Zdeno Chara feature on 60 Minutes Sports - Showtime

Zdeno Chara sits down with Sharon Alfonsi to talk all things.. well in short, all things Zdeno Chara. He talks about wanting to play past 41 (when his contract is up), being cut 3 times when he was 16 years old and more.
No copyright intended. All footage via Showtime. Original here: www.showtimeany...

[@Hobie2fly]

As a Czech person and hockey player I am so proud of you , Slovakian brother.

[@peterb.8388]

Actually his father Zdeněk is originally from Strakonice, also Zdeno was born in Czechoslovakia so… let’s say he is ours

[@h0niels]

what a smart, down to earth person and such a great athlete ! well done all the best to him!

[@pilsner1842]

Five years later, Chara is still in the game.

[@frostrealm8763]

Now 6 😂

[@benkilla]

@@frostrealm8763 and now he's back on the islanders

[@granthowes5659]

@@frostrealm8763 And now retired. Thanks for everything Z ❤️

[@gdiseeyou853]

@@frostrealm8763 now 8 but not here anymore

[@patresito]

There is a famous screenshot floating around the Slovak internet. It is a headline from the TV news which says “Chara broke his own record” and there is a sentence underneath that says “11 dead and 43 injured” which is from those flash news that are unrelated to the headline. Hillarious coincidence, but also not that unlikely haha. Chara is a legend.

[@alphabossgaming8046]

Not a Boston fan but I can see Chara getting his number retired and inducted to the hall of fame

[@danielzelpher7335]

AlphaBossGaming he is epic tho isn't he

[@kirklazarus1426]

Yeah. I think he's one of the best defenseman of all-time.

[@danh4435]

AlphaBossGaming not a haller

[@JTM1809]

That's a cute understatement. I can't see him not having his number retired by the Bruins and him not being inducted in the HoF.

[@danh4435]

Seahawks2014 - SumoRugby retired maybe but not a hall of famer. He just isn't that good. We can't seriously put anyone into the hall of fame it doesn't work like that.

[@albertdraper1157]

the interviewer does a great job

[@markdemell8056]

She is cute too!

[@mikec62978]

agreed!

[@sandlot90130]

She has a great sexy body with beautiful legs

[@brokebankfishin4839]

6 years later and Chara is a Washington capital. Thank you big Z for your time in the black and gold.

[@TheArtOfDean]

One of the most well-rounded athletes. Incredible guy.

[@JimA-pp2nu]

"well rounded" ? on what planet?

[@Marz997]

@@JimA-pp2nu dumb response.

[@outdoorsman_cris]

Coming from a Blackhawks fan, I respect Chara a lot..what a great player.

[@markdemell8056]

I have been a hawks fan since 1975!

[@mr.blackhawk142]

@@markdemell8056 Me since early 60s. I always wanted to see Chara in a Hawks uni.

[@synergyreconn-1479]

Chi Cris Same I’m a hawks fan We hate the bruins but he is okay

[@mirosykora3572]

I cant imagine this...stan mikita,Bobby Hull and Zdeno Chára....what a Matrix...in one Team...i am Also Huge fan of Blackhawks...and kaner,toews,Big Hoss....what a dreamteam

[@shawnkelsey6224]

The boss in Boston our hero our captain big Z!!!! The man the legend the role model and one of the best in history of is sport thank you Z

[@luknatu5446]

It is 2019. He still plays and he is really good...greeting form Slovakia

[@4skintim424]

This is coming from a Pittsburgh fan, Zdeno Chara is a great guy and a great hockey player, I was never one for these so called "rivalries", hell, I even have his jersey

[@farque7179]

The fact that you are a Pens fan and don't get rivalries speaks volumes about what pink hats Pens fans are when it comes to competitive sports like hockey. We understand it all quite well in Boston. Oh and as much as I can't stand Syndy Criesby when he puts that horrible looking flightless waterfowl jersey on because he is as dirty as he is skilled, he shows great class with fans; even the ones who chirp him. That's what makes 99.9% of all NHL hockey players far superior people over every other pro athlete on the planet. Sorry, just chirping and trash talking; it's a hockey thing......

