Jeff Dewsnup was being tracked by Borussia Dortmund, PSV, Fulham and Crystal Palace when he decided to retire at 18.
In his first season as a professional, 6’1” goalkeeper Jeff Dewsnup was earning a reputation at the 5,000 capacity Zions Bank Stadium for his cat-like reflexes. He featured in the United Soccer League’s Save of the Week competition on a regular basis and in total, recorded 33 stops in 11 appearances for Real Monarchs — an impressive record for any seasoned pro, never mind a young prospect.
"I was constantly struggling with the pressure of everything throughout that year," he says."You couldn't really tell because I was performing pretty well on the pitch, but there were just a lot of things outside of soccer that were taking a toll on my mental health. And then soccer tipped it over the edge with the amount of pressure and anxiety it drove."
"I don't even think the first game had started yet when the depression and anxiety kicked in," he says."I've been on medication for it but January 2022 was when it got so bad that I decided to really take a look at my life and where I'd be happiest. Two months later, in March 2022, he experienced a real low point. After a brief pause to compose himself, Dewsnup takes a deep breath on the Zoom call before opening up.
"I have a really good agent," Dewsnup says."In fact, he still works with me. He's an amazing guy. He was made aware about everything because of my dad. My dad's always helped me a lot and he communicated with him. I was in a really dark spot with my mental health, so I just took a back seat and didn't really get involved with that personally.
Happiness is a regular discussion point throughout our lengthy chat. During the dark times, music has been a source of light. “When you have nothing, you turn to the things that have always been there,” he says. “And music has been such a big part of my life that gives me so much. It was something I really latched on to.”
Dewsnup is lead singer for The Johns – a band based in the Utah area. Image credit: Instagram/the.johnsband "I don't believe life is about living with regrets,” Dewsnup goes on. “I think you need to move on if things don’t make you happy. I'm happy now and I think I'll continue to be. I don't believe in living in the past. It's my life and I can do what I want with it.”
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