Walker Zimmerman’s journey from a young soccer enthusiast to a key figure in USA soccer’s defense is a remarkable story of faith and sporting perseverance. Born with a deep Christian faith, Zimmerman’s life has been a testament to his belief in hard work and resilience. His passion for soccer was ignited by the inspirational British film Chariots of Fire, which fueled his dream of becoming a professional athlete.
Zimmerman is not just known for his defensive prowess on the field; he also carries the legacy of his father, Pastor David Zimmerman, a respected leader in the US. This strong family background and his off-field character have made him a role model both in and out of the stadium. In this biography, we explore how his Christian values and personal experiences have shaped him into one of the most formidable center-backs in American soccer history.
Inside Walker Zimmerman’s Life: Faith, Family, & Soccer Success
Preamble:
Our biography of Walker Zimmerman delves deeper than just his career highlights. It explores his early years, including his childhood and introduction to soccer, and introduces you to his family: his mother, Becky Zimmerman, his father, David Zimmerman, and his brothers, Dawson and Carter. The biography also covers his personality, marriage to Sally Tucker Zimmerman, and their son, Tucker James Zimmerman.
We hope to spark your interest in Walker Zimmerman’s life story through this biography. To start, we offer a gallery that traces the USMNT captain’s soccer journey. From his early years to his rise to prominence, Walker Zimmerman’s path has been truly remarkable.
Walker Zimmerman Biography – From his Boyhood Years to the moment he became a household name.
Yes, everyone knows he is somewhat of a unicorn among defenders. Walker is a physical defender with qualities in the air, a feat that earned him two consecutive MLS Defender of the Year awards. He is an awesome Defender who can start attacks, execute quality passes, distribute the ball over various ranges, and break lines.
In the course of researching United States Soccer players, we found a knowledge gap. The truth is, not many fans have read a concise version of Walker Zimmerman’s Biography. We have prepared it, and it is very exciting. So, without further ado, let’s begin.
Walker Zimmerman Childhood Story:
For starters, in his Biography reading, he bears the nickname ‘Donzo.’ His full name is Walker Dwain Zimmerman. The soccer player was born on the 19th day of May 1993 to his mother, Becky Zimmerman, and father, David Zimmerman, in Georgia, United States.
Walker is one among three siblings born to the blissful marital union between his Dad and Mum. Now, let’s introduce you to Walker Zimmerman’s Parents. Becky and David never bequeath to their children riches but the spirit of Godliness and reverence.
Meet Walker Zimmerman’s Parents. His mother’s name is Becky, and David is his dad.
Growing-Up:
Walker Zimmerman never spent his childhood alone; he lived alongside his brothers. Our finding shows that the USMNT star has two older siblings. Dawson Zimmerman is Walker’s immediate older brother.
On the other hand, Carter is the American Defender’s oldest brother. The Zimmerman brothers, as seen here, share a great bond with each other.
Let’s introduce you to the Zimmerman Brothers. From left to right, we have Walker, Carter, and Dawson.
It is pertinent to state that Walker Zimmerman grew up in a religious home. His Dad, David Zimmerman, is a popular Pastor. He and his wife, Becky, raised Walker in a Christian home where the duty of preaching sermons gave everyone a sense of responsibility.
As a boy, Walker (who is the son of a Pastor) exercised caution about certain things. In his words,
You hear about pastors’ kids going astray.
There was a lot of pressure for me and my brothers.
So because of the above fact, Walker, Dawson, and Carter ensured they grew into humble kids who set good religious examples for others. In fact, the future USA captain made his faith his own and used the platform his Dad provided to glorify God.
Walker Zimmerman Early Life:
Do you know?… His Family members saw the first signs that he would be a professional soccer player from the moment he watched ‘Chariots of Fire.’ This is a British historical sports drama film that changed his life when he was six.
Just after watching the movie, Walker Zimmerman’s parents (David and Becky) see their son having a touch of his sporting destiny.
In fact, their son’s life changed when he heard the movie line, ‘God made me for a purpose. When I run, I feel His pleasure. Upon hearing that, David and Becky saw their son scream out loud, saying,
“Yes, I’m going to play pro sports.”
As revealed by his parents, Walker Zimmerman didn’t even know which sport he referred to, but he absolutely meant every word he said.
A few days later, David, his Dad, said that playing soccer is the vehicle for Walker’s God-ordained purpose. About a decade and a half years later, the prophecy he made to his son came to pass.
