Atlanta United fans share memories, appreciation of Brad Guzan

Brad Guzan’s retirement has meant the end of an era for Atlanta United, the final act for a player whose professional career began two decades ago and who was part of the Atlanta community over the past seven-and-a-half years.

Last week, we asked you to submit your messages of appreciation for Guzan as he hung up the big white gloves one last time. We received so many great messages, and while we aren’t able to post them all, here are just a few.

Thank you, Brad, for everything you’ve given to this club and city. You’re already hearing from everyone your many accomplishments and contributions, so I’ll spare that and share some less soccer-y observations about you.

I’ve met you a handful of times, and it’s just so clear how good a dude you are. You’re never too good or too busy or too tired or too anything to share a moment of your time with someone who’s just excited to see someone from their favorite team in the flesh. You’re a master of class… you could give some lessons to the prima donnas of the sports world.

You’re also such a key representative of the organization and you rep damn well. You always have some words of inspiration or impact or wisdom for the media and it’s always genuine and vulnerable. Your leadership is unquestionable and I hope that this isn’t the last we see of you in Atlanta colors. Do anything you want, but stick around.

Much love from one of a million 17s,

Joe Buchholz

Lots of emotions with Guzan retiring. When he first joined in Atlanta back in 2017, I was just a 14 year old fan watching him at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Since then, he has delivered so many great moments. ❤️🖤 Thanks for helping bring so many trophies to this city and for being a great ambassador for the club, legend.

9 years ago we became Founding Members of a little soccer club in Atlanta. I think back to all the memories and incredible moments over the years, and you have been a part of nearly every single one in one way or another. Two I’ll never forget are the Cup Final at the Benz in 2018 and your absolute domination of Miami in the 2024 playoffs! I’ll never forget how Guz played every second for the badge and never backed down from celebrating or defending his teammates. We will miss you Guz!

Brad. Thank you for representing the city and being an ambassador for the club. You likely had several positive interactions with fans that will stay with them for decades. Thank you for encouraging my little girl before a match in 2024. She still talks about it to this day. She brings it up often “Brad Guzan told me to keep scoring!”. You impacted the city, the state, and grew the game. Thank you.

Brad, we’re the same age. I watched you through your whole career. What a joy it was! Thanks for the highlight reels!

Thank you for all the great memories you provided us as fans. You were an outstanding player as well as a good person in our community. We wish you well on your future endeavors.

Nothing speaks to someone’s character more than coming back from a season ending injury like that. As well as how much you’ve done with the club outside of the field, like the Unified Team. You can’t ever be replaced here at Atlanta United Brad.

I was thrilled when it was announced that my home town was finally getting a team, I was even more excited to hear that Brad Guzan would be our keeper. Having two young sons now and be a lifelong fan of the soccer Brad was the first player that they were able to truly know about and remember when I started bringing them to games. He quickly became both of my sons’ favorite player. Brad’s passion for the game was evident every time he stepped on the field and his determination and presence helped for me to pass on my love for this sport and this team through the career of an amazing player and leader. Thank you Brad Guzan.

I was not a fan of soccer growing up, just wasn’t raised with it. Followed baseball and football. But we put our kids in soccer and baseball/softball as an outlet for exercise and learning teamwork. I started watching soccer as a way to learn a bit about the sport so I could help coach their rec league teams. I had the good fortune of falling in love with the sport as a new team of Atlanta United was just underway. Y’all made it fun to learn and become a new fan. As our children grew through the sport they gravitated to the goalkeeper position. Now both play goalkeeper in their select teams and my son on JV at school. Having the goalkeeper of their hometown team be a shining example of skill meets grit, determination, leadership, family man, and high quality human being in the community has been amazing. Thank you for being a key member of the team that introduced me to soccer, for bringing this city a championship 🏆, and more importantly for being someone for my children to look up to and learn from.

It’s been an honor watching you lead us for the better part of a decade. So many moments, so many memories… for thousands of people. Thank you, on behalf of all of Atlanta. God bless you and your family.

Favorite memories:

1. MLS Cup

2. You being the literal best GK in the world for the three-game series vs Miami and sending those whiny cheaters back to Disneyland. You were insane. I don’t think I will ever forget how happy I was after that series.

3. USOC final (got to be there in person!)

4. Your absolutely out of this world solo performance away vs LAFC. One of the best GK performances I’ve ever seen.

Players come and go. You know this. But, legends never truly go.

From the first day you put on our crest, you become so much more than just our goalkeeper. You were our anchor. You carried this team through its highest highs and its toughest lows with the same unwavering courage and pride. When the city looked to you, we always saw the same thing… strength, leadership, and a love for the game that was pure and selfless.

Every roar from the stands, every “GUUUUUUUUUUZZZZ”… those weren’t just cheers for the saves you made. They were thank-yous for the man you are. The one who never gave less than everything. The one who led with humility and stood for something greater than himself.

You gave us memories that will never fade. Championship wins, impossible saves, and moments that made tens of thousands of hearts beat as one. You helped build something here that will last long after your playing days are done. You embodied resilience, professionalism, and heart. That can’t be coached, only lived.

Thank you, Brad… for every save, every game, and every moment. Thank you for giving us a standard to look up to. Thank you for giving this city your heart. We celebrate not just the player, but the person. The family man, the teammate, and the leader who gave everything for this club and this city. You’ve left a permanent mark on all of us, and for that, we are endlessly grateful.

Congratulations on a such an incredible career. You will forever be a part of Atlanta United. Not just in history, but in spirit, in the stands, and in the hearts of everyone who ever had the honor to watch you play. We love you.

Forever our big and bald brick wall.

-Tanner and Harley, Founding Members

Thank you for the memories, it has been a pleasure having you as the rock, the mainstay in our squad. Without you Atlanta never would have reached the highs it did. You are a leader of men, and an inspiration for Atlanta and USMNT fans. I cant believe you stuck with us these last 7 years, we are so honored to have a keeper of your caliber and personality. Shouting guuuuuuzzzz in the stadium will always be a soccer memory of mine, and I really pray you have such a blessed and wonderful life. It has been an honor. Thank you Brad for the memories and the moments. Atlanta will miss you.