Latest news with #AntonioFreeman
Fox News
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox News
Who is Alex Freeman? U.S. defender on the World Cup, his dad and fútbol over football
Alex Freeman has been asked about Antonio Freeman lately – including what's the favorite highlight of his dad from the NFL days. The younger Freeman readily answers, saying it's his dad's famous game-winning catch in overtime on Monday Night Football from 2000 that even got play-by-play announcer Al Michaels to exclaim "He did what?!" in disbelief. "Very, very important for Packers fans," Freeman said. But Alex is also making his own impression – it's just on a different type of field. At age 20, Freeman is the youngest player on the U.S. men's national team roster at the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He's already started all three games for the U.S. at right-back, helping the team reach the tournament's quarterfinals. And he was named this week as This USMNT squad is missing several key stars at the Gold Cup for various reasons. Rest from long seasons. Injuries. Playing in the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup. But that's given rising talents like Freeman the chance to make a big impression on U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino. So, who is Alex Freeman? Here's what he had to say about his burgeoning soccer career, his dream about reaching the World Cup – and yes, his Super Bowl-winning dad. What was it like to get your first USMNT call-up, and to have it be for something as important as the Gold Cup? Alex Freeman: It means a lot. I feel like this is something that is very important to the U.S., to the team, and to myself. It's an honor to get called up and represent the country at this high-level tournament. It's just something that pushes all of us each day in training and especially in the games, to be able to win and try to get a trophy out of this. Were you expecting to be on this roster or were you surprised? Freeman: I would say I was surprised. I was just grateful to be on the [60-man] preliminary roster. Knowing that I was chosen for that final roster was a very big surprise for me and something that I'm forever grateful for. What has the USMNT camp and the tournament experience been like for you so far? Freeman: It's been good getting to know all the guys. We have a good group here, but also just being able to build chemistry with these guys in practice and everything like that. It's something that, you know, going into this camp that I really wanted to do was be able to get to know the guys' stories, where they come from and all that. And it's been good so far. Did you have expectations that you would be starting and playing as much as you have at this point? Freeman: When I came in, I was just going to work and see what Pochettino wanted and how I could fit his playing style. I didn't think I was going to play this much, but I just have to show [what I can do] when I'm on the field and just take my chances and show him why I deserve to be out there in the first place. What's your favorite highlight from your dad and how many times have you watched it? Freeman: (laughs) My favorite highlight is probably the Monday Night Football catch when he's on the ground and [the ball] hits his shoulder and he kind of catches it and gets up and scores the winning touchdown. It was a rivalry game [against the Vikings], so that was something that was very, very important for Green Bay fans. When I was a kid, I would watch that over and over and over. I'd look up 'Top 10 catches' and it would always be there. It was just a big moment for him and something that I admire. What is your dad's favorite highlight of your career and how many times has he watched it? Freeman: It's probably the one when I had my first start [at Orlando] and scored a goal against Toronto. He has a whole video of himself that he recorded and it's very popular. I think you could just tell in that moment that he was excited and happy. I saw him after the game and he actually couldn't believe it. I feel like that will be a moment he will remember forever. Was it tough to break it to your dad that you were going to play fútbol and not the same football he played? Freeman: It wasn't tough to tell him because he just wanted me to do something that I was passionate about and be able to excel at something. When I was younger, I played all the sports and when it came time, I chose [soccer] and I feel like he was supporting me the whole time. Obviously, it's weird telling your dad, who played another sport, that you want to play [a different sport]. But I feel like at the end of the day, he accepted it and just supported me. How close are you guys? Does he come to all of your games? Freeman: He's been to all the games at the Gold Cup and I think he's coming to the game in Dallas, too. He's just making this his own little vacation. But yeah, he's very supportive. Even in Orlando, he comes to a lot of the games. Who else is part of that support system that comes to your games? Freeman: I have a lot. My mom, my stepdad, and then I have my two little brothers and I feel like they're really the ones that I play for the most because they're the ones who look up to me as an example. And I feel like for them, it's just being able to be that good role model. [Tyler, 15, and Josh, 13] are both soccer players as well and just want to do what I'm doing. So just to be able to guide them in the right direction or any direction they want to go through. They must think you playing for the USMNT is pretty cool then? Freeman: Yeah, yeah. Whenever I go home, I watch them play and they tell all their friends [about my career]. It's good they're able to brag about me a little bit (laughs). Who is the coolest person you've met through your dad? Freeman: I've met a lot of cool people through him. The most notable one I'd say is Scottie Pippen. When I was little, I was a big basketball fan so seeing him was