Why I Joined: After a life in soccer, an opportunity I could never have dreamed of

New York Times

21 hours ago

(Editor's note: This week, The Athletic's US soccer department made a pair of key moves, adding former men's national team forward Charlie Davies as expert contributor, plus leading soccer journalist Henry Bushnell as senior writer, as we continue to expand our coverage of the sport in this country leading up to the men's World Cup in 2026. Here is Charlie's introductory column, explaining why he joined our award-winning team).
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Some people in soccer get to live out their childhood dream. I'm a bit different … I'm living out something I never could have even imagined.
When I was a kid growing up in Manchester, N.H., my mind was set on making it as a soccer pro. But if you had told me then about all the things that would come next, I'd have said you were full of — well, you get the picture.
My playing career was a wild adventure. It took me to Hammarby in Sweden, Sochaux in France, Randers in Denmark, plus MLS clubs DC United, the New England Revolution and the Philadelphia Union. Of course, there was also the national team and incredible moments like the 2009 Confederations Cup final and the chance to score for the United States in a World Cup qualifier at a cathedral such as Mexico City's Estadio Azteca.
My pathway to the 2010 World Cup ended with a serious car accident that would change the trajectory of my life and force me to reinvent myself in ways I never could have foreseen.
Through that experience, I needed to find strength I didn't know I had, but the personal trials were not over. In 2016 I was diagnosed with testicular cancer, while my precious twin boys were born three months prematurely.
My wife, Nina, has been the very definition of resilience and inspiration in my life. She knows what it means to fight, having been treated for Stage 4 cancer, Hodgkins Lymphoma, by the same incredible doctors at Dana-Farber who saved my life when I was diagnosed with a rare liposarcoma cancer. Nina stood by me through my rehabilitation after the car accident and during my battle with the disease. She carried our family and reminded me on days when it felt impossible that we would make it through. Her strength has been my strength, and I would not be here without her.
All of it – the good, the bad, the emotional – has made for an incredible journey. This week, I start a brand new one.
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Joining The Athletic is a thrilling new step, and I cannot wait to get started. I began my post-playing media career in 2018, but this feels like I'm headed to Broadway. Or, if we're using soccer analogies, joining the Champions League of journalism.
Just like when I was privileged to compete against Xavi, Kaká, Messi and my idol Thierry Henry as a player, I'm getting the same sort of vibes from having my content featured alongside some of the greatest and most insightful writers in the business. This chance to reach America's passionate, knowledgeable and still-growing soccer audience shakes me to my core.
The U.S. soccer community has a hunger for genuine insight and honest opinions, and that is what I am committed to bringing. This period of time we are in, with the magic of a World Cup coming to home soil, is an incredible opportunity for the sport.
This kind of moment demands honest, committed, dedicated media coverage. Ever since I joined the media space, I have promised to give the readers, viewers and listeners the real experience, taking them behind the scenes and into the mind of a player.
My opinions are based purely on how I feel and what I've been through. They come from the life I've lived and the career I've had on both sides of the lines. I care deeply about the current and future success of American soccer, but I'm not a homer.
I firmly believe that when praise is earned, it should be wholeheartedly given. On the same note, when standards are not met, criticism is warranted, not with personal agenda or spitefulness, but backed up by facts.
I experienced huge highs and desperate lows in my playing career. I can empathize with the players when things are difficult, but also know there are duties and expectations that come with being a top pro and can't be overlooked. Pride in the jersey — that's an absolute must.
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Transitioning from a player to a proud member of the soccer media has been a ride in itself. I've had so much help along the way, given with generosity, from some of the best in the business.
Veteran producer Shaw Brown was the first person to tell me I had a media future. My great friend Stu Holden opened his playbook and showed me the ropes. Dave Cherubin gave me my chance at NBC Boston, and Joe Tolleson, Tony Meola and Brian Dunseth did the same at Sirius XM. MLS's Jason Saghini, Simon Borg and Greg Lalas offered their time and honesty.
On the TV side, industry legend Amy Rosenfeld, Dalen Cuff, Brad Feldman and the late, great Paul Mariner were all instrumental in building my experience. More recently, my current position at CBS has become a success thanks to the network's soccer coverage mastermind, Pete Radovich, bringing me into the family and trusting me to play such an instrumental role in its coverage, with invaluable day-to-day support from my Morning Footy producer, Mike Nastri.
And here we are now. This is my debut byline for The Athletic, and while this is great, I can't wait for my first 'official' piece, where I'm talking about some of the biggest topics in American soccer, rather than myself.
It is not overhyping to say that this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the USMNT and the sport in this country. I'm lucky to be a part of telling that story, and I respect the responsibility that comes along with it.
(Top photo of Charlie Davies: John Dorton / Getty Images for USSF)