![]() ![]() United States goalkeeper Tim Howard celebrates in July 2017 with the trophy after the finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup against Jamaica at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. It’s because the end is always going to come. Whether I play for the national team again, that decision is out of my hands. And if that’s the case? It’s been one hell of a ride. I think that’s where I, again, I just say, ‘We all want more.’ I think that’s kind of where I put my heart and soul into everything I did for the national team. Look, I’m going to continue playing football for the next 18 months. “I think there was a time in my career where I could dictate the terms of things based on my age and my standing. Is it possible Howard has played his last game for the U.S.? The last time he played for America was last October in a 2-1 loss to Trinidad and Tobago in a World Cup qualification match. His 121 caps are the most by a goalkeeper and the eighth-most in men’s national team history. Howard’s future with the national team, however, is still murky. ![]() Colorado is 13 points off from the final playoff spot, but with the regular season ending three days before Halloween, there’s always hope. The Rapids are second-to-last in the Western Conference. Howard is set to walk away after the 2019 season when his contract with the Rapids comes to an end. But at the same time, he wants to remain competitive until it is time to retire. He’s thankful for how long his career has lasted. Playing into his late 30s is not lost on Howard. I had incredible longevity with it, but I realize now I need to be much more diligent after that injury. Was sore for a couple days but I wasn’t a treatment guy. “Because up until that point, I was blessed. It was a season-ending injury and he didn’t return until March 2017. Doctors diagnosed Howard with a fractured right adductor longus in his upper groin. It was near the end of 2016, and he was with the United States national team. His voice carries a distinct hint of that North Jersey tone, while replaying the moment he knew he was getting older. So’s Howard, who grew up in North Brunswick Township. I try and use some of those things.”Īs Howard describes what comes with getting older, the Dick’s Sporting Goods Stadium’s sound system plays “Welcome to the Black Parade” by My Chemical Romance in the background. “I’ve tried to watch some of the older athletes and research some of the things they’ve done as the years have gone by as they’ve kept themselves fit. Play on a Saturday and then right away the regeneration for the next week comes, and I need every single day in between to get myself ready,” Howard said. It’s the most visible reminder that the Colorado Rapids goalkeeper is 39 years old, with 40 arriving next March. Just to the right of his chin are a few long, gray strands. And at the 2014 World Cup, it was on display for the world to view. At Everton, his beard became one of the more unique trademarks in the stylish Premier League. Howard’s beard started growing when he was at Manchester United in the mid-2000s. After sitting down underneath a shady spot, a few traits become amplified. The other for a reporter whom he’s never met but still proceeds as if they’ve done this several times over. Introductions are not necessary, but he does it anyway. His face is one of the most recognizable in America’s soccer history. ![]() His shoulders once carried a nation during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. These hands have stopped shots from Ronaldo’s feet. “Hey! Nice to meet you,” says Tim Howard with a greeting smile. From those arms extend massive hands accompanied by long fingers awaiting a strong handshake. A long stream of tattoos flow down both arms telling several stories. ![]()
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