SEATTLE -- But just four days before the Seahawks preseason opener, we put our spotlight on a completely different football player.
Because, in terms of global perception, Clint Dempsey could be Seattle’s biggest professional sports acquisition of all-time.
The Dempsey transfer to Seattle isn’t just a win for the Sounders or Major League Soccer – it’s a win for our city. Yes, money was a factor, and so was the growing talent level in the MLS, but it’s as much a statement about the passion of our soccer fans, and their knowledge of the game. Dempsey chose Seattle over other teams in Europe and while the quality of talent across the board might not compare, the game atmosphere at Centurylink Field played a huge role.
Even the Seahawks fan group volume 12 took notice: quote, “a player of this caliber could have gone anywhere, but chose our city because of the fans…the sounders 12th man is directly responsible for making American soccer relevant on the world stage. In an attempt to unite Seattle fans on all fronts, we salute our brothers in green.” End quote.
Some Europeans might scoff, but a great majority of the soccer world is raising an eyebrow.
And while many soccer heads try to answer the question of “why?” And “why now?” One look around Centurylink Field is all those outsiders need.
Clint Dempsey is the most accomplished American-born player in the English Premiere League. Better yet, his career path hasn’t peaked. Unlike David Beckham and Thierry Henry, Dempsey has so much left to prove – and while soccer experts might shake their heads, it’s a vote of confidence to the league – and even better, this city.
I know Forbes didn’t figure in Major League Soccer in its list of the most miserable sports cities when they deemed Seattle at the top of that list.
But I invite the author to Centurylink Field for a Sounders or Seahawks game for that matter and find anyone miserable except for an opposing fan.
Remember Dempsey’s comments when he was here with the national team in June:
“I almost felt like I was in another country the other day when the Sounders game was on. I was walking to get dinner, just as you walk past the bar, you see the TV’s on and everyone’s watching soccer.”
Now Clint, everyone’s watching you. You’re the new face of American soccer.
And Seattle fans are ready for you to make them proud.