Jim Curtin, defender for the Chicago Fire, took time out of his schedule to provide an exclusive interview to Sons of Ben Vice-President, Andrew Dillon. A Philadelphia-area native, and MLS All-Star, Jim gave some insight to his professional career and showed that all Philadelphia sports fans really are SoBs.

What is your favorite/most memorable Philadelphia sports moment?

I was on Soldier Field for the Eagles/Bears playoff game in 2002. It was insane. A crew of about 20 buddies came into town, and I was able to get us down on the field because the Fire used to play there. Long story short we needed a police escort out of there after we killed them 33-19, we did not make many Bears friends that night. The Phils run in 1993 was nice, and the birds finally winning the NFC championship was nice, but we all know how both of those ended.
Living in Chicago, do you still follow Philadelphia sports? If so, do you try to see the teams when they play in Chicago?

I still follow all the teams. I have every DirectTV sports package available to see the Flyers, Sixers, Birds, and Phillies. My friends usually come out for Phillies/Cubs. If you’ve never been, you gotta see Wrigley field. I pretty much see every team every trip they make to Chicago, even the Flyers sorry team this year. I am always amazed and excited how well the Philly fans travel. We are everywhere.
If Philadelphia were to enter MLS, would you ask to be traded to it?

All the guys on the team are always joking about that. Anytime a rumor comes up about Philly being an expansion candidate, CJ Brown will be like “Jimmy, are your bags packed? House for sale?” Obviously it is every player’s dream to play in front of your hometown fans. I would love to play in Philly if they got a team.
Where would you like to see the soccer-specific stadium be built (Sports Complex, Delaware waterfront, etc)?

I have always been a fan of keeping the stadiums as close to the actual city as possible. I think too many of the new ones are kind of in the middle of nowhere, and tough for public transportation (i.e. Dallas, Chicago, and Denver). They are all beautiful stadiums, but there is not much around them. I realize money is a huge factor with this, but keeping it close to downtown should be a priority. I’ve always thought Philly could do a better job utilizing its waterfront. If I had the money, I would knock down all those terrible clubs on Delaware Ave. that Pat Burrell hangs out at, and clean up that area where there is a ton of wasted space.
Would things have been different if Philly had a professional soccer team while you were growing up?

I think so. I would have had players to look up to, and more soccer to watch. When I was growing up soccer was rarely on TV. The only time it was on was during the World Cup. The guys on the US Team were the guys I tried to play like. It was weird when I wound up being teammates with some of those guys, like Eric Wynalda.
What were your initial feelings when you were drafted?

I was actually sitting in a Finance class at Villanova during the draft. I was not sure if I would be taken or not. My phone went off, I walked out of class and it was USA coach Bob Bradley who was then the Fire Head coach. He said congrats, and the Fire had selected me, and that camp began in Miami in about a week. Bye-Bye finance class. I was very nervous and excited.
What DP, current or not signed, would you like to play alongside?

As a central defender I’d love to play next to John Terry or Rio Ferdinand. I look up to those guys as players. Not to mention it would make my job a lot easier.
Are you and the team looking forward to the arrival of Cuauhtemoc Blanco? Any special plans on welcoming him to the Fire?

Blanco will be a player that brings great publicity to our team. Chicago has a massive Mexican market. He is a talented player who people seem to either love or hate. Say what you want about him, but he is a proven goal scorer. I’ve met him in the locker room, and he does not speak English so communicating is tough, but hopefully once we are on the field that won’t matter.
What are your thoughts on the recent firing of Dave Sarachan? Who could/should be his full-time replacement?

Dave was a coach that I was with from the beginning. I played a ton of games for him, and was lucky to win 2 Open Cup championships with him. It was tough when he was fired. We had been losing a lot of games, and management felt it was time for a change. It is the tough part about our business. Players and coaches come and go. I’ve lost a lot of roommates and friends through the years.
Which was better, winning the 2003 U.S Open Cup or being named to the starting XI at the 2004 MLS All-Star game?

Good question. Both were great honors, but I put championships ahead of any individual honors. For me that is how you are measured as an athlete. Winning is what it is about, there is no better feeling then celebrating in the locker room with the trophy, the champagne and your teammates after a final game. At the end of the day it is “How many rings do you have?” Now get us one, Donovan. Just kidding.
Are you and your brother, Jeff, competitive on and/or off the field?

We are very competitive, and had many battles in the backyard growing up. I used to rough him up pretty good whether it was basketball, soccer, football, or baseball. I think it helped him though. He will be a great player in this league. It is a little awkward that we play the same position, but we are professional about it, and have each other’s backs forever. It is a dream come true to share the field with him, let alone on a professional team.
If you weren’t playing professional sports, what career would you have?

I’d like to get into coaching when I am finished. I’d love to coach at Villanova where I went. I get a lot of satisfaction coaching kids as well. I work as the director of coaching at the Chicago Kickers soccer club in Chicago. I can’t picture working in finance which was my major. I don’t see myself as an office suit and tie kinda guy. You’ll probably see my roaming the fields in Philly coaching soccer.
Pat’s, Geno’s, or Jim’s?

Of the 3 it’s Pats for me, although whenever I’m there it is usually so late at night, I don’t know if I’m fit to be judging food. D’Alessandro’s off of Henry Ave. is one of the best as well.
Do you trust the guy that sells pretzels 3-for-a-dollar outside sporting events?

Hilarious. I remember going to Woodhaven (an old indoor soccer facility by the Franklin Mills Mall) that I’m not sure exists anymore. There was this guy on the corner of the road that sold them 4 for a dollar. They were amazing! Just the right mix of salt, hint of garlic, and car exhaust.


Silence Dogood Says: Jim Curtin, one of the true Sons of Ben. Thanks for taking the time to chat with us and good luck with the rest of the season!