Former USMNT goalie Tony Meola spent his pre-birthday Thursday recovering from a heart attack, reminding fans that even legends need checkups—because running four miles doesn't exempt you from adulting.

Meola, who turns 56 tomorrow, underwent an unspecified procedure after his heart attack, yet he quipped that if his scare encourages just one person to visit a doctor, it'll have been worth it. The former soccer star, known for his heroic saves and clean sheets, is making sure his legacy includes not just sports stats, but a crucial reminder that health checkups are essential, even for those who still think they can outrun adulthood.

The irony of the situation isn't lost on Meola, especially since just last Saturday, he completed a casual four-mile jog, seemingly defying the laws of aging. "I thought I was in great shape!" he admitted, perhaps channeling the spirit of a youthful athlete who still believes he's immune to the vulnerabilities of middle age. After all, running is often considered a healthy activity—unless, of course, it precedes an unexpected visit to the hospital, which rather dampens the enthusiasm for one’s fitness regime.

Following his heart attack, doctors recommended that Meola take it easy for the time being, which apparently won't involve trying out for the New York Jets again, a youthful folly from 1994. For those unfamiliar, Meola famously attempted to kick his way onto the NFL team, proving that he not only had skills with goalkeeping gloves but also a flair for pursuing multiple sports. At this point, it seems that his current recovery plan involves less kicking and more sitting, a recommendation filled with wisdom as birthday celebrations loom on the horizon.

With a heart-to-heart message aimed at spreading awareness, Meola is emphatic about wanting others to heed his experience. "If I get one of you to go to the doctor and get a checkup, this was all worth it for me," he said, his sincerity tinged with a hint of sarcasm that one can only appreciate after having dodged a potentially life-altering event. The sentiment indeed rings true—even the toughest athletes can face serious health issues that don’t necessarily respect a player’s historic achievements. Meola's journey, marked by 35 shutouts in his 101 appearances with the US Men's National Team (USMNT), serves as a testament to resilience, both on the field and off.

For those unfamiliar, Meola had quite the distinguished career. Not only did he stand between the posts in the 1990 and 1994 World Cups, but he also graced the MLS fields with his presence, playing for teams like the New York/New Jersey MetroStars and Kansas City Wizards. His accolades include being a four-time All-Star—quite the record for a profession where goalkeepers often get less than their share of limelight. It’s no wonder that onlookers might have thought him invincible, but sometimes the strongest players are merely one doctor's visit away from reality.

As Meola recuperates and gears up for his personal birthday celebration, it serves as a good reminder that being an MVP—he won both the regular season and MLS Cup MVP in 2000—does not make one immune to the ticking clock of biological wear and tear. With 62 clean sheets to show for 250 starts, he might be lauded as a defensive wall, but even walls need maintenance. If his story can encourage just one more person to prioritize their health alongside their favorite sports, perhaps that will be his ultimate save.

Having transitioned into broadcasting since his retirement in 2007, Meola’s impact on soccer and beyond continues to grow, even if his current situation places him quieter behind the microphone, rather than on the field. While fans might hope to see his continued commentary on soccer, it’s equally critical to witness him interacting positively with health specialists. Perhaps, with enough heart and humor, he can instill a few valuable lessons—like stay fit, but stay checked.

As he recovers, Meola is taking the opportunity to reflect on life choices, emphasizing that wisdom often comes with age and experience, sometimes painfully so. There's no denying he should have been 'smarter,' but acknowledging that is a step in the right direction—one heartbeat at a time. As we await the anecdotal tales of his heart attack fantasy football saga, here's hoping the next time we see him, it will be on his own moratorium of 'How to Not Collapse Before Your 56th Birthday.'

For now, it seems he will be savoring cake over cardio this special day—a healthy choice considering his current medical recommendations. And while we all stand in solidarity on the sidelines, let’s be thankful that goalkeepers, whether on a soccer pitch or in the game of life, know how to bounce back. Here’s to Tony Meola—a remarkable player navigating the complexities of health, a new year, and a future filled with possibilities, dreams, and well-deserved checkups.