Watch Nick Rimando during a match and his leadership becomes evident immediately. The guttural commands from the Real Salt Lake goalkeeper shift players around the field as he positions his teammates to best protect the RSL goal. The respect he has earned from teammates and opponents alike is palpable as he navigates through another match in a record-breaking 19-season career.
However, those same players that shadow the point of his glove paint the picture of another type of teammate off the field – a bantering prankster that is among the first to keep the locker room light at the right moments. Whether teammates at the college, professional or international levels, his teammates echoed each other like parrots in describing what makes Rimando special.
“He makes it fun. He brings an excitement and passion and playfulness every day. The time I spent with him was pretty special. His passion for the game and love of the game is pretty unmatched.”
- Graham Zusi, Sporting Kansas City defender; joined Rimando on the U.S. National Team at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
“Every team that he goes into, his character and personality is infectious.”
- Brad Friedel, New England Revolution Head Coach; watched Rimando at his alma mater, UCLA, and throughout his career in MLS and with the U.S. National Team as a teammate and commentator.
“He was always a guy that got the group together. He was very serious on the field in training and we were very successful. But off the field … he enjoyed some banter.”
- Chris Seitz, Houston Dynamo goalkeeper; Rimando’s teammate with Real Salt Lake from 2007-2009.
“The attitude he has is unique. He’s always smiling and always looking to have a good time. He’s someone who can bring a group together whether he’s starting for his club team or a squad player for the national team. He’s someone that no matter what the mood is, he can make sure everybody’s in good spirits.”
- Carlos Bocanegra, Atlanta United Technical Director; Rimando’s teammate at UCLA and at various levels with the U.S. National Team.
“I think what makes Nicky unique and special is his ability to be in the locker room and get along with everyone. He works hard in training and that hard work has paid off in a long and prosperous career. When you have a goalkeeper that’s performed at the highest level for so long and is so well-liked by his teammates, by the fans and by the clubs that he’s played for … I think that speaks volumes about him as a person and I think it speaks volumes about him as a professional.”
- Brad Guzan, Atlanta United goalkeeper; Rimando’s teammate with the U.S. National Team.
