How Soccer Shaped 'Breaking Bad' Star RJ Mitte's Life

Though best known for his role as Walter Jr. and his passionate disability rights advocacy, few knew of RJ Mitte’s lifelong connection to the beautiful game. This week, we remember beloved actor RJ Mitte and how soccer helped shape his life. Plus, we revisit a shocking friendly from the ‘70s, examine an unusual piece of memorabilia, and much more.

This week’s stories:

• 🇨🇳 The Day China Faced the Tampa Bay Rowdies

• 👨‍🎓 Men’s College Soccer is Officially Changing

• 🏜️ How Soccer Shaped 'Breaking Bad' Star RJ Mitte's Life

• 🐆 Jags Spam Soccer Cellys

• 🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Responses

• ➡️ And More

OUR HISTORY
The Day China Faced the Tampa Bay Rowdies

Honestly, it’s one of the most random old friendlies I think I’ve ever come across.

On a day like today in 1977, the Tampa Bay Rowdies played the Chinese National Team in front of 14,675 fans at Tampa Stadium.

Unfortunately for the Rowdies, they lost 2-1.

Still, the poster from the game remains a memorable snapshot of the insane world that was American soccer during the ‘70s…

SCHOOL
Men’s College Soccer is Officially Changing

After long speculation and steps to get here, college soccer will officially be adopting a new format.

Last week, the Division I Cabinet reviewed and affirmed a proposal to shift the playing season in men’s soccer to a year-round model, with competition segments in both the fall and spring seasons and the championship occurring in the spring.

The vote was narrower than you might think, though, and as a result, there might be one more hurdle to clear.

COVER STORY
How Soccer Shaped 'Breaking Bad' Star RJ Mitte's Life

Beloved actor and disability rights activist RJ Mitte passed away yesterday at age 34.

Though primarily known for his role as Walt Jr. in Breaking Bad and for his passionate advocacy work, few people may have known he was a longtime fan of the beautiful game, dating back to his childhood.

Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age three, Mitte wore leg braces until around the time he began playing soccer in his youth.

“What most helped me to get out of my braces was playing soccer,” he reflected once.

During games, his mom would yell from the sidelines, “Run, Forrest, run,” as he chased after the ball.

But soccer also had an impact beyond just the physical:

“Sport was a big part of my life. And it helped me gain control of my disability; that I could utilise it and grow from it […] For me, when you're in a team sport, it's a family, and you grow as a unit because you need to rely on each other to lift you up. And for me, that was a big part of my community growing up."

And outside of playing it in his youth, soccer remained an important part of Mitte’s life.

In 2013, he named Lancaster as his favorite club to follow; in 2020, he appeared in the music video for what was billed as “the first-ever jazz ‘big band’ song to be recorded about the international sport of soccer"; and just last week, he flew on a New Mexico United balloon at the iconic Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque.

(Having followed his work both on and off screen over the years, and just learning about his passing, it’s difficult to find the right words at the moment. Our thoughts are with Mitte’s family, friends, and fans around the world during this difficult time).

(OTHER) FOOTBALL
Jags Spam Soccer Cellys

Take your pick.

Wayne Rooney, Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham… the Jacksonville Jaguars players busted out numerous soccer celebrations during their game against the Eagles in London.

Which one do you think was the best?

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

Let us know why you think so or don’t think so—we’ll feature your best answers next week!

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

For the Sicko Collectors: Ever wanted to own a cup made with field dirt from the Oakland Coliseum, home of the Oakland Roots? Yup, us too! You can get one here.

Burrito Boys: Check out this short doc on everyone’s favorite burrito soccer team!

Limbs: Absolute scenes in Toronto. One of the wildest crowd celebrations you’ll see in MLS!

Heavy Blow: A tough pill to swallow for Gotham FC fans heading into the playoffs…

Quitting Soccer For Comedy: Stand-up comedian and SNL cast member Marcello Hernandez had quite the journey from the pitch to where he is today…

ART
Refereeing Legend Says Goodbye

Like many referees, he made me rage at the TV a couple of times, but there’s no denying that Ismail Elfath was one of the greatest officials in the history of MLS and our region.

Over the summer, he was appointed for the semifinal match between England and Argentina, becoming the first American to whistle a World Cup semifinal.

An absolute legend. Wishing him all the best in this next chapter 🙏

WATCH
We Go Again

Yup, that hurt a little.

Over the weekend, the USWNT fell 2-0 to Spain in our first of two meetings against the World Cup champions.

There were enough key players on the field Saturday to make this a pretty decent preview of next year's World Cup, but hopefully we can get them back tonight.

Tune in for the rematch in Philly at 7 pm ET on TNT, HBO Max, Universo, or Peacock!

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you: Will Cavan Sullivan be better than Pulisic? Here are some of your answers:

• “Yes. He seems to have that x factor.” - Ben T

• “Yes. He’s from Philly and has the right attitude to probably have a higher ceiling at the USMNT level.” - BD

The poll results came in at 69.2% for “Yes,” followed by 30.8% for “No.”

I would like to believe he will be. I think Pulisic suffered from missing that World Cup in 2018, but Cavan is stepping into a program that already seems to have strong foundations and players that can help him ease into a prominent role when the time comes. I’d love to see both of them play together!

TRAVEL
Catch a Game in Europe ✈️

This 2026/27 European season, we’re teaming up with Champions Travel once again, this time as our official European Ticketing Partner to help us with our storytelling efforts across the pond!

And if you’re looking to go on a European adventure of your own this season, make sure to use our code CTCLUB11 with Champions Travel to receive 10% off all football packages! (cap of €50 per person, can be used once per person.)

UP NEXT
Back From PLML

As I sign off this edition, I’d like to give a special shoutout to Corey, one of our readers here (pictured on the right). We bumped into each other at Premier League Mornings Live in Denver by complete chance, and as you might be able to tell by the huge smile on my face, I couldn’t believe I’d met someone who read the newsletter “out in the real world.”

That encounter really powered me as I finish writing this one in the late hours of the night/early morning. So huge thank you Corey for the incredibly kind words, and hope our paths cross again somewhere down the road!

Onwards!!

Enjoying This?

Make sure to forward this email to a friend and help us spread the soccer gospel far and wide! We’ll see you next week with even more untold stories of soccer.

Have a great Tuesday!

Pablo