In an era of clichés and platitudes, Tony Beltran speaks with an honest and well-thought out diction that sometimes borders on philosophical. And while he is nowhere near ready to announce his retirement, he knows a professional soccer career can be fleeting.
Throughout his 10 seasons with RSL, he has seen players come and go – some before their time and others well beyond expectation. That awareness has helped him not only enjoy the moments in the present, but also do what he needs to do with his body to ensure that he can play as long as he wants. And when he speaks about his time with Real Salt Lake and goals for the future, he shows that he is wise beyond his years.
“My time in this game is inevitably coming to an end. A soccer player’s career is one long farewell,” the introspective California-native said. “You only have such a short window to leave your mark on the game, to make memories and to win championships for your team and for your city. That’s my number one goal. To work toward the ultimate goal of winning a championship in Salt Lake.”
For the last nine years, Beltran has been as consistent and steady as they come. He was drafted third overall in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft and once he worked his way into the starting lineup he has evolved and grown into one of the most reliable players in his position in the league.
With Beltran, teammates and coaches know exactly what they are going to get every day.
So, naturally, he enters the 2017 season – his 10th with Real Salt Lake – newly married with a child on the way and with the long hair that he had grown out for the better part of two years freshly clipped.
“The haircut was a very transformative,” he said with the introspection that has made him one of the best-regarded interviews around, only to break with a smile. “No it’s not.”
The truth, though, is that Beltran knows he is undergoing massive changes in his life off the field. And just as he did when he made the transition from college junior to MLS rookie back in 2008, he sought the advice of some of the people around him to make that transition. It didn’t hurt any that they were the same friends in 2008 as they are now – Nat Borchers, chief among them.
“I think the biggest thing I’ve heard from the guys is to get your sleep when you can get it,” he smiled before again going introspective. “And then also to enjoy every minute. It goes by in the blink of an eye. You have to enjoy and relish every minute … of being a dad.”
As Beltran speaks, it sounds like he could very well be referring to advice about his pro career as well.
Still just 29 years old, he joins teammates Kyle Beckerman and Nick Rimando, along with now-FC Dallas midfielder Javier Morales as the only players in RSL history to play 10 consecutive seasons with the club. Chris Wingert joined the decade club this season as well, though he spent one season in the middle of that stretch with New York City FC.
That elite company – and few teams in the league can boast one player in that club, let alone five – is not lost on Beltran.
“It means a lot. First of all to have played not only in the league, but at one club for a decade is very special. I feel extremely fortunate in the fact that I was drafted into a really good situation in Salt Lake – and not just a good situation playing-wise, but also living-wise. I’ve lived the entirety of my 20s in Salt Lake City and that’s an essential time period to mold me into who I am today,” he said. “From a club aspect, from a life aspect and from a personal aspect I feel so fortunate to have been in Salt Lake for 10 years at a great organization. It’s been really fun to be a part of the club growing and the league growing as well.”
The growth of the league has been astronomical since Beltran came to the league – further emphasizing the point that a 10-year career speaks volumes of the player, particularly when he is a consistently reliable defensive player in a league that has seen tremendous growth particularly in its attacking players.
In 2008, there were only a handful of Designated Players in the league. Now with each team allotted three DP slots and the implementation of other salary cap mechanisms to add further talent, clubs are finding new ways to add incredible talent on the field and it has come primarily in the attacking positions.
“These days I’m marking up David Villa and Sebastian Giovinco. Ten years ago it was really cool to mark up against David Beckham. But now, week-in and week-out, I’m playing against players of that caliber and playing with players of that caliber. To stay in the professional game, you have to have the mentality that if it’s not me, somebody else is going to take my job,” Beltran said. “I’ve just tried to continue to challenge myself each day and each year. I feel like when I stop challenging myself is when I’m going to become stagnant as a player and when this league or other players are going to pass me by.”
In nine seasons, he has met challengers, but nobody has managed to derail his career path.
It’s a trait that is admired by players, young and old alike.
RSL forward Yura Movsisyan, who has known Beltran since their teen years in southern California: “Tony is a guy I always wish to be. He’s a special person to me and my family. Tony’s parents and sister … to me, they’re family.”
RSL defender Justen Glad, who has worked alongside Beltran over the last three years: “He’s a complete pro on and off the field.”
Former RSL defender and current Fox Sports analyst Ian Joy: “I was at the club when Jason Kreis drafted Tony and from the minute I met him until now he has not changed one bit as a person. He is an absolute gentleman and the ultimate pro on and off the field. He always listened and was never frightened to ask questions to the more experienced players around him. I'm not surprised he has had such an excellent MLS career and maybe with a little more confidence in his ability we could have seen Tony play as a regular in the USMNT and possibly a move to a top European league.”
As with his thoughtful speaking, there is nothing cliché about Tony Beltran. He’s a true original.