[@ry4nx]

@@farque7179 nice backhanded compliments chara's dirty aswell

[@MattDF62]

Being a Bruins fan sometimes I think he purposely doesn't shoot the puck as hard as he can because he doesn't want to hurt anyone.

[@Nordic_Mechanic]

Chara not wanting to hurt anyone? Allow me to laugh for a few minutes. You're a real comedian

[@chadgrov]

Same with hitting. He could injure 2-3 guys a night if he wanted

[@4orrcountry]

@@Nordic_Mechanic Yet another Montreal fan with the victim's mentality. It's contagious, a leftover from the days when French-Canadiens were viewed as second class citizens by the upper crust Anglos of Montreal - but guess what...it's 2019, people...and those days are OVER. Time to change your perspective and get on with having a more positive outlook on life, including hockey!

[@johnnysockov2755]

He's a dirty hockey player. Your comment is a joke. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJrQi2SqiMmDj5I

[@bluejeanblues3789]

@northlander it was a slap shot and true he was truly concerned

[@cindylemoine7115]

Excellent piece on my favorite player. Very well done, really showing what a powerful man Z is on and off the ice, a true presence. I have great admiration for him! I for one hope he does continue on after his contract expires.

[@markdemell8056]

I predict he,ll play til he is 45 !

[@bruh.5295]

@@markdemell8056 bro saw the future lol

[@brettfavreify]

Thanks for posting this. This is why I love hockey. The players are down to earth and humble.

[@KhalDrogo76]

I've been watching the Bruins since the awful Cup losses to the Oilers in the 80s and he is up there with Ray and Cam and Bergie for me....forever grateful for his dedication and 2011

[@Mrvulpixgamer]

I met him in public once he is a really nice guy

[@u2yes1dnoedcpsabrinakittyb2]

Atomic Delithien You lucky duck...

[@Feedback4Utoday]

Be smarter. Nice when wants to be. Evil when wants to be. Don't be so simple to judge someone by 5 mins..

[@HugoStiglitz88]

Yup. Not all hockey players are nice but he is. Shawn Thornton for example was a douche.

[@Smokinpython]

I met him aswell when he was leaving practice and just talking to him I just couldnt believe how nice and polite he is. Hes a gentle giant, def not the same person u see on the ice, u would think it's his twin brother u see on the ice lol

[@davidwand8046]

He is a hockey player.

[@a.m.c.3181]

Fantastic Collaboration. We will Always Love and Respect BIG Z. it would be fun to see a follow-up interview since he's still going Strong.

[@johnbrowne2170]

Been a Boston Bruins fan for over 50 years. Love Z. One of my all-time favourites.

[@curtiswatling]

He's my favourite to he's a beast he'd punch a whole through your face and rag doll you

[@13gameon]

next to Bobby Orr!

[@henerymag]

I'm from Quebec and lived and breathed the Bruins for over 65 years now. We have sure seen some great players. Don Simmons was my boyhood hero because I wanted to be a goalie.

[@dewey636]

Very humble, one of the greats....👍

[@aai3661]

He once accidentally inhaled another player who remained lodged in his sinus cavity until his family realized he was missing . He broke one of his sticks and a bird flew out of it.

[@freshstart349]

Cmon Z another year big guy!

[@azynkron]

I always find it fascinating that these guys that plays one of the fastest and most physical sport are among the most humble and down to earth.

[@PythonElf]

Even though Chara crushed the Leafs as a Senator and Bruin, how can you note love his work ethic, discipline, and intelligence?

[@mikek8250]

Speaks 7 languages , has a finance degree and full time NHLer Wow!

[@adamfolta4408]

Mike K 7?

[@quincee3376]

Very impressive.

[@petercasnocha5340]

he speaks 5 languages - slovak, german, english, russian, swedish. Maybe you could say 6 if you count czech language

[@quincee3376]

@@petercasnocha5340 i thought they spoke the same language in the Czech Republic and Slovakia .