Walker Zimmerman Family Background:
First things first, David, his Dad, has been a longtime minister of God. Our research shows that Walker Zimmerman’s Dad is a pastor at Atkinson Road Baptist Church, Lawrenceville, GA 30043, United States.
The years of Pastoral experience with David have seen him successfully train other persons who have become great Ministers of God. David has also trained current Pastors who want to advance in the Christian faith.
Walker Zimmerman’s parents’ activities and home (notably his Dad) are very similar to those of the English Defender Marc Guehi, whose Dad is also a Pastor. Becky and David, who have no daughter, raised successful boys in their comfortable middle-class home.
Becky and David look very excited about this photograph, which is of their sons (Walker, Dawson, and Carter) and Daughter-in-law.
Walker Zimmerman Family Origin:
The American professional soccer player who captains the USMNT has only one nationality: the United States. Regarding where Walker Zimmerman’s Family comes from, our research points to Lawrenceville.
As the map below shows, this is a suburb of Atlanta, in the county seat of Gwinnett County, Georgia, United States. It pleases us to state that Walker is the most popular soccer player, and he has roots in this great neighborhood.
This map hopes to aid your understanding of Walker Zimmerman’s Family origins.
Yes, not many soccer fans know that Lawrenceville, where the Athlete comes from, is the home of Ric Flair, the retired professional wrestler.
Walker Zimmerman Ethnicity:
Where the Nashville SC star comes from (the USA) is best described as a multi-racial and multi-ethnic country.
From an ethnic point of view, Walker Zimmerman is a White American. As demographers would say, this term generally denotes a person of European ancestry.
Walker Zimmerman Educational Background:
When their children approached the schooling age, Becky and David ensured they received the right learning. The result of our research shows that Walker Zimmerman attended Brookwood High School. Here is a rare photo of the future USA Soccer Captain during his schooling days.
Have you noticed?… The shirt Walker wore reads the name of his high school, Brookwood.
Like many Soccer stars of the world, university dreams are often not achievable. This was not the case with an intelligent Walker. The Soccer talent is a product of Furman University, a private institution founded in 1826 in Greenville, South Carolina.
Walker Zimmerman Biography – Untold Soccer Story:
At Brookwood High School, he was one of the best kids in sports. Walker Zimmerman played soccer there, and he was coached by Daniel Klinect.
Since their early years, all three children of Becky and David strived to become successful in their endeavors. For Walker Zimmerman, there was only one dream – the quest to be a professional soccer player.
To journey to live his dreams began with GSA Phoenix, a local soccer team where he laid his career foundation. Not many lovers of the game know that Walker Zimmerman has been a staunched Chelsea FC fan right from his early academy years.
There was one man he leaned on in his quest to become a good soccer player. That person is no other than the Legendary Frank Lampard. Walker has known his Idols since the 2005 and 2006 Chelsea good old years of Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Arjen Robben, etc.
When you ask Walker Zimmerman about the best moment of his early soccer life, he would tell you about the day he had a face-to-face conversation with his Idol. With Frank Lampard’s blessing, little Walker (as seen here) became more fulfilled in chasing his soccer dreams.
The American Defender is grateful to Lampard for inspiring him toward greatness.
Unknown to Super Frankie, the former Chelsea FC Legend, this young boy who stood next to him would captain the United States. In fact, the boy standing next to him would lead his country against England at the 2022 FIFA World Cup (Qatar).
Walker Zimmerman Bio – Road to Fame Story:
The boy from Lawrenceville came through the youth academy of Georgia-based Gwinnett Soccer. While there, his talent (which grew geometrically) became very difficult to ignore. Walker was monitored by former Atlanta Silverbacks manager Nuno Piteira, who admired his talent.
As part of the requirements to activate a senior career, the youngster played college soccer at Furman University. While there, he (in 2011) got the honor of being named to the First Team All-Conference. Do you know?… A fast-rising Zimmerman won the 2011 Southern Conference Freshman of the Year award.
In the next year, more honors followed. First, he got honored by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. Walker, in 2012, made the list of the NCAA Division I Men’s All-America Second Team. At last, he (a Defender with 11 goals in 39 appearances) successfully graduated from Furman Paladins college soccer.
Walker Zimmerman Biography – Rise to Fame Story:
The efforts of his youth academy days at Gwinnett Soccer were never in vain. To the joy of Walker Zimmerman’s family, that dream to become a professional finally happened in 2013, the year he joined FC Dallas.
When the soccer star got drafted by FC Dallas in 2013, he began a quest to become one of his country’s top Defensive talents. While at the club, Walker played alongside Kellyn Acosta and David Ferreira (the father of USMNT Striker Jesus Ferreira).
