18 July 1994 - Meola Makes A Change

On 18 July 1994, US goalkeeper Tony Meola switched sports when the New York Jets announced his signing. But the move was only temporary.

Meola earned his first cap for the US in 1988 and became the first-choice keeper in 1990. He captained the team through the 1990 and 1994 World Cups. After the latter, however, he decided to move into American football. He tried out for the Jets in mid-July and the club signed him to the squad, with general manager Dick Steinberg saying that "with experience and some technique work, he has the potential to be solid NFL kicker."

His time with the team proved limited, however, as he was cut in August. He quickly moved back into his original sport, playing for the Buffalo Blizzard (1994-95) and Long Island Rough Riders (1995) before joining the MetroStars for the first MLS season.

He rejoined the US national team in 1999 and ended up with an even 100 caps before his retirement in 2006.