Clint Dempsey on New Job, USA’s ‘Once in a Lifetime’ World Cup

Clint Dempsey has joined the Men in Blazers Media Network, where he’ll host a new podcast/YouTube show called The Deuce. 

The former captain of the U.S. men’s national team also cohosted last month’s USMNT alt-cast on TNT Sports. (In its first acquisition since raising $15 million in financing, MIBMN acquired the fan site USMNT Only earlier this year.) 

Front Office Sports talked to the American soccer legend about joining MIBMN, as well as next year’s North American men’s World Cup. 

This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Front Office Sports: Why are you joining Men in Blazers?

Clint Dempsey: They’ve become a voice to the true American soccer fan. I wanted to be a part of it and lend my voice to that platform. To share my experiences of playing the game. Hopefully, the fans that tune in will get a sense of what it’s like to be in the locker room. So that’s why I’m excited about joining up with the Men in Blazers.

FOS: As a player, you were outspoken. Does Men in Blazers’s opinionated, irreverent style appeal to you? 

CD: When I played, sometimes I was more outspoken than other times. I didn’t really want to create more drama for myself, if I didn’t need to, while I was playing. It was difficult enough doing what needed to be done on the field. Now, being retired, there’s a little bit more freedom to express how you feel and to have your own opinions on the game. It’s something I’ve been comfortable with, and I’ve enjoyed it.

FOS: What was your experience like participating in their live shows during the Gold Cup?

CD: I’ve done two, one in Dallas and another in Austin. It’s always good to be back in Texas, where it all started for me. Even more in Dallas and Austin, because that’s where I played my club ball. You’re talking with fans who are passionate about the game. They tell stories about how they got to the game, or they remember things you did in the game that are great memories. It’s good to know you’ve had a positive impact on people’s lives. 

FOS: What’s your appraisal of the U.S. men’s team’s performance in the Gold Cup?

CD: I thought it was a good performance, in terms of them being able to get to the final. I think they showed a lot of fight through the tournament. I don’t think the quality of play was the best. But you can only beat the teams that are in front of you. More times than not, they figured out a way to win. It wasn’t the most beautiful style to watch. In the end, Mexico had more quality than us. We needed to do a better job of keeping possession and creating more chances to put them under more pressure. But I think it was an opportunity for [head coach Mauricio] Pochettino to look at some of the players and see who could really push to be in that starting 11 for the World Cup roster spots.

FOS: Who helped their stock heading into the World Cup?

CD: Chris Richards. I thought he had a great tournament. Probably the player of the tournament for us. 

FOS: What are the biggest storylines heading into next year’s World Cup?

CD: Are they going to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of playing a World Cup on home soil? Can’t think of anything more special than that. I remember the ’94 World Cup. Being a kid, going to one of the games at the Cotton Bowl. Seeing the game up close got me believing maybe one day that could be me playing on that stage. With these types of moments, if you’re able to capitalize on them, it can do so much for the growth of the game in the States. 

FOS: Apple has the MLS deal. Netflix will stream two Women’s World Cups in 2027 and 2031. Will streaming be a big part of how we watch the game in the future?

CD: For sure. … It’s kind of the wave of the future right now. I do see that continuing.

FOS: What do you think of other sports TV innovations, such as MLB interviewing players during a game?

CD: I don’t really like that. I’ve seen it with baseball. I think it takes away. You want the players to be locked in. You don’t want distractions. I wouldn’t. If my team is playing, especially an important game, I don’t think you’d want people having conversations during the game. Before the game? Halftime? After the game? That’s fine. But during the game? If it’s an important match, I wouldn’t want my players being distracted. I want them to be locked in completely. But that’s just me.