With FC Dallas, Walker Zimmerman won the 2016 US Open Cup trophy as well as the Supporters’ Shield. Thanks to these trophies, he (to the joy of his parents and brothers) made his name on the roster of the USMNT, where he rubbed shoulders with Legends like Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore.
After rejecting transfers to European clubs, Walker joined the newly formed Los Angeles FC. While there, he won the 2019 Supporters’ Shield. Zimmerman (despite being a soccer player) also broke boundaries by becoming an assistant coach for the UCLA Bruins men’s soccer program. Here are some of his memorable moments with LAFC.
Road to Become USMNT Captain:
His quest to become the Leader of his country’s soccer began with his display of maturity both on and off the pitch. On the 11th of February 2020, Walker accepted a new challenge with a new transfer. In a matter of days after joining Nashville SC, the Baller scored the first goal in the club’s history.
Next, a host of individual accolades like the MLS Best XI and MLS All-Star (which he won in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022) followed.
Do you know?… Walker Zimmerman also won the MLS Defender of the Year for two consecutive years (2020 and 2021). He was also among those who won the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup for the United States.
Thanks to the above accolade, the man who was left off at the U20 2013 FIFA World Cup (anchored by Paul Pogba) instantly became a national hero for his country.
He and fellow Defenders like Antonee Robinson flourished under Gregg Berhalter‘s command. The USA Coach recognized his leadership skills and made him captain of the USMNT.
The US Soccer Federation is proud to have a man who knows his opponents’ moves and does bullet headers at full throttle.
At the time of writing Walker Zimmerman’s Biography, the Athlete is set to lead the United States to great heights at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Winning group B against England, Iran, and Wales will be a great confidence boost, which will make the USA fight for glory in the knockout stages. See how excited Walker was about the FIFA World Cup. The rest, as we say, is now history.
Introducing Sally – Walker Zimmerman’s Wife:
Making his name as a Defender in the MLS who played 4,000 minutes, won 200 aerial duels, and had 50 clearances (all within a season) surely denotes success. And behind the success of the USMNT Defender comes this glamorous woman who goes by the name Sally.
Let’s introduce you to Sally. She is Walker Zimmerman’s Wife.
When Walker had overseas offers after his freshman season at Furman University, he refused to play his football abroad.
The reason was that he had just met Sally, who was also schooling in the USA. In 2013, Walker never fancied the idea of keeping a long-distance relationship with his then-girlfriend.
Taking their relationship to greater levels:
Sally, who celebrates her birthday every July 8, began dating Walker in 2013. After three good years of being together, Zimmerman decided to take his relationship to the next level.
On Valentine’s day, the 14th of February 2016, he made a marriage proposal to Sally, who gladly accepted. Speaking about how he got excited that day, Walker said;
In 2016, Walker Zimmerman proposed to his Girlfriend at Furman Lake.
I am beyond excited to spend the rest of my life with this girl. I am so lucky to call you my fiancé!
When Sally Became Walker Zimmerman’s Wife:
They dated for four years, and both lovers (who had finished their education) decided to get married. Sally and Walker got married at Grace Church Downtown. This historic church is located at 101 W. McBee Avenue in Greenville, South Carolina.
Speaking about the excitement of his wedding, Waker told his social media fans;
The wedding between Walker Zimmerman and Sally.
I love standing by your side through all of our life adventures. Again, I can’t believe how lucky I am to be able to spend all of my life with you!
The Birth of Tucker James Zimmerman – Walker’s and Sally’s First Son:
Sally was due to give birth when her husband headed to the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Initially, Walker had expected his son to be born in August of that year. Little did he know that his wife, Sally, would go into early labor – seven weeks before her due date.
Tucker Zimmerman (Walker’s son) was born prematurely. That made him spend nine days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Those nine days were a trying time for Walker and Sally. Thankfully, their Newborn (Tucker) received great medical care and was handed over to his overjoyed parents.
Their son, Tucker, had to spend nine days in the NICU because Sally went into labor seven weeks earlier than expected.
Walker thanked God on Instagram for the successful health of his son, Tucker. Again, for making him become a Dad for the first time. The couple agreed to name their son Tucker James Zimmerman. To this day, Walker and Sally love watching their son’s personality grow every day.
Tucker James Zimmerman takes a photo with his parents, Walker and Sally.
Personal Life:
Who is Walker Zimmerman?
