For Anton: How One Player Unites a Rivalry
Alex -
On Saturday, fans will pack Bank of America Stadium as Charlotte FC welcomes Eastern Conference rivals Atlanta United to town for a nationally televised 2:15 pm kickoff. Two teams, separated by a drive of a little more than four hours on I-85 have one thing in common on Saturday: Anton Walkes.
Anton passed away early on Thursday, January 19, 2023 after a boating accident in South Florida. He was 25 years old. Anton found his way to the Queen City by way of the Expansion Draft after spending three years with Atlanta United. After the draft, the MLS website described Anton as “someone who should serve as a vocal leader from day one”. In his MLS career, Anton played in 91 matches, 79 for Atlanta and 24 for Charlotte. During his time in Atlanta, he scored four goals.
For my research, I asked fans of both Atlanta and Charlotte for their thoughts on Anton. One thing became clear, he was loved by all. The sentiment I got from Atlanta fans was that he was a great talent, just getting started who they were sad to see leave. One fan was nice enough to share a personal interaction that they had with Anton. After a match, the fan found themselves leaving the stadium and found themselves beside Anton, the fan described him as “kind” and “just a genuine person”. Another fan said he was always giving his all and scored 2 goals in Atlanta United’s debut campaign. More of the same sentiment from other fans and one thing that appeared to be a recurring theme was that they were sad to see him go. Charlotte Fans also shared their thoughts with me, again, nothing but positivity. Anton was a part of two teams inaugural squads which is impressive. One thing quickly became clear, Charlotte fans loved him and some believe that he would be making an impact for the Crown today.
Photo Credit: CNN
The support didn’t stop with the fans, as MLS Commissioner Don Graber described him as a “fierce competitor” during his address at Anton’s celebration of life at Bank of America Stadium. Teammate Andre Shinyashiki called Anton “a true fighter” and one who “never backed down from a challenge”. Charlotte FC Owner David Tepper gave a statement where he described Anton as “a tremendous son, father, partner and teammate whose joyous approach to life touched everyone he met”. Mr. Tepper also said that “Anton made those around him better people in all areas of life and represented Charlotte FC to the highest standard both on and off the pitch”. Atlanta United also released a statement where they described Anton as "the epitome of a great teammate with a personality that lit up every room he entered”.
I remember where I was when I found out that Anton had passed. I was getting ready for work and my dad had the local news on, as I was making my breakfast, the local news was on. This was around the time of the sports segment (Panthers, Hornets, NASCAR, college sports). I was just starting to get into MLS as Charlotte had a team and I remember feeling shocked as a man around my age who played a sport I love, for a city I love was gone.
I’ll close this out by saying, there is more to sports than a game. Two teams that face off on Saturday have something in common, one man, loved by many who is dearly missed but whose impact is not forgotten.
Rest easy Anton, we love you.
Calum -
“May we all rejoice and celebrate the man Anton was, and be reminded of the positive legacy he leaves at such a young age.”
- Arthur Blank, Atlanta United Owner
A fitting quote for a storied life, a summary of a life that shouldn’t need a summary but tragically has one.
I remember as a little kid my first matches in Bobby Dodd Stadium. I remember enjoying professional soccer with my Dad for the first time and watching a younger Walkes. I saw a player who had serious quality. I saw a player who defended well, got into good positions, and did his job. I saw not a player, but a person who always had a smile on his face and was positive.
My stronger memories of Walkes are in his second spell with the club when I was older. He kept the smile on even through the toughest period in our club’s history. Even better, on the field he became a regular starter putting in consistent performances. It became an oddity to see mistakes from him. He became a leader in the clubhouse as well, a leader in the backline, a leader the club desperately needed at the time. His respect for fans stayed the same, and we can only be grateful for that now.
Other Atlanta fans share my sentiments. One fan stated, “I remember him as a great surprise during the first few years, growing into a reliable and important piece of our defense when the team needed. Seemed like a great team player and loved by his peers”. Another stated, “I remember Anton from him always smiling and being in good spirits even if the team was doing bad. He was just an all-around great guy and leader”. And another: “I remember a warm, fuzzy feeling inside when ‘Walkes (c)’ was on the lineup card the first time. I also remember screaming online about leaving him unprotected in the expansion draft.”
Finally, a fan stated “I remember once in his first spell with us that he didn’t have a great game, and he came on Twitter afterwards and apologized to the fans. He didn’t need to do that, but I think it showed who he was - responsible, a leader, and he truly cared about the fans.”
And the fans cared for him. We care for a player naturally when they bring us joy. Some of the most joy I’ve ever had from a soccer game was on July 4, 2017 when Atlanta played the San Jose Earthquakes. I was there for the first time with my entire family, watching the teams score back and forth. After a Chris Wondolowski equalizer that made it 2-2 one minute after a Josef Martinez goal, Anton Walkes rose in the box and headed home the winner in the 81st minute. His goal helped achieve a 4-2 win, and my younger self and younger sister danced to the music as fireworks were launched in celebration.
Walkes brought myself and other Atlanta fans joy, and he brought more joy to his family and friends. As United’s rivalry with Charlotte begins to grow into something real, the biblical message of “love your enemy” repeatedly shows itself through the memory of a great player and an even greater man.
Anton Walkes, thank you for all the joy you added to this world.