"I wouldn't say nowadays it happens too much. "It happens every once in a while," he says of people mentioning Backyard Soccer to him. Jones also returned to as a player in Backyard Soccer 2004, adding to his youthful following. Related: 100 Things To Remember About Backyard Baseball Jones' 91 MLS assists are eighth all time and after his 2007 retirement, he served as a Galaxy assistant coach from 2008-2010. In 2005, Jones became the last original MLS player still with his original 1996 team (Los Angeles Galaxy). He played in his third World Cup in 2002 and he is the USMNT all-time leader in caps (164). So long as I'm remembered for something," Jones says with a laugh about his hair.Īfter the release of Backyard Soccer MLS Edition, Jones wrapped up one of the greatest careers in the history of American soccer. Those who played the game, which was targeted for ages 5-10, may remember cover boy Jones' elite speed and wavy dreadlocks. You're trying to implement habits that last a lifetime. Giving kids the opportunity, the act of play and participating in sports is the goal. It's a sentimental memory for me, and I hope it doesn't die. "It was an amazing time that I wont forget, being part of that group that helped establish soccer in this country. "Our goal was to help establish soccer in this country and have it grow to be a mainstay sport," Jones says of his mindset in 2001. Women's National Team players appeared as kids, including Jones, Chastain, Brian McBride, Jason Kreis, Carlos Valderrama and Briana Scurry.
#BACKYARD SOCCER 1998 LICENSE#
MLS slapped its license on the game and 12 MLS and three U.S. The baseball and soccer games made the transition in 2001. Backyard Football allowed users to play with kid versions of Barry Sanders, Brett Favre, Dan Marino, Drew Bledsoe, Jerry Rice, John Elway, Randall Cunningham and Steve Young.
#BACKYARD SOCCER 1998 PROFESSIONAL#
But Backyard Football changed the dynamic of the series in 1999 by incorporating professional players. By 2001, the series had put out its original Backyard Baseball and Backyard Soccer with fictional players. The Backyard Sports series was a hit among American children. MLS was a half-decade old and the Women's United Soccer Association was just getting started. The Women's National Team won the 1999 World Cup title in dramatic fashion on American soil, thanks to Brandi Chastain's PK. The sport was trying to maintain its popularity that came from the U.S. I understand the importance of being an athlete and having kids look up to you, so any way, shape or form that I can put myself out there in a good way, I'm going to do it." Going out to young kids was important and I've always tried to be a good role model, so to be part of the Backyard Soccer game was something I was going to participate in. "I knew early on that I wanted to inspire youth.
"It was a group that came up to ask me if I wanted to be a part of it, and of course I said, 'Yes,'" Jones remembers. Humongous and Atari hoped to capitalize on Jones' high profile by putting him on the cover of Backyard Soccer MLS Edition. Soccer Athlete of the Year in 1998 and been named to an MLS Best XI. He had played in two World Cups, won U.S. In 2001, Jones was one of the most accomplished American players. He can thank a kids computer game for that. Cobi Jones has a cult following among millennials.