The internet has been abuzz over U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard’s valiant performance in Tuesday’s 2-1 knockout loss to Belgium in the World Cup. Howard recorded 16 saves, the most of any World Cup keeper since 1966, when the tournament started recording such stats.
Thousands of people have already signed a White House petition launched Tuesday, seeking to Change the name of Washington National Airport (DCA) to “Tim Howard National Airport”.
Not long after Howard’s fortress-like defense on Tuesday, someone changed the Wikipedia entry for “United States Secretary of Defense” to feature the goalkeeper instead of Chuck Hagel, the actual defense secretary. The page was quickly updated, but not before the change made the rounds online.
Howard himself gives all glory to God for his achievements.
“The most important thing in my life is Christ,” he said in a recent Campus Crusade for Christ interview. “He’s more important to me than winning or losing or whether I’m playing or not. Everything else is just a bonus.”
Howard also volunteered with his church youth group while signed to Manchester United – playing football with local young people and joining them for Bible studies.
“The best time for me is when I see a breakthrough in them,” he insisted. “To see them get a grasp of what God and Christ really mean.”
The 35-year-old also discussed living with Tourette’s syndrome, and how the Lord has used him to be a blessing to others.
“Living with Tourette’s is not easy,” he told Athletes in Action. “God has blessed me with the gift of athleticism as well. God has also has shown me ways to use my position as a professional athlete to encourage others with Tourette’s syndrome.”
Howard also said that the greatest gift God has given him is His love.
“If it all went away tomorrow, I know I would still have peace. That probably sounds crazy to most people, but that’s the kind of peace Christ gives. It is rooted in His love, and it surpasses all understanding.
“You can experience this same sense of love and peace, too. All you have to do is ask for it.”