Landon Donovan's MLS legacy grows with MVP trophy naming honor

PHILADELPHIA – Landon Donovan won the MLS MVP award only once during his 14-year career. He was a finalist just twice. But the league, led by commissioner Don

Brian Straus | Jan 15, 2015

Landon Donovan's MLS legacy grows with MVP trophy naming honor /

PHILADELPHIA – Landon Donovan won the MLS MVP award only once during his 14-year career. He was a finalist just twice. But the league, led by commissioner Don Garber, left no doubt Thursday that the recently retired LA Galaxy forward always will be considered its most valuable player. Therefore, from 2015 on, the MLS MVP trophy will be named in Donovan’s honor.

“We will have players coming in and out of league for a generation to come, but we are what we are because Landon made the decision to come here,” Garber said following a short downtown ceremony. “Landon put us on the map here and his play – both for the league and the national team – said, ‘We can get this. We can do this. We can stand toe-to-toe. We’re going to be a rising country and a country to be contended with around the world. And that’s why we named our MVP trophy after him. Without Landon, there’s no MLS where it is today, without doubt.”

Experiencing a LegenD: Reflections on covering Landon Donovan's career

Donovan’s relentless consistency may have worked against him. He never stood out because he always stood out. Each brilliant season bled into the next and only once, in 2009, was he the top vote getter. Yet there were eight other years in which he compiled more regular season goals and assists than during his MVP campaign. Apart from MVP wins, Donovan holds just about every meaningful record for club and country. And he ended his glittering career last month with an unprecedented sixth MLS championship.

Garber compared Donovan to Wayne Gretzky and Michael Jordan, who claimed a combined 14 NHL and NBA MVP awards. But the comparison wasn’t about trophies. It was about impact.

“After my initial disbelief, the phone call from Don and after talking to my family, that’s where my mind went,” Donovan said when asked about how it felt to be compared to other legends whose names are associated with major awards. “I’m a big hockey fan, and you think about the Hart Trophy, the Conn Smythe. Obviously the Heisman and Bill Russell, all those sorts of things. It’s really cool. I think that in the long term, it’ll probably be more relevant and more special as this league explodes and continues to do well. For me, I’m just proud. I’m very proud of having an award like that named after me.”

There were occasions following Donovan’s August retirement announcement when the spotlight didn’t feel so comfortable. His mini-farewell tour became a burden at times and a distraction at others. Garber joked Thursday that LA coach Bruce Arena thought announcing the league’s “no-brainer” of a decision to name its MVP award for Donovan before the season’s conclusion “probably wasn’t the best idea.” But now that the games are done with, Donovan was happy to bask in the honor.

“Today felt totally different for me,” he said. “Seeing all the people that have been there from day one, it makes you appreciate what you’ve put into it because when you’re in this day-to-day, you sort of lose sight of that. When you realize what you put in from day one, and you get to this place, it’s really cool.”

2015 MLS SuperDraft: As It Happened

Donovan’s parents, sister, nephew and girlfriend were among the speakers in a video tribute played during the event. The former player clearly was moved by their inclusion and made several references to the “sacrifices” required to put him in position to succeed.

“They deserve something like this as much as I do and I’m glad – I’m really glad – that this was done.”

So now what?

Donovan appeared a lot slimmer than a man who made several references to the prospect of eating whatever he wanted during retirement.

“I lost weight, man. I don’t know what happened. It think you lose a lot of muscle, you know? Give me a few months,” he said.

Landon Donovan's 57 USA goals: By minute, location, opponent

During that time, and perhaps for longer, he’ll plot the next phase of his life. Donovan is 32. Options are plentiful. He said he’s been playing golf and tennis while reveling in the fact that training camp isn’t looming.

He referenced the possibility of taking college classes and said he looks forward to watching some of his matches on video now that “all the pressure’s off.” Soccer never will be far away.

