in 2006, making the move permanent in February 2007 for approximately £3 million. He became a club legend over the next decade, making his 100th appearance in 2008 and setting a club record for most league clean sheets in a season (2008–09). A remarkable moment came on January 4, 2012, when he scored his first professional goal with a wind-assisted 101-yard clearance against Bolton Wanderers, becoming only the fourth goalkeeper to score in the Premier League. He notably refused to celebrate out of respect for his opponent. Howard captained Everton, achieved his 100th clean sheet for the club, and remained a cornerstone until 2016.

🏔️ Return to MLS & Retirement

In March 2016, Howard returned to MLS, signing a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Colorado Rapids. He quickly made an impact, notably saving two penalties against the LA Galaxy in November 2016 to advance the Rapids to the Western Conference Championship. In January 2019, he announced that the 2019 MLS season would be his last as a professional player, officially retiring in October 2019. His brief return to play in March 2020 for Memphis 901 FC, where he also served as sporting director and minority owner, marked a unique chapter before stepping down from the sporting director role in June 2024.

🇭🇺 Heritage and Faith

Tim Howard holds a Hungarian passport, a testament to his mother's heritage. A devout Christian, he openly expresses the centrality of his faith, stating, "The most important thing in my life is Christ. He's more important to me than winning or losing or whether I'm playing or not. Everything else is just a bonus." He is actively involved with Athletes in Action, a ministry arm of Campus Crusade for Christ, integrating his spiritual beliefs with his public life.

🎗️ Tourette Syndrome Advocacy

Howard has been a powerful advocate for Tourette syndrome awareness since his diagnosis in childhood. In 2001, he was named MLS Humanitarian of the Year for his work with children with Tourette syndrome and joined the New Jersey Tourette Syndrome Association Board of Directors. In 2014, the U.S. Tourette Syndrome Association honored him with the "Champion of Hope" Award, recognizing his courage in sharing his story and inspiring young people living with the disorder.

📚 "The Keeper" Autobiography

In 2014, Howard published his autobiography, "The Keeper: A Life of Saving Goals and Achieving Them," co-authored with Ali Benjamin. The book delves into his career and personal journey with Tourette syndrome and OCD, where he posits that his neurological traits, such as enhanced perception and hyper-focus, were advantageous on the field. The book received critical attention for its exciting recollections and Howard's gracious narration.

🐾 Animal Welfare Engagement

Beyond human advocacy, Howard has also lent his public image to animal welfare causes. In 2014, he participated in PETA's "Ink, Not Mink" anti-fur campaign, showcasing his arm and torso tattoos to promote ethical treatment of animals. This demonstrates his commitment to a range of social and ethical issues, utilizing his platform for positive change.

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