A school of thought calls him the America Soccer’s Tom Brady. More excitingly, another refers to Walker Zimmerman as the Thor of American Soccer. This photo tells a story about the Superhero of the USMNT, who led his country to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
They call him the American Soccer’s Thor. His name is Walker Zimmerman.
Using his wealth to bless others:
Whether it is his present contract or an increase in pay, one of the first things Walker does is ask himself these questions;
‘How can i give out my money?’ and ‘How can I bless people?’
According to the Soccer Athlete, one of his biggest joys in life is his capacity to bless others. In fact, the capacity to bless people around him is Zimmerman’s calling card. When he left Dallas for LAFC, he got involved in giving to his church’s youth outreach section.
Walker is the type who uses his soccer money to buy and give personalized cleats, warm-ups, jerseys, and other sports aids to persons who need them. In fact, his humanitarian nature once led him to take an unpaid job, even as a professional. Walker became the assistant coach of UCLA men’s soccer.
Do you know?… the time he joined Nashville coincides with the time (February 2020) when tornadoes killed around 25 persons and caused $1 billion worth of damages. Do you know?… Zimmerman abandoned his registration with his new club to help tornado victims rebuild their towns.
Walker Zimmerman Hobbies:
Whether it’s fantasy football, golf, or Monopoly, including buying a new meat smoker for family and friends get-togethers, the Soccer captain doesn’t have an off switch. Walker is a singularly focused person who doesn’t take anything (even his hobbies) for granted. The kind of balance he has is truly hard to find.
Lifestyle:
Together with his wife, Sally, they both create time for holidays, whether at the seaside or at one of their favorite places, Disneyland. At the time Walker and Sally took this photo, they had celebrated their seven years of being together.
Sally Zimmermann and Walker both had a great time at Disney.
About the way he lives, Walker is someone who wakes up around eight o’clock daily. Then, he heads downstairs and makes some breakfast. Walker doesn’t depend on his wife Sally to cook all his food as he finds fun doing his cooking.
Every morning, he’ll make some eggs and bacon, then eat it with an avocado on the side. Afterward, the Athlete will give some time for his food to digest before he hits his workout for that day – usually around 10.
While the food in his belly digests, he usually engages in a crossword puzzle. Walker has had a yearlong crossword competition with his Nashville teammate Daniel Lovitz. Both players love to complete the New York Times and USA Today crosswords.
Walker Zimmerman Family Life:
The USMNT Captain does not care less about acquiring exotic cars or making self-satisfying talks about millions that enter his bank account. What matters most for Walker is his service to God, humanity, and of course, his family. Now, let’s tell you about members of his household.
Walker Zimmerman’s Father:
According to Pastor David, soccer is the vehicle for his Son’s God-ordained purpose. And it does not matter whether Walker plays soccer in Nashville, Los Angeles, Dallas, or even Europe. What matters most is for Walker to find time to do God’s work, even in his busy soccer schedule.
David has a saying in his church ministry, which reads… ‘Sometimes our core wounding shapes our core calling.’ The father of three uses that to motivate Walker each time he suffers from injuries or other career setbacks.
Zimmerman’s Dad sees the FIFA World Cup in Qatar as the ultimate challenge for his son. For Walker’s whole life, David has watched him strive to improve and prove himself. He sees Qatar as much of a challenge that his son would need to become a better version of himself.
Walker Zimmerman’s Mother:
Becky celebrates her birthday every 14th of May. When her children were young, she had this dice, which she often rolled to determine who gets responsible for the house chores. Becky’s idea was to teach her boys the importance of sweeping and cleaning the kitchen. In her words,
Becky Zimmerman and her son, Walker, took this photograph at an event.
Back then, when someone rolls the dice and lose, that person does his brother’s chores.
When compared to his brothers, Walker Zimmerman was always the luckiest. He was the person who won, which implied he did less work. Seeing their little brother win, Dawson and Carter would say,
‘God!…, Walker, you’re always lucky!’
Walker Zimmerman Brothers:
According to the Soccer Athlete, his older siblings (whom he Facetime a lot) live about 30–45 minutes from his parents. This tells you how close-knit the Zimmerman family are. Now, let’s tell you about the Zimmerman Brothers individually.
Dawson Zimmerman:
Born on the 15th day of November 1989, he (as I write this Bio) is currently associated with the Clemson Tigers football team. Dawson Zimmerman does kicking duties for the NCAA Division I team.
Dawson Zimmerman, who is Walker’s brother, plays American Football.
