Exit Interview: Minnesota United Defender Brian Kallman

While not technically a player leaving the Minnesota United roster, Brian Kallman is the subject of our inaugural Exit Interview series.

Players come and go in professional soccer and it’s easy to feel like departing players slip away before we all get a chance to say goodbye. Exit Interview is our chance to grab a final word with outgoing players and send them off in true Loons style.

Enjoy!

After a lengthy career that spanned three teams in Minnesota, Brian Kallman announced his retirement from professional soccer last January. Recently, I was thrilled to hear that the former Loons defender was suiting up once again, this time for local NPSL side Minneapolis City SC.

I caught up with Brian as he pulled double duty as dad to his two sons.

Garrett: First of all, congrats on signing with Minneapolis City! I’m glad to see you putting on the cleats again for another local team.

You have deep roots in the state, starting with your time at Woodbury High School. Was soccer always the main sport for you? How did you first get involved?

Brian: Yes, definitely. My five siblings and I played every sport growing up but from the time I started when I was 6, soccer was my favorite.

Garrett: You had successful college seasons at both Jackson University and Creighton University. Was the plan always to go pro?

Brian: Yes, I told my mom when I was younger that I wanted to play Division 1 college soccer then play professionally.

Garrett: Since going pro in 2006, you’ve played for the Minnesota Thunder, Minnesota Stars, and Minnesota United FC. Was playing for your home state always the goal?

Brian: After college I did not know where I would end up. It wasn't until my mom called me and told me that I had been drafted by the Minnesota Thunder that I knew I would get to play in my home state.

Once I got the opportunity to play in front of my friends and family, I knew this is were I wanted to be. I had offers over the years from other teams but I believed in soccer in Minnesota and wanted to help it grow here!

Garrett: Having a veteran presence in the locker room is critical for growing teams, especially as they step up into a new league. What advice would you pass on to the younger guys in the United locker room as they head to MLS?

Brian: To be a good person, be a good team mate, be professional. Over my career I have seen slot of players come and go. Every day you step on the field, remember how many people would love to be in your shoes. Play your hardest, compete, and have fun because that's how this game should be played!

Garrett: Speaking of big promotion years, Minneapolis City is moving up to the NPSL this year. As a veteran defender, what is the biggest thing you hope to bring to the team?

Brian: My personality. With me you are always going to get a leader and a hard working, tough player. I'm extremely competitive and like to win!

Garrett: Off the pitch, you founded and run Futebol Form & Fitness, a soccer company in Minneapolis. What’s new?

Brian: I started Futebol Form & Fitness to provide players (7 years old to college) the opportunity to get extra training. My goal is to improve players’ confidence, technical ability, comfort on the ball, and tactical awareness. You can find out more about my company and training opportunities at futebolformandfitness.com.

Garrett: Finally, you previously wore #14 when playing for United. Any word on what number you’ll sport at MCSC?

Brian: I would love to wear #14 again! I wear that number because it was the day that my wife and I started dating, and also is my mother's birthday. If it works out great, if not maybe I’ll wear a number representing my sons.

Brian Kallman is a former Minnesota United defender now taking his talents to Minneapolis City SC. Follow him on Twitter @futebolformnfit.