Paul Huntington
A towering and dependable English centre-back whose career was built on defensive solidity and leadership across multiple clubs.
Born 1987 (age 39)·English footballer·Birthday: September 17·Millennials
Biography
Paul Huntington carved out a professional football career defined by resilience and aerial dominance. Emerging from Newcastle United's academy, the Carlisle-born defender found his footing not at his boyhood club but through determined spells elsewhere. His time at Leeds United was brief, but it was at Yeovil Town where he became a pivotal figure, helping the club secure a historic promotion to the Championship in 2005. Huntington's most significant chapter came with Preston North End, where his no-nonsense style and consistency made him a fan favorite for nearly a decade. He marshaled their defense through hundreds of appearances, embodying the kind of steady, committed professional that forms the backbone of the Football League. His later move to Carlisle United brought his journey full circle, allowing him to conclude his playing days as a veteran leader for his local club.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Paul was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Paul Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Paul's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played a key role in Yeovil Town's 2004-05 campaign, winning promotion to the Championship for the first time in the club's history.
- Made over 300 appearances for Preston North End, becoming a defensive mainstay in the Championship and League One.
- Captained Carlisle United in the latter stages of his career, providing leadership in League Two.
Did You Know?
He scored his first professional goal for Newcastle United in a UEFA Cup match against Palermo in 2006.
Huntington stands at 6 feet 3 inches tall, a physical attribute that made him a major threat on set pieces.
He made his senior debut for Newcastle as a teenager, coming on as a substitute in a Premier League match against Everton.
“I’m a Carlisle lad who played for Newcastle, but I made my career on being first to the ball.”