[@MH-ie8dy]

@@quincee3376 They do.

[@takodahager4165]

Crazy to think he's back with the islanders at age 44! Z has always been one of my favorite players growing up and I'm more than psyched that he's back on my favorite team! He's not like most guys, he's very down to earth, very smart, and is a man of the people. I hope we can get him that second cup and who knows, maybe he'll keep playing after this season

[@Theo-hc5ob]

He is AWESOME and she is STUNNING.

[@UrBelovedScapegoat]

A friend, and a hero to me :)

[@valkry007]

Definitely one of present day hockey's great players, and I too believe his number will be retired and that he has earned a place in the hockey hall of fame.

[@duaneday5474]

valkry007 1st ballot H.O.F. guaranteed. One of hockeys, great, moments, is when Chara, hoisted, the cup !

[@ducksnpucks1192]

My brother ran into big Z at the airport in Beantown. Said he is A) wicked smart... i.e. 7 languages and a savy financier. B) extremely polite. And C) a humble family man. He said it was hard to get him to talk about hockey. He wanted to talk about family among other things. My brother said if he wasn't a famous sports icon, you can bet he'd be wealthy from some other avenue using his incredible intellect. Great piece on a great individual.

[@markdemell8056]

I am an english Quebecer and my french is just ok , ,,7 languages! WOW!

[@GregFitzsimmonsComedy]

This was one of the most fun days of my life! He is an amazing guy.

[@sparadial2432]

Met him at the Marriott next to the Nassau coliseum when he was too young to drink!!!!! All Class, great role model

[@deviljes666]

As a Miami Dolphins fans i have nothing to say!! Red Bull domination era as just begun !

[@branislavromancak8514]

Best wishes for him and his family from motherland Slovakia 🇸🇰❤️👍

[@LordStanley94]

True Story: on a flight from Europe to the States in the 90s, I sat next to a man who was built like a house. His quads and forearms were huge. And he was quietly reading a slovakian magazine. Born to Czechoslovakian parents and speaking the language, I struck up a conversation with the man who introduced himself as Zdeno's father. He was a (I believe if memory serves me right, a Grecco Roman wrestler). This was the year when Z was drafted by the Islanders. Very nice guy. Not a Bruins fan, but man I respect his accomplishments and his low-key demeanor. I hope though the Blue Jackets pull through. Love that team.

[@doubl3m1nt]

When Chara lifted the Stanley Cup , i first thought , hopefully he does not rip it apart, than i thought, it looks like a beer pitcher, compared to his size

[@mr.blackhawk142]

Than, THEN....pick juan!

[@Diamondback338]

Bahaha, Buddy I’m fuckin dying over here! Pick Juan! 🤣🤣🤣

[@lazaou1699]

He's one of my favorite people off the ice. I read and heard a lot of good things about him. However, I can't help it, hate him when he plays against my favorite NHL team. MY RESPECT to the future hall of famer and one the humblest men on earth.

[@MrAlcoholicKoala]

Such a great story. i love having been able to root him for so long

[@PatrickPierceBateman]

7:52 Hahaha! The Toronto goalie looked like he was about to try and break it up. He was legitimately concerned for McCabe.

[@jeremymuther8656]

Have met him 3 times he’s a really nice and an awesome guy!

[@danielj3230]

I think even Chuck Norris is scared of Chara

[@J-D-O-Double-G]

Never

[@mr.blackhawk142]

So is Chuckie Cheese!

[@S_SESC_C]

great guy. His work ethic is huge!

[@eddobrzeniecki6568]

Love Big Z..Hope he stays 2 more years

[@chriswhusker]

"What do you think will happen to Brad Marchand when you retire?"..."He will get beat up a lot."

[@ryanford9705]

Love you Z You were a great captain

[@mareqg4849]

Our Slovak Giant, we are so proud 👍🇸🇰🏒🥅

[@reedallyn1767]

The guy respects the game, the fans and he loves Don Cherry. He has all the qualifications to be a hall of famer.

