As Son of a Super Bowl Champ, Alex Freeman Standing Out For U.S. Men's Team

When Alex Freeman walked onto the field for his U.S. men's national team debut against Turkiye on June 7, his father admitted to having tears in his eyes. 

"It just gives me chills," former All-Pro wide receiver and Super Bowl champion Antonio Freeman said. "He has on a USA jersey. He’s representing his country. That’s probably the top level of recognition you could possibly get."

With Sergiño Dest still regaining fitness after a torn ACL, the 20-year-old started at right back Sunday in the Americans' opening win over Trinidad and Tobago at the Concacaf Gold Cup. He is among the young players hoping to impress coach Mauricio Pochettino as he considers next year's World Cup roster.

Freeman's ascent has been unexpected. He played just 11 minutes of first-team league soccer before this season.

"Alex, to be honest, I had no idea who you were before you got called up," American midfielder Luca de la Torre said Tuesday, turning toward Freeman and smiling during a news conference.

Now 53, Antonio played nine seasons in the NFL, making the All-Pro team in 1998 and winning the 1997 Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers.

"Growing up I always got asked if football was the path, but when I was younger I always had a secret love for soccer," Alex said.

He also played basketball as a kid. Alex's mom rejects the notion she directed him away from American football.

"The real story is Alex didn't want to play football and he didn’t want to tell his dad that," Rochelle Hinkle said. "They all use me as an excuse. He just wanted to make his own lane and his own path. He didn't have, I guess, the words to say it then."

Alex played for youth teams at Weston FC, near his home in the Fort Lauderdale suburb of Plantation. He wanted to play for