really enjoyable. When did you realize your dad was a Super Bowl-winning wide receiver? Freeman: When I was younger you'd hear about it, but you don't really understand it fully. I think I understood it when I was in middle school. Like in sixth grade I actually started doing research on my dad — it's funny. I realized how inspirational he was not just in Wisconsin, but to football in general. And so I think that was when I really realized how much of an impact he made on the game and in Green Bay. Are the Packers your favorite team? Freeman: Yeah, the Packers are my favorite team. But my second favorite team is probably the Steelers because my stepdad is a big Steelers fan. Who was the first person you called or texted when you found out you made the roster? Freeman: My mom [Rochelle]. What do you like to do when you're not playing soccer? Any cool or unique hobbies? Freeman: I've been getting into golf a lot. And I like to read. Right now I'm reading this book called 'Win The Day' [by Mark Batterson]. It's about being your best self. What's your pre-game meal? Freeman: Pasta and chicken. That's a must. The U.S. women's national team loves to get on TikTok during training camp. Is that something this younger USMNT group does too? Freeman: We don't really post, but we're the type to see a trend on TikTok and do it. We'll make little jokes about it or stuff like that. But the dancing and posting, this isn't really the group that does that. What would it mean to you to be on the U.S. World Cup roster next year? Freeman: It would mean the world to me. That's what every kid dreams of. And I feel like it's something that everyone wants to work towards and be able to get there. And so right now, it's just about putting your head down and putting in that extra work to be able to show the coaches here and to show the world that you're ready to compete at that level against the best. Laken Litman covers college football, college basketball and soccer for FOX Sports. She previously wrote for Sports Illustrated, USA Today and The Indianapolis Star. She is the author of "Strong Like a Woman," published in spring 2022 to mark the 50th anniversary of Title IX. Follow her at @LakenLitman.
Al Arabiya
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Al Arabiya
Alex Freeman Breaks Through With US Soccer Team, 27 Years After Father Antonio Won Super Bowl
Antonio Freeman had tears in his eyes when his 20-year-old son, Alex, walked onto the field for his US debut against Turkey on June 7. 'It just gives me chills,' the former All-Pro wide receiver and Super Bowl champion said. 'He has on a USA jersey. He's representing his country. That's probably the top level of recognition you could possibly get.' With Sergiño Dest still regaining fitness after a torn ACL, Freeman started at right back Sunday in the Americans' opening win over Trinidad and Tobago at the CONCACAF Gold Cup. He is among the young players hoping to impress coach Mauricio Pochettino as he considers next year's World Cup roster. Freeman's ascent has been unexpected. He played just 11 minutes of first-team league soccer before this season. 'Alex, to be honest, I had no idea who you were before you got called up,' American midfielder Luca de la Torre said Tuesday, turning toward Freeman and smiling during a news conference. Now 53, Antonio played nine seasons in the NFL, making the All-Pro team in 1998 and winning the 1997 Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers. 'Growing up, I always got asked if football was the path, but when I was younger I always had a secret love for soccer,' Alex said. He also played basketball as a kid. Alex's mom rejects the notion she directed him away from American football. 'The real story is Alex didn't want to play football, and he didn't want to tell his dad that,' Rochelle Hinkle said. 'They all use me as an excuse. He just wanted to make his own lane and his own path. He didn't have, I guess, the words to say it then.' Alex played for youth teams at Weston FC near his home in the Fort Lauderdale suburb of Plantation. He wanted to play for Inter Miami's youth academy but was turned down. Freeman then was recruited for Orlando City's academy by Javier Carrillo, his former Weston coach. 'Without him taking me in, maybe I might not be where I am today,' Alex said. 'Obviously, moving at the age of 15 was something that was hard for me, being away from my family and everything, but I feel like it made me grow up fast, and I feel that that's something that I needed to do.' He moved to Orlando in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic. 'I still have PTSD from that 'cause I wasn't done raising him,' his mother said. Freeman debuted for Orlando City B in the third-tier MLS Next Pro on March 26, 2022, and played his first match for the senior team in Major League Soccer on April 29, 2023, entering in second-half stoppage time. He had two more substitute MLS appearances last year, totaling 10 minutes, then took over as starting right back this season from Dagur Dan Thórhallsson. 'Alex is player with little experience, but in soccer the desire, the capacity, and the talent usually rise above experience,' Pochettino said. 'The reports we got on him were really good.' Freeman is competing for likely two right back roster spots with Dest, Joe Scally, Nathan Harriel, Bryan Reynolds, Shaq Moore, and Marlon Fossey. Pochettino envisions narrowing his focus from a current group of 60 players when he makes roster selections for autumn friendlies. 'These camps, these games, I feel like it's just motivation for me to earn Pochettino's trust,' Freeman said. Alex credits his dad for teaching him training, eating, and lifestyle habits. Years ago, they used to kick around a ball together. Not anymore. 'At that point I realized: 'You're going to hurt yourself out here,'' Antonio said. 'We might shoot around some basketballs in the backyard, shoot some three-pointers or something, but nothing soccer related.'