“I grew up with this league and I love this league and I want to continue to be a part of it. That, for me, is easy. The question is, what kind of formal involvement will I have, if any,” he said. “There’s fortunately been significant interest, and that’s great. I need to make sure that whatever I do next, I’m passionate about – as passionate as I’ve been about playing.”

Said Garber, “He should take some time to figure out what he wants to do. He’s a very young man and he’s got a life head of him to figure that out. He’s had no shortage of challenges to figure out in his life and that in itself is something I hope he can do, to take time and have a Landon 2.0 – relaunch himself when he’s ready to do that.”

Rapid fire with Landon Donovan: Top opponent, goal, advice and more

Donovan will remain in Philadelphia on Friday and participate in a discussion session at the annual National Soccer Coaches Association of America convention, which takes place annually alongside the MLS draft. He said he enjoyed spending time at the hotel adjacent to the convention center on Wednesday evening, circulating among representatives from other clubs who now feel more like colleagues than competitors.

And he took an opportunity to fulfill yet another childhood dream on Thursday as he was called to the podium by Garber to open the draft. Donovan didn’t play in college and initially was acquired by MLS on loan from Germany’s Bayer Leverkusen. He missed out on the draft-day thrill as a teenager. So this time he took the stage, wished the assembled draft prospects the best of luck and said, “I’m a sports fan and I’ve always wanted to do this: Orlando City, you’re officially on the clock!”

He then stepped away, passing the torch and leaving the 20th MLS season to kick off without him. But perhaps one of the players whose name was called Thursday will win the award bearing Donovan’s name. He’ll be Donovan’s heir in more ways than one.

“He created special moments that began to etch our sport in the social consciousness of our entire nation, providing a platform for our league to be one of the great impetuses for growing a soccer nation,” Garber said. “[The honor] was about trying to establish a permanent, lasting legacy that will be around long after many of us in this room are no longer associated with Major League Soccer.”

GALLERY: Classic Landon Donovan photos

Landon Donovan Classic Photos

Landon Donovan

A former dare-to-dream-big kid who matured into the most decorated male player to ever don the United States uniform, Landon Donovan will retire at the end of the 2014 MLS season. On the heels of that news, here are some classic photos of Landon Donovan.

Landon Donovan

Donovan and Julio Bracamontes of Mexico battle during the quarterfinals of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand. The U.S. defeated Mexico 3-2.

Landon Donovan

Donovan standing in front of the Bayer pharmaceutical plant in Cologne, Germany. He had a brief stint with German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.

Landon Donovan

Donovan, right, runs through an agility drill at a practice session in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen.

Landon Donovan

Donovan during a quiet moment with Bayer Leverkusen.

Landon Donovan

Donovan hits out of a bunker while playing a round of golf in Adelaide, Australia, on an off-day before playing Japan in one of the quarterfinal matches of the Olympics.

Landon Donovan

To honor U.S. Women's National Team member Brandi Chastain -- who famously took off her shirt after winning the 1999 World Cup on a penalty kick -- Donovan pulled off his jersey to reveal a sports bra after he scored during the MLS All-Star Game in San Jose.

Landon Donovan

Donovan gets off a shot as James Lawrence arrives too late to stop it during a 2002 World Cup qualifier against Jamaica.

Landon Donovan

Donovan, then with the San Jose Earthquakes, hoists the MLS Cup trophy after defeating the Los Angeles Galaxy 2-1 at Columbus Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Donovan scored the Earthquakes' first goal in the 43rd minute.

Landon Donovan

Donovan and DaMarcus Beasley pass the ball in a stretching drill at the Misari Football Center in Seoul, Korea.

Landon Donovan

Donovan autographs a USA team jersey for U.S. Army SPC 4 Jesus Medina of Houston during the team's visit to the demilitarized zone in Panmunjom, South Korea. The U.S. soccer squad faced Portugal, South Korea and Poland in the first round of the 2002 FIFA Korea-Japan World Cup.

Landon Donovan

Donovan records teammate DaMarcus Beasley during the national team's visit to the demilitarized zone.

Landon Donovan

Petit of Portugal holds back Donovan during the second half of the their Group D match played in South Korea. The U.S. won 3-2.

