"Frankie Hejduk was one of a few American Soccer players that I looked up to when I was a kid. His play for the US team demonstrated the type of passion I hoped to have when stepping onto a soccer field. To end up sharing a field with him and becoming close friends was a true gift. When I was 13 cheering him on I never thought one day I would be in his wedding party, I mean that is wild!
It's emotional to think that his contributions on the field have come to an end. I feel for the young kids who will never get the chance to shape their soccer dreams by watching such a competitor. The silver lining is knowing that he is not leaving the game, and he will continue to show people how to love and be loved by the beautiful game in this next chapter."
- Kyle Martino-- Columbus Crew midfielder 2002-06, US National Team 2002-05
"When I came in as a 19-year-old and (Hejduk) was on the national team at that time, I learned so much from him. He's a great lockeroom guy as well as a leader for the team. You can't put a price on how valuable he was to young guys here, especially myself. He's a legend for this organization, so it's nice to have him around and help grow the Crew brand."
- Chad Marshall-- Columbus Crew defender 2004-present
"Being able to win (MLS Cup) with (Hejduk) back in 2008 and just being able to play with him was such an honor. He's a great player and an awesome person as well. I don't know how long he played in the League, 10 years or so, but he was great every single season he played. I wish him all the best with his time in the front office."
- Eddie Gaven-- Columbus Crew midfielder 2006-present
"Out of the many great players I've played with, (Hejduk) is probably the most influential player I've played with just from being a professional and how to lead a team both on and off the field. All of those intangibles that go unseen- you learn those from a guy like Frankie."
- Danny O'Rourke-- Columbus Crew defender/midfielder 2007-present
"Frankie was one of those players that you don't have to coach. He was very professional and brought a lot of enthusiasm and a good attitude to the field. He always wanted to win. It was easy to coach him. I think it's the perfect thing for us to have him working in our organization. When something like this is presented to us, we have to take advantage of it."
- Crew head coach Robert Warzycha-- Columbus Crew head coach 2005, 2009-present
