John Harkes - Off The Field

Off The Field

In 1994, Harkes appeared in People magazine's annual "The 50 Most Beautiful People" issue.

In 2003, John Harkes announced his retirement from professional soccer. He became the Director of Youth Development for D.C. United and a color commentator for soccer broadcasts on Fox Sports Channel.

Harkes was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 2005.

Harkes appeared in the 2005 film The Game of Their Lives in the role of Ed McIlvenny, a member of the US World Cup team that upset England 1-0 in the 1950 FIFA World Cup.

Harkes worked as an analyst for ESPN and ABC in broadcasting the 2006 World Cup, also working in 2008 as lead soccer analyst for both networks. Harkes returned to his role offering color commentary for ESPN and ABC in those networks' coverage of the 2010 World Cup.

In July 2006, John Harkes left his job at D.C. United to become an assistant coach for New York Red Bulls under coach Bruce Arena. He was let go, though, after Arena was fired.

A longtime supporter of childhood youth development, Harkes joined the National Board of America SCORES in 2010. America SCORES provides afterschool programming to elementary and middle school children in under-resourced communities around the country, providing soccer, poetry and community service.