Carl King - My Life Playing Football
I first met Carl King at a youth soccer camp in the summer of 2024 and instantly knew that I was in the presence of a legend. So many aspects of his demeanor, from the intentional and quiet way with which he speaks, how he walks, and the glow in his eyes when he laughs, exemplify the fact that here is someone who has seen and done so much. To put it another way, he is the embodiment of what many sports marketing firms are trying to convey to potential customers with the popular sentiment of “Dream it and go get it”. Getting a chance to work with and chat with Carl since our initial meeting, it’s become clear to me that he is an individual who is adept at manifesting great work and connecting with others in any space in which he finds himself.
At 17 years old, Carl left for Mexico to pursue a professional playing career, kicking off a remarkable journey within the game. Outside of football, he has had some fascinating interactions with some very famous people, including the Jackson 5, Robert Kennedy, and even singing Christmas carols at the home of Diana Ross! Listening to Carl tell a story, from any part of his life, is an awesome event in itself.
Currently, Carl is working at the grassroots level of soccer with Rat City Football Club in White Center (Southwest Seattle, WA). Wherever there are people trying to improve the lives of children, you can find Carl King. When he’s not coaching on the field, he’s sure to be doing something active like hiking a mountain, or maybe even practicing for his next major athletic feat. Personally, I feel so honored to call him a friend, and I hope the following (long overdue) passage, from a conversation we had in the fall of 2024, will give others some insight into the remarkable story of this walking legend.
-Mutanda Kwesele
In Carl’s own words, from our sit down on October 15, 2024:
1. Who (or what) most inspired you to pursue a life within Football? What is it about the game that brings forth a passion in you?
Basically, I inspired myself to take on the world’s greatest sport. I started off by running track at Hollywood High School back in the early 70s. During track practice I’d see Hollywood High School’s varsity soccer team practicing at the same time, and became instantly addicted, and decided to start going to pick up games after school. I excelled from the beginning because of my natural running abilities. My senior year l ran cross country and won the league championship for the 400 meters. But I wanted a career playing soccer so I went to Mexico with one of the players from our high school team, and then ended up trying out for Atlético Morelia, a professional team from the MX League. Everything just kind of went from there.
2. What are you most proud of in your football journey?
The thing that makes me most satisfied about my journey in football is being able to help kids, to reach out, give them guidance and structure, answer their questions, and make sure they’re fit. To talk to them, find out what their needs are and see if I can help them fulfill their needs so that they can make their goals.
3. What has been the biggest challenge (on or off the field) that you have had to overcome and how have you dealt with it?
The biggest challenge has been all of the injuries that I’ve suffered throughout the years.
4. Given your current role / situation, how do you find meaning in the game?
I find meaning from my role in football (soccer) as a mentor, coach, ambassador, and spokesperson.
5. What is (was) your favorite thing about playing Football?
I love the challenges, the competition to beat someone else and, as a defender, to not let anybody get by me. And my other favorite thing about playing football (soccer) is that one never stops learning as long as you don’t give up.
6. What player have you most enjoyed watching?
My favorite player of all time is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as, “Pele”! I had the opportunity to sit down with him and discuss his career back in 1977 in Hollywood. I flew into L.A. during my offseason and I met a woman running down Hollywood Blvd who had on the Brazilian national team uniform. So I called out to her and asked her if the Brazilian national team was playing today. She said, “No, I’m just running to get some chewing gum for Pele.” I did a double-take and said, “For who?” She smiled and said, “For Pele, do you want to meet him?” Of course I eagerly accepted and she took me down to the studio where they were doing a photoshoot with the Brazilian recording artist, Sergio Mendez, and she introduced me to Pele. He gave me a big hug and we just started talking, it was amazing!
7. Do you have any advice for younger players? What would you say to your younger self about this beautiful game and / or about life?
Listen to people who are trying to help you, like your coaches, and make sure you are conditioned properly to play the sport.
To my younger self I would say to put more time working on my skills with the ball. I wanted to have the skills of a center forward! But I was a defender. I believe that a football (soccer) player should be versatile, able to play any position besides probably goalkeeper.
8. What is a dream / hope of yours for the future and does football play a part in it? If so, how?
I better get tickets to the World Cup when it comes here! Ha ha, since I’m known as a local legend, somebody needs to gift me some tickets!
I would love to go back to Europe, to London specifically. I’d love to go see my favorite team in the Premier League, Crystal Palace. I would also maybe like to go see Leicester City, since they have ‘King Power’ on their shirts, and King being my last name! Away from football, I would love to go sky-diving and swim across Lake Washington, which are both two items on my bucket list.
9. Finish this prompt: “At this stage of my life, I am thankful for…
I’m thankful for God. I’ve been baptized 3 times in my life because I know I needed it, because no one is perfect. I value putting something in my mind that keeps me focused and helps me bring people closer to God, which is important to me. Truthfully, at my age, I’m extremely thankful for being physically fit and healthy to do all the things I love to do. I feel blessed.