[@brahmashockey5039]

I didn’t realize he looked like a bodybuilder dude wow

[@nattdal88]

He has better english then i expected

[@kanegarvey3188]

DWAYROBANDBIG Dude 7 languages?! that blew me away

[@JoshPlumridge]

than

[@JimA-pp2nu]

better than yours, dumb ass!

[@Epicgodofepicness04]

I'm a simple man, I see Chara... I run.

[@Martin-qm1mu]

:D :D :D :D

[@Diamondback338]

🤣🤣🤣 this made me laugh.

[@Draftspike]

More like hide, he’d catch up to you in a microsecond

[@plantera5542]

I'd hide in Alphys' lab and let Undyne handle him

[@donaldsaunders3059]

So happy that he’s plays on my team. He’s a great clean player

[@raingnoperk4696]

Chara is the LEGENDARY player! Respect of him

[@jasonsilverton]

Hes like a super human, speaks 7 languages, has finance degree and one best NHL players of all times...thats admirable

[@johnbrowne3950]

A legend.

[@bhobo09]

Love Z ...the epitome of all athletes! He is Great

[@goldenretriever6261]

42 and still playing.

[@jozefberes250]

45 and still waiting to sign new contract

[@ivoplsek]

Hugely impressed by him....

[@Romanchelli]

For me, best defender in the game for sure at least in Slovakia. Next hall of famer. And one of the best representant of Slovak hockey and mentality. And I'm thankfull for that!

[@DolbzBruins]

Future hall of famer without a doubt

[@ouch74]

I just don't get it...why did Boston lose him?

[@D9Wx]

that dude is a better athlete than ANY nfl or nba athlete.. he would become a insane fighter.

[@lilshrum4817]

Chara is my favorite player 👌👌👍🏻

[@lilshrum4817]

I am really tall so This is an inspiration

[@MrBannnnnny]

+Yoda Gaming same

[@u2yes1dnoedcpsabrinakittyb2]

YodaGaming Mine too, along with Bergeron :3

[@titsmcgee1932]

lilshrum I’m sorry.

[@mochno1]

wow..7 languages, degree..be smart and successful... strong will - is this the "perfect" prototype of a sportsman? Respect.

[@zachmcbride1930]

One of my all time favorites!

[@robertpsotka3525]

Chara is an excellent human being and hockey player

[@timd4789]

This dude is an incredible athlete still going strong

[@quinnpower2693]

Am I the only one who's never heard anyone call him "Z"? Always just called him Chara.

[@kufijerry]

Yeah I've never heard it either.

[@commiemommie2596]

Apathetic Lifestyle if you watch behind the b he's called that by his teammates.

[@MrSuperLV]

Quinn S G Power yeah they call him just Chara but "Z" is nickname for Zemgus Girgensons

[@forswornunderground4444]

i always called him Big Z as a bruins fan

[@mgcgrozit]

I'm from detroit, our Z is Zetterberg so I've naturally only heard Zetterberg called "Z". It's a team thing, I think.

[@musksagent]

Absolute legend!

[@RSTI191]

Great interview.. Bravo...

[@6663000]

Great player, seems like a great guy.

[@andrewiida9507]

This was a GREAT story.

[@frantisekvtelensky820]

Big man with even bigger hearth! Go Bruins! :)

[@scringe1]

At a hotel I was told to bring in a dinner to a person in a room. It was Chara sitting. His legs were so long he looked like a table. He was very humble and not full of himself. He was a cool cat.

[@Timmerz84]

13:57 Chara saying he doesn't drink caffeine... smh we all remember him drinking that coke on the bench seven years ago

[@IslesGirl3]

Chara back on the isles and love him every moment he plays for us. Such an amazing guy

[@doubl3m1nt]

if you are in the same line with chara, you can do anything you want, nothing can happen to you

[@nickpete165]

Dude is a legend

[@mikec62978]

He is on the Mt. Rushmore of Boston Athletes, we're lucky to have him here in Beantown!

