Former Packers WR Antonio Freeman's son is rising star in American soccer
Former Packers WR Antonio Freeman's son is rising star in American soccer
The son of former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Antonio Freeman is becoming a rising star in American soccer.
As noted by Paul Tenorio of The Athletic, Alex Freeman -- Antonio's 20-year-old son -- is emerging as a breakout player while with Orlando City of the MLS and has caught the eye of the United States men's national team. Freeman, who plays a defensive wing position with attacking responsibilities at right back, was included on a 60-player preliminary roster ahead of the CONCACAF Gold Cup and could play in friendlies for the USMNT next month.
Freeman has appeared in 17 games and scored three goals for Orlando City over the last three seasons. He's made 14 appearances and scored all three of his goals during the 2025 season, when he rose into a starting position at right back and quickly became a breakout player in the top American soccer league.
From Justin Ruderman of MLS: "Before the 2025 campaign, the Orlando City homegrown fullback had a mere 10 minutes of MLS action under his belt. This year, he's already exceeded 1,200 minutes by appearing in all 14 Lions matches (starting 13), while being arguably the most dangerous attacking fullback in the league. Just 20 years old, Freeman has already scored three times and given an assist to support Orlando's devastating attack."
The big-time national stage is next. Freeman has previously appeared in games for the age-limited national teams, including six games for the under-19 team and five for the under-23 team, but he could make his national debut soon. USMNT coach Maurico Pochettino called up Freeman on the training camp roster before June matches against Turkey and Switzerland. Freeman is one of eight defenders on the 27-player roster.
"I think all the players that are for the first time with us, I think all deserve to be there, deserve to have the chance. … I am so clear about that," Pochettino said. "After it's about not to lose the possibility when you have the chance."
Freeman's father was a decorated receiver for the Packers. He won Super Bowl XXXI and was an All-Pro and Pro Bowler in 1998. He also set the Super Bowl record for longest touchdown reception (81 yards, since broken), led the NFL in receiving yards in 1998 and ranks eighth in franchise history with 6,651 receiving yards and sixth in receiving touchdowns with 57. He played nine NFL seasons, including eight in Green Bay (1995-2001, 2003).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Cowboys Fans Vote On Six Levels of 'What Would Mean Success' in 2025
Cowboys Fans Vote On Six Levels of 'What Would Mean Success' in 2025 originally appeared on Athlon Sports. FRISCO - Which way to the bar? No, not that "bar,'' even though the Dallas Cowboys often drive their fans to drinkin'. Advertisement We mean "the bar of expectations'' under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer. The Cowboys have the "Blow It Up'' plan (and a 7-10 season) behind them. There is the ever-present criticism of owner Jerry Jones and QB Dak Prescott, of course, but there is also a much-celebrated "culture shift'' under new coach Brian Schottenheimer. Many critics have predicted a modest to underwhelming season for Dallas in Schottenheimer's first year at the helm. Others have projected a successful first campaign. And why? But, Cowboys Nation, before we predict "success,'' we have to define it. And our Mike Fisher in the Fish Report below is here to help. Advertisement So, you vote. Pick one of the six as you decide in your own heads and hearts where the "bar of expectations'' should be for the 2025 Dallas Cowboys. Your choices ... 1. BETTER 'N: Last year Dallas was 7-10. Be better than that, and forge a foundation going forward, and that's enough. 2. PLAYOFFS IN: Is a playoff berth enough? Damn right - especially climbing out of the brutal NFC East. 3. PLAYOFFS WIN: Postseason wins are a real measure. Dallas has gotten their plenty. Win one. 4. "TRUE SUPER BOWL CONTENTION:'' What is "rue Super Bowl contention''? You define it. And pick No. 4 if that's what must be. Advertisement 5. NFC CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCE: End that 30-year drought, please. 6. SUPER BOWL! Because in Dallas, that's all that really matters. So there you go, Cowboys fans ... rock the vote! Related: Cowboys Culture Change Goes Greek in Viral Video Related: Cowboys' Dak Prescott Given Shocking Ranking Among Top 10 Quarterbacks Want more Cowboys? Come on inside the Fish Report! - This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Can Dak Prescott Finally Silence the Doubters?
