Ian Harkes Talks About His Strange Injury From Last Year, His Family, And His New Podcast
Ian Harkes Talks About His Strange Injury From Last Year, His Family, And His New Podcast
Harkes: “They were saying the worst-case scenario is if you got hit again, it could be your throat collapsing. What happens after that? Do you need a breathing tube or can you play sports again?"
Signed on Jul. 5, 2023, Ian Harkes was becoming a regular contributor to the New England Revolution when an unusual injury forced him to the sidelines.
The fractured Adam’s apple that occurred against the Chicago Fire on Sept. 23 required patience because coming back too soon could’ve had grave consequences, including never playing soccer again.
“I came in flying and into a great group that was second in the East,” Harkes told The Blazing Musket. “There are ups and downs in football and that was one of the downs. I never heard of that before, a fractured Adam's apple. It was so strange. Sometimes bad luck happens like that.”
Although he could still train, he couldn’t participate in anything that involved contact because “they were worried about reinjuring it and possibly needing a tracheotomy.”
“They were saying the worst-case scenario is if you got hit again, it could be your throat collapsing,” Harkes said. “What happens after that? Do you need a breathing tube or can you play sports again?
“So that's where I was like, whoa I didn't think it was that serious. So I had to make sure it was right before coming back.”
Harkes recovered in time to make a bench appearance in last year’s playoffs but didn’t get to see the field. This year, he’s feeling healthy and ready to contribute.
The midfielder played one minute against Club Atlético Independiente and 29 against DC United. The second outing was particularly meaningful because he had family in the stands.
“[Family] is everything,” Harkes said. “That’s why it was special that the first game of the year was at D.C. I had my mom and dad and my sister, Lauren, and my wife down. And my grandparents came as well. So the whole family was down there, which I was so happy to see. I was happy to get on and play for them. That's what I play for and that's what motivates me.”
The Harkes name is well known in soccer circles.
Ian’s father, John, featured for the U.S. Men’s National Team and had an extensive career in the United States and Europe. His mother, Cindi, also has impressive stints domestically and abroad, including two years where she was the lead scorer for the Sheffield Wednesday Ladies.
While Ian is certainly allowed to discover his own path, John and Cindi have been there to provide guidance.
“My mom has always told me that with the highs and lows just stay even-keeled and keep yourself consistent.,” Harkes said. “I've obviously taken that in from last season with the highs and lows coming in. And that definitely applies throughout my life.
“My dad is just constantly reminding me of how blessed you are to play the sport and just constantly pushing myself and looking for different ways that I can change and improve. So they're always there for me, which is great.”
Harkes hasn’t seen many minutes yet this season, but he’s staying sharp for when his time comes.
The Revs are midway through a busy stretch that has them playing four games in 11 days.
They play Independiente on Thursday and Toronto FC on Sunday. Both of these home games present Harkes with an opportunity to see the field.
“[Head coach Caleb Porter has] been very clear,” Harkes said. “He said that there are tons of games coming up, so he's going to need everyone. I'm just trying to keep myself focused and if I'm called upon then, you know, I give the team everything I have. So I'm excited for that. I'm hoping for that. But we have to see what his call is.”
While performing well for the Revs is Harkes’ top priority, he’s also taking time to explore other ventures.
Partnering with his wife, Sarah, Harkes has launched Simply Sublime Football Community. Sarah, who is now retired from professional soccer, won the 2021 Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup and the 2022 Scottish Cup with Celtic F.C. Women.
As you can imagine, the project will look at all things related to soccer.
“We had the idea to just create space for the game to grow,” Harkes said. “Just to celebrate it, nurture it, especially in the States. We saw the culture overseas and the US has grown so much, which we love, especially with the trajectory of the World Cup coming to the U.S. in two years.
“We just want to be a place that celebrates that too. So we're doing that in ways of our social media, a podcast, and we've got some plans for the future. So we'll see how it goes.”
You can find out more information about Simply Sublime Football Community by visiting their website, following them on Instagram, or subscribing to their podcast.