[@Grandizer8989]

Mike C not quite.... Brady, Bird, Orr, Williams

[@whydoesyoutubeallowpeoplet6357]

1:27 SIX NINE. AND HES A BALLERINA! lmao

[@counterfit5]

why does KZbin allow people to have names this long? This is kind of ridiculous don't you think? Jack Edwards is a true wordsmith

[@madeincanada29]

Ya what a great call by Edwards. Simply blows my mind sometimes with his creativity. Him and Brick are the 2 most biased announcers in the league by FAR, lol, but still love Jack.

[@jimg518]

Red Wings fan here.....Chara is great to watch because his skill matches his toughness. As great as Nick Lidstrom was, he didn’t have that intimidation factor Chara has. Sad to see him with the Capitals now. I wish Boston could have kept him and had him spend the rest of his career there.

[@donjennings9034]

One of my favorite players.

[@mcartomcarto8144]

Hope the bruins keep him for 2018/19 season. A great player and great man.

[@DrIzZiT501]

thank you sir for blessing us with your talents...from a boston & hockey fan.

[@AwakeningZeroPoint]

As a Flyers fan, I can say I love this guy as a player and now after seeing this, as a down to earth centered human.

[@jonofleury]

Wake up and see the pain in his eyes

[@brandongray3327]

I never liked Chara but after this I have respect for him ✌️

[@stephens2663]

same

[@markdemell8056]

The moral of the story??? Never judge!

[@guitaristcam5573]

It just goes to show you there are athletes out there that are human and they don’t let their “million dollar life” ego get to them. I’ve seen him around Boston a couple times and he’s just your neighborhood friendly giant, he knows everybody, and everybody knows him 🤘🏻☮️

[@thephotographer1966]

I’m an Habs fan to the core but i have great respect for Chara....future all of famer....big player but not a dirty player...and a good man 👍

[@thedippinamerican9341]

That is the only man when he starts fighting I shout at the refs to stop the fucking fight... you DO NOT let chara fight

[@ChocoLater1]

He is only a good fighter when he does not lose his stability. Players that fight him try to pull him down as soon as possible. He also loses a lot of fights because of this.

[@jimmydrangus4714]

lol ur so gay. he's a good fighter but against the best in the league he gets embarrassed

[@5667Erin]

chara's my favorite player and he plays for my favorite team.i have five jersey's of him

[@mjphoto45]

Saw him in Boston. He also kicks ass

[@Farewell_n_Adieu]

One of the few Bruins I like and respect. Great individual on and off the ice, not a lot of his teammates can say the same...

[@bradleyallen533]

I am a Blackhawks fan and a fellow original six guy to my Bruin brethren. Oh, how I wish I could find a time machine and draft Chara in '96. In the current century, we won three cups, but have mostly had soft teams. If Chara were on the Hawks today, I don't think other teams would have taken liberties with Crawford and company. Love Chara. He is my favorite non-Blackhawk.

[@xCAUT10Nx]

As a leafs fan i have always respected the way chara plays and the level he plays at.

[@rickymacqueen6690]

The man knows 7 fucking languages....

[@xKrispyx]

I was never a Chara fan, but I think it's because I never knew anything about him... Having seen this, I've got a newfound respect for him.

[@RedroomStudios]

hate him as an opponent but have lots of respect for him and his love for the game.

[@patward8542]

He seems like a very humble, nice guy. Not scary at all.

[@richierich396]

Humble and bad ass rolled into one!

[@jessicamoores181]

Long Love Big Z😍💓💕

[@fitzgerald1337x]

"You crushed it..." "Heh, I tried" xD

[@knielsen9833]

Watched him growing up in PG as a Cougar. I'm so impressed with what he has become, the guy could barely skate , seemed like he was brought in to punch people only. Hats tipped to big Z hard work, and determination paid off.

[@mrobviousp.o.t.o1875]

Great show.. what a tank