You already keep up with Sporting KC on the pitch, but what about off the pitch? SportingKC.com’s Anything but series is your exclusive look into the lives of players and coaches outside of soccer.
Sporting KC signed Justin Mapp in December, as the first internal Free Agent signing in Major League Soccer history. The midfielder, who comes to KC from Montreal, has recorded 23 goals and 70 assists in his 318 MLS appearances, including the postseason. The depth he adds to the team is no secret, but we're here to see what this Mississippi native is like off the pitch.
Are there any particular players you’re relieved to be playing with instead of against?
It’ll be good to play with all of them. It’s a good group of guys and I’m pretty laid back so it should be a pretty easy transition.
What’s the thing you’re most excited about moving to Kansas City?
I’ve heard good things about the town. I’m from Mississippi so it’s got a good feel here, like a little big town. So I’m looking forward to that. I’ve heard they do barbecue up here — you know, just a little.
Have you tried any barbecue places yet?
I went to one with Matt Besler when I first came up here in December, but I can’t remember the name of it.
What would you say would be your spirit animal?
I’m not exactly sure what that means, but probably a puma. I’m not sure why. It’s the first animal that popped into my head.
Would you rather score an embarrassing own goal or hold the record for most red cards in the league?
Probably the most red cards. At least it would show I’m a tough guy.
If you could have any superhero as a teammate, what superhero would you want to have?
I think I’d go with Flash.
Oo, good one.
Yeah, I’m going off the grid with that one. But he’s pretty fast so I think he could do some damage.
What superhero would you want to play against?
Probably Batman. He’s pretty cool but I just don’t know if the dude is any good at soccer. He could probably take me out at any time but I haven’t seen him play soccer in any of his movies.
Oh yes, because all the other superheroes have proven their soccer abilities.
Oh yeah, they’ve done it for years.
Would you rather dress up or dress down?
Dress down.
Biggest guilty pleasure?
Sweets, especially cheesecake. I’m a big cheesecake fan. I try to stay away from it during the season, though.
Do you remember your first celebrity crush?
I think maybe Kate Beckinsale. I don’t remember if she was the first but she was the biggest one I guess.
What’s the most random thing you’ve ever watched on Netflix?
I couldn’t tell you exactly, but I’ve watched some pretty random documentaries. There were a lot I stopped watching halfway through. I was trying to stimulate my intellectual side but it didn’t really work out.
So if your life was being made into a movie, what would the title be?
Justin.
Ah, yes. Simple, yet effective. What actor would play you?
I would play myself. Authentic, you know?
What’s something your teammates would be surprised to know about you?
Maybe that I’m a huge country music fan? I don’t know if that’s surprising since I’m from Mississippi. Also another reason I’m gonna like Kansas City — a lot of country music stations. I didn’t really have that in Montreal.