Can Dak Prescott Finally Silence the Doubters? originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Dak Prescott is entering his 10th season as the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys - the most valuable sports team in the world. Advertisement As part of the show? Over the past decade, Prescott has delivered numerous high points for the Cowboys, but his career has also seen its share of setbacks. As a result, opinions remain divided among fans and analysts regarding his true value as a franchise quarterback. But not in this case. Yahoo Sports' Charles McDonald ranked the top 10 quarterbacks going into the 2025 season and slotted Prescott at No. 7 on the list. On the surface, that doesn't seem too shocking. But ... On this list, Dak comes in ahead of NFC East rival quarterbacks Jalen Hurts, Jayden Daniels, and Russell Wilson. "Prescott (is a) legitimate floor-raiser ... Prescott is coming off the shakiest season of his career, which was the case before he went down with a hamstring injury. That said, it was an outlier for a quarterback who normally always gives his offense a chance to be competent no matter the circumstances," McDonald wrote. Advertisement Dallas strengthened Prescott's supporting cast this offseason by selecting offensive lineman Tyler Booker in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and acquiring wide receiver George Pickens to form a potentially dangerous duo alongside CeeDee Lamb. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer and offensive coordinator Klayton Adams are committed to scheming up a dynamic rushing attack—one that, if successful, could open things up for Prescott and the passing game. With the proper weapons and scheme at his disposal Prescott will once again remind doubters he's an elite NFL quarterback. But better than the Philadelphia Eagles QB Hurts who has been in two Super Bowls in the last three years? Better than the Washington Commanders QB Daniels who won Rookie of the Year and captained his upstart team to the NFC title game? Advertisement If Dak is really that ... that's about as elite as it gets. Related: Cowboys' Dez Bryant Issues All-In Super Bowl Prediction for NFC East Related: Cowboys Front Office Moves Trim NFC East Gap This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Where the Cowboys' Front Office Stands in the NFC East Hierarchy
Where the Cowboys' Front Office Stands in the NFC East Hierarchy originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Dallas Cowboys' front office, led by Jerry Jones and his son Stephen, has a well-established philosophy when it comes to roster building and they rarely buck their system. Advertisement Rather than spending big in free agency, the Cowboys remain committed to constructing their team through the NFL Draft. However, the Cowboys had a busy offseason—making trades to land wide receiver George Pickens, cornerback Kaiir Elam, and linebacker Kenneth Murray. Dallas also signed veteran running backs Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams. Dallas has had a successful offseason by filling notable roster holes through the draft and offseason acquisitions, but where does the front office rank among their divisional foes? 1. Philadelphia Eagles As the defending Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles have a strong case for being not only the best front office in the NFC East, but one of the best in the entire league. General manager Howie Roseman is not afraid to spend big and make splash trades. During his tenure as general manager for the Eagles, they have played in three Super Bowls and come out victorious twice. Advertisement 2. Dallas Cowboys Yes, the Cowboys are in the midst of a 29-year championship drought, but the fact that they have been able to consistently field more competitive rosters than the Giants or Commanders in recent years, gives them the edge. 3. Washington Commanders The Washington Commanders cleaned house in 2023 when they were bought by a new ownership group led by Magic Johnson and Josh Harris. After reaching the NFC Championship game last season, the Commanders are certainly heading in the right direction. 4. New York Giants The New York Giants chose to keep Daniel Jones who is no longer on the roster instead of Saquon Barkley. Enough said. Advertisement Related: Cowboys 'Position Change' for KaVontae Gets Insider Update Related: Dak to Host Offseason Retreat to Spark Cowboys Offensive Chemistry This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
