The Emirates FA Cup inaugural trophy tour is underway in New York City.
The Emirates FA Cup is one of soccer's most prestigious tournaments. The NYC Takeover had led to exhilarating lineup of events, including collaborations with local sports teams and celebrities, and surprise interactions with fans.
One of the U-S legends lending his support to the trophy's historic visit is Tim Howard, who in May will be inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
Howard joined SportsJam with Doug Doyle to talk about the events this week as well as his storied career that began with him as a midfielder at North Brunswick High School in New Jersey.
Howard was surprised by his NBC Sports Soccer colleagues earlier this year when they announced he had been elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
"It hurt me like a ton of bricks. I was quite thankful for that reaction because it just showed me how much it means to go into the Hall of Fame. You immediately start to look back on your career and why you're there."
These credentials made him a near unanimous selection:
10 MLS seasons (1998-2003. 2016-2019) was 19 when he made his debut with the MetroStars in 98
2 World Cups for the USMen’s National Team (2010, 2014)
World Cup record of 15 saves vs. Belgium in 2014
13 Premier League seasons with Manchester United and Everton (2003-2016)
132 clean sheets (Tied for 8th most in PL history)
Howard has been enjoying greeting fans this week as part of the Emirates FA Cup in New York City, where he currently lives.
"It's important to broaden the horizons and expand the outreach of this beautiful trophy that I had the good fortune of getting my hands on quite a number of years ago. It was special then. It's special now. There's a pageantry, a romance and a drama to FA Cup that is unlike any other soccer tournament in the world. That's because of everything that goes into it like the local teams and the David vs. Goliath matchups and replays that create all of that drama."
One of the exclusive viewing parties this week was at Moonlight Studios in SoHo.
"They want to touch the Cup. Having lived in England for 13 years, I understand Americans feel so far away from the Emirates FA cup matches. Fans always want to tell me the story of the moment they were watching Manchester United or other clubs and their eyes light up. They start to tear up because it's a monumental opportunity for them."
You can SEE the entire SportsJam interview with Tim Howard here.
