Tim Howard

Tim Howard – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes


Explore the life and career of Tim Howard (born March 6, 1979) — one of the greatest American soccer goalkeepers — his accomplishments, challenges (including Tourette’s), his legacy, and memorable quotes that reveal his mindset.

Introduction

Timothy Matthew “Tim” Howard (born March 6, 1979) is a retired American professional soccer player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in U.S. history.

  • “Lasting charisma is hard to maintain when you lose humility.”
    (This is attributed to him in various quote aggregates)

  • “Fur only looks good on its original owner.”
    A succinct statement reflecting his personal ethics and beliefs.

    • These quotes show how Howard blends honesty about personal struggles with forward-looking confidence, faith, and moral clarity.

    Lessons from Tim Howard’s Life & Career

    1. Adversity can be a source of strength.
      Howard’s openness about Tourette’s and OCD, and how he learned to manage rather than hide them, offers a powerful lesson in resilience and authenticity.

    2. Consistency compounds legacy.
      Over decades and hundreds of games, his steadfast performances and mental preparation built a reputation far surpassing any single match.

    3. Reach beyond your role.
      Transitioning into club ownership, leadership, and advocacy illustrates that one’s influence can grow beyond one’s playing years.

    4. Faith and identity anchor performance.
      By placing his identity in values beyond sport, Howard was able to sustain perspective through pressure, criticism, and public scrutiny.

    5. Honesty inspires others.
      His willingness to talk about his mental health and neurological differences has encouraged conversations and empowered others with similar challenges.

    Conclusion

    Tim Howard’s life story is more than a biography of a tremendous athlete. It is a narrative of perseverance, integrity, vulnerability, and transformation. From a young boy managing neurological conditions to a soccer legend, and further into sports leadership and advocacy, he has left a mark not just in trophies and statistics but in hearts and minds.

    Articles by the author

    Every old goalkeeper loses a step at some point, but you can gain that back through experience.

    Tim Howard

    Manchester United could have any goalkeeper in the world. I was a 23-year-old kid from New Jersey who, from an early age, had to cope with Tourette's Syndrome, a brain disorder that can trigger speech and facial tics, vocal outbursts and obsessive compulsive behavior.

    Tim Howard