Tim Howard
An American goalkeeper whose heroic, record-setting performance in a World Cup match became an instant global sports legend.
Born 1979 (age 47)·American soccer player·Birthday: March 6·Generation X
Biography
Tim Howard redefined the potential of American goalkeepers on the world stage. With a career spanning the English Premier League—most notably with Everton—and the U.S. national team, he combined explosive athleticism with a commanding presence. His moment of immortality came during the 2014 World Cup round of 16 against Belgium, where he made a staggering 16 saves, a single-game record for the tournament. Though the U.S. lost, 'The Secretary of Defense' became a household name, celebrated for a superhuman effort that captured the spirit of resilience. Beyond his reflexes, Howard has been open about managing Tourette syndrome, using his platform to educate and inspire. His legacy is that of a trailblazer who proved an American could excel at the highest level of global soccer.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Tim was born in 1979, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Tim Was Born
The biggest hits of 1979
#1 Movie
Kramer vs. Kramer
Best Picture
Kramer vs. Kramer
#1 TV Show
Laverne & Shirley
Tim's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1979Born
Iran hostage crisis begins; Three Mile Island accident
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $37,900Min wage: $2.90/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"My Sharona" — The KnackBest Picture: Kramer vs. Kramer
1984Started school
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1992Became a teenager
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
1995Could drive
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1997Could vote
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2000Turned 21
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
2009Turned 30
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2019Turned 40
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 47 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Holds the record for most saves in a single FIFA World Cup match (16 saves vs. Belgium in 2014).
- Earned over 120 caps for the United States men's national soccer team, appearing in multiple World Cups.
- Had a successful 10-season tenure as the starting goalkeeper for English Premier League club Everton.
Did You Know?
He was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at a young age and has been a vocal advocate for awareness.
He played in the FA Cup final with Manchester United in 2004, winning the match.
He is a minority owner of the soccer club Memphis 901 FC, which he helped found.
“My Tourette's is a part of me. It's not who I am, but it's something I deal with. It's made me stronger.”
