There were times in my life where I felt my dad was living vicariously through me in some ways, do you think there’s ever going to be any of that going on?

I was pretty lucky in that my step-dad Big Rog was relaxed in that area. Of course there were times he laid into me, but that was also during those crucial early teenage years. When I got into the college and professional level, it was all support. I’m pretty positive looking back that there was always an underlying tone of accountability in all aspects of life. But as far as living vicariously through Shia, I don’t want to be the guy coaching his son’s team and screaming, cursing and yelling (though knowing me, I might throw an F-bomb or two under my breath) and that’s why coaching was never an option for me. Too many parents thinking they knew what their kids needed… especially in sports.

Was the birth of The Original Winger and Bumpy Pitch based on what you felt was a lacking element of lifestyle soccer culture in both online media and fashion?

The idea of Bumpy Pitch started back in 2004. It was the height of throwback jerseys in the United States and everywhere Ben and I turned, we couldn’t see anything outside the sports apparel world that was both wearable in all areas of life and represented the American history of the sport. Despite growing up in California, the influence of the game is in every aspect of our lives and that inspiration is the lifestyle we lead. We had absolutely no idea what we were doing whatsoever, but we decided to learn from scratch and from our mistakes. I’ll never forget calling stores or meeting with people and explaining to them what Bumpy Pitch was about such as the history, the idea, the lifestyle, the culture… They didn’t get it and most still don’t.

The Original Winger is ultimately an extension of the product and helps us to express the lifestyle and the culture of the game that we’re presenting daily. We started the site about two years ago thinking (with respect to those who bust their balls to bring the game to the public) there was a huge divide between your normal “breaking news” beat writers and hosting sites that just focused on talking shit without really knowing or having an in-depth understanding of the game. The game and what happens before, between and beyond those 90+ minutes each weekend is so much more than it is sometimes given credit for.  

While I don’t speak a ton with many soccer-industry related people, taking experiences from my own realm, I always fault you needed a certain degree of authenticity in the mix to make things sustainable. While the new generation might not get or understand some of the logos and kits you are putting out for the time being, even the progression into The Original Winger helps bring things full-circle. I think one of the greatest aspects of it all is how closely tied you guys are to the game. It’s like that age old comparison of how refs who have never really played the game don’t understand the intricacies and little details that you find in a game. If soccer wants to grow in North America, that pub culture that permeates in other parts of the globe needs to make its way into the American scene. Not so much as a direct replica but an “American” version whether it be tailgate parties but soccer-style etc. Well… my thoughts anyways. I know you guys post a lot of mostly lifestyle footwear on The Original Winger, however were you ever big into the latest boots and equipment during your playing days or as a kid?

Always loved the new gear that would drop at the local sports shop called “Chick’s Sporting Goods”. I’d go in there every week just to see the new Perla Negra’s, touch the kangaroo leather on the Puma King’s, geek out on Copa’s… But my Mom would only give me $75 a year for new boots. Thankfully the Adi Copa’s were $77 + tax and I could make up the difference doing things in the neighborhood. Living in Cali, you didn’t need studs and that made life easier. It used to be Eurosport and all the other boot magazine’s that would come in the mail, but now it’s the Internet…

Once I turned pro in ’97, I was given an automatic Nike deal with the MLS deal I signed as part of the Project-40 campaign. Back then Nike boots aren’t what they are today and I was having some major foot/arch/peroneal tendon issues that were affecting my training and games. After going to four or five doctors for opinions and my agent stepping up for me big time, Nike generously allowed me to get out of my contract and I signed with adidas. After I signed with adidas (and being that we were heading into the 2000 Olympics in a short time), they actually met up with me and made customized boots especially for my feet. After that, I didn’t have the issues I’d been having and I always appreciated both side doing so much to help me out.

But that’s also around the time I really started geeking out on kicks. Because I had a pretty generous allotment that I could use every year on whatever my heart desired, I pretty much got out of control. I did though have enough common sense to recognize that I wasn’t going to have this sponsorship deal forever and would order for the future. I have bags and bags (travel size) of kicks and boots that have been in storage for a bit and it was like Christmas when I came across them during my last move.

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