Landon Donovan

Donovan celebrates following his 65th-minute goal during second-round playoff action against Mexico in the 2002 World Cup. The U.S. won 2-0.

Landon Donovan

A disgusted Donovan reacts after barely missing out on a goal against Germany in a quarterfinal of the 2002 World Cup. The Germans defeated the U.S. 1-0.

Landon Donovan

Donovan on the cover of Sports Illustrated as the national team began play in the 2002 World Cup.

Landon Donovan

Donovan during the 2002 ESPY Awards with Bianca Kajlich at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood. The two were married from 2006-2010.

Landon Donovan

Turkish defender Fatih Sonkaya and Donovan vie for the ball during their Confederations Cup match in Saint-Etienne, France.

Landon Donovan

Donovan played his fourth and last season with the San Jose Earthquakes in 2004. He made 87 appearances for them and scored 32 goals.

Landon Donovan

Donovan poses in Manhattan Beach, Calif., during a photo shoot with SI.

Landon Donovan

Donovan in action vs. Mexico during a 2006 World Cup qualifier.

Landon Donovan

Donovan runs off the field holding an American flag after the U.S. defeated Mexico to advance to the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Landon Donovan

Donovan with teammates Oguchi Onyewu (top, left), Bobby Convey (top, right), and DaMarcus Beasley.

Landon Donovan

Donovan, DaMarcus Beasley, Oguchi Onyewu and Bobby Convey on the cover of Sports Illustrated prior to the 2006 World Cup.

Landon Donovan

Ghana's Liliasu Shilla battles with Donovan during a Group E game. The U.S. lost 2-1 to Ghana, lost 3-0 to the Czech Republic and finished in a 1-1 draw with eventual champion Italy.

Landon Donovan

A disappointed Donovan after the U.S. was eliminated from the 2006 World Cup after its third game.

Landon Donovan

Frankie Hejduk and Donovan parade around the field with the Gold Cup after the U.S. defeated Mexico in the final of the 2007 CONCACAF at sold out Soldier Field in Chicago.

Landon Donovan

Donovan receives a kiss from his mother, Donna Kenney-Cash, after winning the Honda Player of the Year Award.

Landon Donovan

Donovan clashes with the goalkeeper during a U.S. match with Cuba.

Landon Donovan

Donovan heads the ball against Mexico during a 2010 World Cup qualifying match at Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. The U.S. won, 2-0.

Landon Donovan

A Donovan assist on a goal by teammate Jozy Altidore led to this reaction during a 2010 World Cup qualifying match against Trinidad and Tobago at LP Field in Nashville.

Landon Donovan

David Beckham and Donovan celebrate the latter's goal against the Houston Dynamo during the 2009 MLS Western Conference Championship game at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. The Galaxy won 2-0.

Landon Donovan

English Premier League side Everton acquired Donovan on a two-and-a-half-month loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2010.

Landon Donovan

Donovan made an appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel Show, where the host had fun with a magazine spread in which Donovan was wearing patriotic underwear.

Landon Donovan

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (far left), New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter and Donovan helped launch a new razor with a ceremonial first shave in New York.

Landon Donovan

Donovan during an SI For Kids photo shoot.

Landon Donovan

Donovan poses during an SI photo shoot.

Landon Donovan

Donovan poses with Clint Dempsey (left) and Tim Howard on the cover of Sports Illustrated prior to the start of the 2010 World Cup.

Landon Donovan

Donovan shoots and scores past Slovenia's goalkeeper Samir Handanovic and defender Marko Suler during their Group C first-round match at the 2010 World Cup.

Landon Donovan

Donovan celebrates with U.S. midfielder Clint Dempsey after scoring during their 2010 FIFA World Cup group stage match vs. Slovenia at Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Landon Donovan

Donovan jumps over the goalkeeper in the U.S. final group stage game against Algeria at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Landon Donovan

Donovan scores the winning goal in the 91st minute as the U.S. defeats Algeria, 1-0. Needing a win to advance, the goal secured the U.S. as winners of Group C and advanced it to the Round of 16.