Associated Press
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Alex Freeman breaks through with US soccer team, 27 years after father Antonio won Super Bowl
Antonio Freeman had tears in his eyes when 20-year-old son Alex walked onto the field for his U.S. debut against Turkey on June 7. 'It just gives me chills,' the former All-Pro wide receiver and Super Bowl champion said. 'He has on a USA jersey. He's representing his country. That's probably the top level of recognition you could possibly get.' With Sergiño Dest still regaining fitness after a torn ACL, Freeman started at right back Sunday in the Americans' opening win over Trinidad and Tobago at the CONCACAF Gold Cup. He is among the young players hoping to impress coach Mauricio Pochettino as he considers next year's World Cup roster. Freeman's ascent has been unexpected. He played just 11 minutes of first-team league soccer before this season. 'Alex, to be honest, I had no idea who you were before you got called up,' American midfielder Luca de la Torre said Tuesday, turning toward Freeman and smiling during a news conference. Now 53, Antonio played nine seasons in the NFL, making the All-Pro team in 1998 and winning the 1997 Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers. 'Growing up I always got asked if football was the path, but when I was younger I always had a secret love for soccer,' Alex said. He also played basketball as a kid. Alex's mom rejects the notion she directed him away from American football. 'The real story is Alex didn't want to play football and he didn't want to tell his dad that,' Rochelle Hinkle said. 'They all use me as an excuse. He just wanted to make his own lane and his own path. He didn't have, I guess, the words to say it then.' Alex played for youth teams at Weston FC, near his home in the Fort Lauderdale suburb of Plantation. He wanted to play for Inter Miami's youth academy but was turned down. Freeman then was recruited for Orlando City's academy by Javier Carrillo, his former Weston coach. 'Without him taking me in, maybe I might not be where I am today,' Alex said. 'Obviously moving at the age of 15 was something that was hard for me, being away from my family and everything, but I feel like it made me grow up fast and I feel that that's something that I needed to do.' He moved to Orlando in 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic. 'I still have PTSD from that 'cause I wasn't done raising him,' his mother said. Freeman debuted for Orlando City B in the third-tier MLS Next Pro on March 26, 2022, and played his first match for the senior team in Major League Soccer on April 29, 2023, entering in second-half stoppage time. He had two more substitute MLS appearances last year, totaling 10 minutes, then took over as starting right back this season from Dagur Dan Thórhallsson. 'Alex is player with little experience, but in soccer the desire, the capacity and the talent usually rise above experience,' Pochettino said. 'The reports we got on him were really good.' Freeman is competing for likely two right back roster spots with Dest, Joe Scally, Nathan Harriel, Bryan Reynolds, Shaq Moore and Marlon Fossey. Pochettino envisions narrowing his focus from a current group of 60 players when he makes roster selections for autumn friendlies. 'These camps, these games, I feel like it's just motivation for me to earn Pochettino's trust,' Freeman said. Alex credits his dad for teaching him training, eating and lifestyle habits. Years ago, they used to kick around a ball together. Not anymore. 'At that point I realized: You're going to hurt yourself out here,' Antonio said. 'We might shoot around some basketballs in the backyard, shoot some three-pointers or something, but nothing soccer related.' ___ AP soccer:
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Son of Packers Hall of Famer named to 60-man preliminary U.S. Men's Soccer roster for summer competitions
Son of Packers Hall of Famer named to 60-man preliminary U.S. Men's Soccer roster for summer competitions (WFRV) – He made his arrival earlier in 2025 by scoring his first goal in his first start, and now he's earning more recognition amidst a stellar Major League Soccer campaign. Alexander 'Alex' Freeman, the 20-year-old son of former Packers Hall of Famer and Super Bowl winner Antonio Freeman, was named to the United States Men's National Team's preliminary 60-man roster ahead of summer competitions, FOX Sports' Doug McIntyre reported. Advertisement Packers proposal to ban the tush push is back on the table at the spring owners meetings Freeman, a defender for MLS's Orlando City SC, has scored three goals and assisted another in 14 matches in 2025. While it's only a preliminary roster spot, the young fullback has shown his prowess as a 20-year-old. In his most recent appearance, he posted 90 minutes with a shot on target, a successful clearance while completing 32 out of his 39 passes. Those came on May 18 against the Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami, a match that Orlando City won 3-0. While his father was making circus catches in overtime for the Green Bay Packers, Alex Freeman is showcasing his talents in a different kind of football, and now he's headed towards a potential U.S. Men's National Team debut this summer. Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
USA Today
22-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
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).
