He greatly missed the camaraderie and the sense of going to battle as a team, which he experienced in his soccer career.
In the U.S., education and sports are closely tied, with students often aiming for scholarships to play on college teams, which was Rory's path from D1 UCF to D2 USC Upstate.
He appreciates the increased celebration and understanding of soccer in the U.S. now, as opposed to when he was young and had to seek out games on obscure satellite channels.
He notes a difference in tribalism, with NFL fans in the UK often choosing a team and sticking to it, while Premier League fans in the U.S. seem to form a broader tribe rather than individual team allegiances.
Soccer taught him the importance of genuine and spontaneous moments, which he tries to bring to his stand-up, aiming to make each performance feel fresh and immediate.
As he got older, the physical risks associated with such tackles became more concerning, especially with professional commitments like gigs looming.
His coach often compared him to Ryan Giggs, a former Manchester United player known for his skill and style of play.
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