This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Maurice Edu, analyst with Major League Soccer on Apple TV. It has been edited for length and clarity.
When I was growing up in California’s inland empire, I was constantly playing soccer with my four siblings. I’d narrate the games: “Mo shoots, Mo scores, the US wins the World Cup!”
The idea of playing in the World Cup was everything. In 2010, that dream became a reality when I played as a midfielder with Team USA. It was extra sweet to play in Africa, where both my parents are from, and have my mom and brother in the stands.
Although Team USA didn’t win, that experience was the pinnacle of my soccer career. I’m still close with many of the guys I played with. We have a brotherhood, and nothing but good memories.
I fly home right after broadcasting to be with my kids
Today, I’m still involved with soccer as an analyst for Major League Soccer on Apple TV. But the role that I’m most committed to is being dad to my three kids: Bryson, 6; Rome, 4; and my princess, Mylah, 2.
I didn’t have kids when I was playing, but becoming a dad completely shifted my perspective. You can’t be selfish when you have a family. I used to enjoy relaxed mornings after analyzing a game. I might take a noon flight home the next day.
Now, I do everything I can to fly out as soon as work is done. I want to be present for everything and anything as it pertains to my family and kids.
I’m teaching my kids discipline, even at a young age
As an athlete, you’ve got to have a high level of discipline. That’s a quality that I want to pass on to my children. Of course, it will benefit them if they play soccer. But even if they don’t, having the discipline to push through difficult times will serve them well.
Right now, they’re so young. Discipline shows up in little ways: after dinner, they clear their plates. When they walk into a room, they greet people. Having consistency is the foundation of most things in life, so I’m trying to create that habit while they’re young.
I do daily affirmations with my son
This year, I started doing affirmations with my oldest on the drive to Kindergarten each morning. We say, “I am a king. I am smart. I am strong. I am confident. I am honest. I am brave.”
At first, he was just repeating the words, but then we started having conversations. I’ll ask him what it means to be honest. He defines it, sometimes using my words and sometimes on his own. Or, I’ll ask him to give me an example of what being confident looks like.
I knew it was making a difference when he came home and told me he had been brave at school. He’s starting to learn that these words have value and power. Sure, he may only be going into first grade, but we’re creating a foundation that we can use as he moves into middle school, high school, and adulthood.
Raising good kids is my proudest accomplishment
When I became a parent, I started thinking more about what my parents had taught me by how they lived their lives. They are both immigrants from Nigeria, and raised five kids on teachers’ salaries. They worked second jobs and helped us all play sports. I witnessed sacrifice, hard work, and the prioritization of family without complaint.
Today, raising great kids is what would make me most proud. If someone tells me my son is very polite, or I see him hold the door for someone, that’s a success. I want to raise good human beings who are respectable, able to face challenges, and willing to sacrifice for their goals. I hope they’ll see how hard I’ve worked — with soccer, broadcasting, and parenting — and be proud of me in return.
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