Measure it nearly any way, and Nick Zimmerman lives a fantastic life. The Tampa native finds himself in a situation even he thought too good to be true.
"If you'd have asked me five years or so ago if I'd be where I am today, I'd have said 'Probably not,' " Zimmerman said. "I'm just really blessed."
Zimmerman plays professional soccer for the New York Red Bulls, lives in the shadows of the Big Apple and is roommates with one of his childhood friends.
Not a bad gig, if you can get it.
"I've wound up getting to do what I love," said Zimmerman, who recently turned 22. "It's a neat feeling being able to play professional soccer for a job."
Zimmerman, who played youth soccer for the Brandon Flames, was selected by the New York Red Bulls in the third round (44th overall) of January's Major League Soccer SuperDraft. He made his MLS debut June 4.
"I was more anxious than nervous," Zimmerman said. "I'd been preparing and felt confident. There were no real nerves at all."
Three days later, Zimmerman found himself on the field for the opening whistle against the New England Revolution. This time, Zimmerman's parents and grandparents were at Giants Stadium to see the Wharton graduate make his first MLS start.
"Having them there for my first professional start was something special," Zimmerman said. "It's something I'll always remember."
Zimmerman won the U18 state championship with the Brandon Flames and was named all-state his junior and senior seasons at Wharton before heading to James Madison University in 2005. A four-year starter for the Dukes, Zimmerman led JMU in scoring his senior year and was named to the Colonial Athletic Association All-Conference first-team.
"Brandon (Flames) was a fantastic club," Zimmerman said. "They have a great staff, great parents, and the fields were always maintained. I feel blessed to have been able to play there."
Zimmerman's transition to professional soccer has been made easier by his longtime friend Jeremy Hall, the Red Bulls' first-round selection (11th overall) in January. The two played youth soccer in Tampa and now share a house in Secaucus, N.J.
"I didn't even watch the draft," Zimmerman said. "But as soon as I found out where I went, I texted Jeremy. Some of the guys on the team get on us about always being together, but it's been a lot of fun."
Zimmerman said about the only thing not going right for him has been the disappointing play of the Red Bulls. New York sits in last place in the Eastern Division at 2-9-3.
"We haven't played well so far," he said. "But I think we can turn it around. We've been a little unlucky."
In the meantime, Zimmerman couldn't be happier as he gets to launch his professional career in New York and has a built-in friend with whom he can share the experience. And the former Brandon Flames star hopes this is just the beginning.
"I've got a great opportunity here in the MLS, and I hope it's a stepping stone," he said. "It's the best league in America, and I want to keep getting stronger and better. The big goal is to play overseas some day."
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