Landon Donovan is LD the LegenD
Landon Donovan played his last game for the USA soccer team last night. I felt a tribute was in order. Even for non soccer fans, I feel you have to appreciate what Landon has accomplished in a country where soccer typically takes a back seat to the other sports. Yes, it is the most played sport in America by our youth, but when it comes to TV and recognition on other levels, it is lacking. Landon has at least elevated that recognition some. If you don't believe me, watch the tribute video below.
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/u-s--federation-posts-emotional-landon-donovan-tribute-video-ahead-of-his-final-match-013237286.html
Do you believe in miracles? Yes, that tagline will forever be linked to the USA hockey team of 1980 thanks to the infamous words expressed by Al Michaels. And for good reason... It is a moment in time forever linked in my mind. I have fond memories of that day as I watched a sport I knew little about as a 12 year old in Ohio.
Well that tagline could also be linked to Landon Donovan's goal against Algeria in the 2010 World Cup. Watch the video below to see what I mean
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wm7ievQ2bHo
Our country's reaction to Landon's goal is unprecedented in my opinion. Don't believe me? Watch the video below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbn3rOPmR9w
To me, Landon has done as much for the sport of soccer in America as many other LegenDary sports figures. He deserves to be recognized for his accomplishments in my humble opinion. To me, his story transcends sports. Here is what I mean.
He grew up like any typical child in America. Middle Class. His mom was a special education teacher. Nothing extravagant or fancy in his up bringing. As a child he found something he loved and was passionate about and he ran with it... literally! This is where it transcends sports to me. Every child out there could find something they are passionate about and make it what they want. Whether that is in athletics or in science, music, teaching, medicine, innovation, comedy or anything else you want to be passionate about. So, to the youth of America I say go out and make your life what you want it to be and inspire others as Landon has.
Landon Donovan played his last game for the USA soccer team last night. I felt a tribute was in order. Even for non soccer fans, I feel you have to appreciate what Landon has accomplished in a country where soccer typically takes a back seat to the other sports. Yes, it is the most played sport in America by our youth, but when it comes to TV and recognition on other levels, it is lacking. Landon has at least elevated that recognition some. If you don't believe me, watch the tribute video below.
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/u-s--federation-posts-emotional-landon-donovan-tribute-video-ahead-of-his-final-match-013237286.html
Do you believe in miracles? Yes, that tagline will forever be linked to the USA hockey team of 1980 thanks to the infamous words expressed by Al Michaels. And for good reason... It is a moment in time forever linked in my mind. I have fond memories of that day as I watched a sport I knew little about as a 12 year old in Ohio.
Well that tagline could also be linked to Landon Donovan's goal against Algeria in the 2010 World Cup. Watch the video below to see what I mean
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wm7ievQ2bHo
Our country's reaction to Landon's goal is unprecedented in my opinion. Don't believe me? Watch the video below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbn3rOPmR9w
To me, Landon has done as much for the sport of soccer in America as many other LegenDary sports figures. He deserves to be recognized for his accomplishments in my humble opinion. To me, his story transcends sports. Here is what I mean.
He grew up like any typical child in America. Middle Class. His mom was a special education teacher. Nothing extravagant or fancy in his up bringing. As a child he found something he loved and was passionate about and he ran with it... literally! This is where it transcends sports to me. Every child out there could find something they are passionate about and make it what they want. Whether that is in athletics or in science, music, teaching, medicine, innovation, comedy or anything else you want to be passionate about. So, to the youth of America I say go out and make your life what you want it to be and inspire others as Landon has.
Thank You Landon. We salute you! We send you a kiss goodbye!
Now Go Out and Hug a Soccer Player Today!!!
Landon Donovan tribute. To me Landon is the best USA soccer player in history. No question about it. There is no argument that can persuade me otherwise. I do hope a young lad out there comes along and takes Landon's place in history someday. That would mean USA soccer is still soaring! Go USA All the way!!
ReplyDeleteThe young lad… could it be Julian Green our Soccer Savior? Nice tribute Chip! Definitely a where were you when moment… The videos fail to mention that Algeria game was shown live in the MORNING in the USA. Barb and I were at Timothy O'Tooles in Chicago which was right down the street from where I worked. Luckily my shift didn't start until 11:30 am and the U.S. game ended before that! We didn't think to film our reactions! We also should have set up a camera for our reactions during the Portugal game in Brazil, Indiana!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment Danny. Maybe Julian? But I am not counting on it. Bobby Woods perhaps? I think it will be ten years or more before we see another Landon type player. But I have been wrong before. No matter, Landon will always be my favorite player I have ever watched. And luckily I got to see him play for the USA and for San Jose in the MLS cup in Columbus.
ReplyDelete