Landon Donovan

Donovan dives toward the corner flag, where teammates Stuart Holden (left) and Clarence Goodson celebrate after Donovan's stoppage-time goal propelled the United States to the knockout stage of the 2010 World Cup.

Landon Donovan

Donovan arrives for the Round of 16 World Cup match against Ghana at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa. The U.S. would go on to lose 2-1 in overtime.

Landon Donovan

Donovan and David Letterman take turns trying to kick a ball into the open window of a taxi outside the Ed Sullivan Theater for "The Late Show With David Letterman".

Landon Donovan

Donovan throws out the ceremonial first pitch before a game between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers in Los Angeles.

Landon Donovan

Actor Mark Wahlberg shakes hands with Donovan at the 2010 ESPY Awards.

Landon Donovan

Danica Patrick and Donovan at the 2010 ESPY Awards in Los Angeles.

Landon Donovan

Donovan and Serena Williams attend a Super Bowl Weekend kickoff party in Dallas.

Landon Donovan

Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant (far left), Donovan, actor David Henrie, and former NBA player Chris Webber attend the Cartoon Network Hall of Game Awards held at The Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, Calif.

Landon Donovan

Lionel Messi of Argentina dribbles between Donovan and Michael Bradley during the first half of a friendly at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

Landon Donovan

Donovan greets a line of kids as he leads the L.A. Galaxy onto the field for ceremonies before their game with Chivas USA.

Landon Donovan

Donovan jumps into the arms of a teammate after scoring against Mexico in the first half of the CONCACAF Gold Cup final in Pasadena, Calif.

Landon Donovan

Donovan loosens up during a training session ahead of the MLS Cup.

Landon Donovan

Indonesian students listen to Donovan during a soccer clinic in Jakarta. The L.A. Galaxy visited Indonesia as part of their Asia tour.

Landon Donovan

Everton Manager David Moyes gives instructions to Donovan during a FA Cup fourth-round match between Everton and Fulham at Goodison Park in Liverpool, England.

Landon Donovan

Donovan watches the Los Angeles Kings and the St. Louis Blues in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals during the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Landon Donovan

Donovan and James Riley of Chivas USA vie for the ball in the Chivas 18-yard box during an MLS match won by Chivas, 1-0.

Landon Donovan

Scottish midfielder Scott Brown steals the ball away from Donovan during the U.S.' 5-1 victory over Scotland in a friendly at Everbank Field in Jacksonville, Fla.

Landon Donovan

Referee Silvia Reyes gets between Donovan and Toronto FC's Darren O'Dea after O'Dea tripped Donovan during an MLS match. The LA Galaxy defeated Toronto 4-2.

Landon Donovan

Donovan reacts after scoring on a penalty kick in the second half against the Houston Dynamo in the 2012 MLS Cup. The Los Angeles Galaxy won 3-1.

Landon Donovan

Donovan kisses the MLS Cup after winning the 2012 title against the Houston Dynamo at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

Landon Donovan

Donovan poses for a photo during "Soccer Night In Newtown" at the Newtown Youth Academy Sports & Fitness Center in Connecticut.

Landon Donovan

President Barack Obama holds a soccer ball as he poses with Donovan during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House. The ceremony was held to honor Los Angeles' 2012 MLS Cup victory.

Landon Donovan

Donovan attempts a back-heeled shot against Woodrow West of Belize during the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup in Portland, Ore. Donovan finished with a goal and two assists -- becoming the first U.S. player to record both 50 goals and 50 assists for his career -- as the U.S. won easily, 6-1.

Landon Donovan

Donovan celebrates after scoring a goal against El Salvador during 5-1 victory over El Salvador in the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal in Baltimore.

Published Jan 15, 2015

BRIAN STRAUS

A lifelong soccer player, coach and fan, Brian Straus joined SI in 2013 after covering the sport for The Washington Post, AOL and Sporting News.