Dempsey and Yedlin excited to be Grand Marshals for Seafair Torchlight Parade

SEATTLE — Rising superstars Clint Dempsey and DeAndre Yedlin are taking off their cleats for parade gear on Saturday.  Dempsey and Yedlin told KIRO 7 how special it will be as Grand Marshals of Saturday’s Seafair Torchlight Parade.

The two soccer players have shot to national stardom after their outstanding play for the U.S. in the World Cup.  But the two were already stars in Seattle as key players for the Sounders. For Dempsey the parade will be a first.

“No, I've never been a part of a parade,” said Dempsey.  “But my sisters were twirlers so they would do the little twirl thing as they were walking down the streets.”

Yedlin is a Torchlight veteran.  He grew up in Seattle.

“You know I went as a kid,” Yedlin said.  “So now I'm in the parade and now I'll get to see what it's like from that point of view.”

KIRO 7 asked him what his reaction would’ve been as a kid if he’d been told he’d be Grand Marshal one day.

“Oh, it'd be awesome,” said Yedlin.  “You look at those people because obviously they're celebrities in Seattle and they're people you look up to. So to be one of those people will be an absolute honor and I look forward to tomorrow.”

Sounders coach Sigi Schmid said it’s an honor for the team.

“I don't think I've ever coached a parade grand marshal before,” said Schmid.  “So having two on the team at one time is going to be unique and special.”

Dempsey said he’s looking forward to learning more about Seafair and experiencing it with his wife and three kids.

“The oldest is 5,” said Dempsey.  “Her name is Elise and she'll be the most excited about it.  She loves parades.”

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