Away from his sporting endeavors, Dawson Zimmerman works as an English teacher at Wesleyan School. This is a Private school in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. Again, Walker’s brother (Dawson) is a product of Clemson University.
Carter Zimmerman:
David and Becky’s oldest son is a graduate of Georgia College and State University. While there, Carter studied Speech Communication and Rhetoric. Following his graduation, Carter proceeded to Infusionsoft University.
Walker Zimmerman’s brother has worked in various capacities in the marketing and mortgage industry. His CV contains companies he has worked for, like 1StopProject, Blink Mortgage, Finmo, and Lendesk, where he (as of 2022) serves as President.
Also to note, Carter Zimmerman is currently in a relationship with Alison. She is likely to become his wife and a daughter-in-law to Becky and David. Both lovers began dating on the 11th day of January 2019 – which is the day they celebrate their union.
Carter is in a relationship with Alison.
Walker Zimmerman Grandparents:
The American professional soccer player lost his grandmother when he participated in the 2021 Gold Cup competition. Within 15 minutes into his final Group A match against Alphonso Davies‘ Canada, Walker sustained a strained hamstring injury.
Because his grandmother has just died, the Defender felt that sense of abandonment. Walker decided to leave his family for the Gold Cup competition.
Because of the injury, he got withdrawn from the squad, and that allowed him to spend more time with Tucker and Sally. More importantly, he used that opportunity to attend his grandmother’s funeral.
Untold Facts:
In the final phase of Walker Zimmerman’s Biography, we unveil truths you might not know about him. So, without further ado, let’s begin.
Walker Zimmerman Salary:
His contract with Nashville makes him one of the wealthiest defenders in MLS history. For this reason, Nashville’s general manager Mike Jacobs called Walker “our Tom Brady.” Where he comes from, the average person living in Lawrenceville makes around $61,000 yearly. Do you know?… Such a person would need 34 years to make the Athlete’s 2022 annual salary.
Walker Zimmerman FIFA:
The man who led the USMNT to qualify for the FIFA World Cup is quite underrated in terms of all ratings.
When it comes to his abilities, Walker has close similarities to the persons of Nat Phillips (CB), Matthijs de Ligt, and Nayef Aguerd. The truth is, he deserves an improved rating from FIFA.
At 29, strength, jumping, and aggression are his most valuable defensive assets.
Walker Zimmerman Religion:
Through the course of his Biography, it is obvious that the Athlete is a devout Christian. A footballer who finds lots of time to do God’s work, which he sees as more important than soccer
EndNote:
Walker is the son of David Zimmerman, a Minister of God, and Becky Zimmerman, his Mum. His Dad is a pastor at the famous Atkinson Road Baptist Church in Lawrenceville, Georgia, United States.
The Soccer player has two older brothers, Dawson and Carter. Sally Tucker is Walker Zimmerman’s wife. Together, the couple (who married in 2016) are proud parents of their son, Tucker James Zimmerman.
As a child, Walker’s passion for soccer ignited when he watched the Christian British British historical sports drama film (Chariots of Fire). When he heard the line; God made me for a purpose, and when I run, I feel His pleasure, young Zimmerman jumped off the couch in his family home and exclaimed that he would play pro sports.
The truth is, a six-year-old boy didn’t even know which sport he jubilated for, but he was so true to his ambitions. It is pertinent to state that Walker Zimmerman’s Dad is a longtime minister of God. David is a man who, these days, trains ministers entering the Christian faith.
Over the years, Walker has dedicated himself to improving and proving that he is among the best Defenders in World Soccer. An excited Gregg Berhalter (the USA coach) has seen the emergence of a stout center-back who is so energetic and optimistic about redeeming the image of United States soccer.
As I conclude this Bio, Walker Zimmerman’s childhood dream has been achieved by helping the USA qualify for the biggest soccer tournament, the FIFA World Cup (Qatar 2022).
Appreciation Note:
Thank you for taking the time to read our version of Walker Zimmerman’s Biography. We care about accuracy and fairness in our quest to deliver you American Soccer Stories. Zimmerman’s Bio is part of our United States Soccer category.
Kindly reach out to us via comments if you notice anything that doesn’t look right in this memoir about the USMNT Captain. Also, tell us what you think about the American Defender, who knows his opponents’ moves and does bullet headers at full throttle.
Aside from Walker Zimmerman’s Bio, we’ve got two USA Soccer stories that’ll interest you. Have you read the Life History of Ricardo Pepi, and Josh Sargent? Without a doubt, you’ll enjoy the great stories of these US Soccer Athletes.
