HOUSTON – DaMarcus Beasley still hears a few jokes about being a little grey in the beard in the Houston Dynamo locker room.
That's fine by the 33-year-old US international. It's part of what keeps him around the game for as long as he's been.
"I'm a jokester of the team, too," Beasley said. "So, I got mine as well. Once that part stops and I feel that I can't joke anymore, that's when I say I'll stop."
The Dynamo wrapped up Saturday's scrimmage against Houston Baptist and Beasley couldn't feel any better about the twilight of his career physically and mentally as he embarks on his second season with the club.
Beasley, who has 123 caps and appearances in four FIFA World Cups with this US, has plied his trade on the club level in Europe and Mexico in addition to two separate stops in MLS.
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In in this second stint in the league, Beasley now serves as the experienced steady hand on the Dynamo backline. And despite the gray beard and advancing years, he's not looking to hang his boots up anytime soon.
"I can't lie," Beasley said. "It's crossed my mind a couple of times. But once this stops being fun and it starts becoming a job, then I'll know it's time to hang it up.
"I love coming out here. Mornings like this. Seeing the guys. Being around the guys. That part is still fun to me."
Beasley will be part of a revamped Dynamo side that includes key additions to the back line like Spanish defender Agus, who just arrived in Houston on Friday.
Defense has been a focus for the club this offseason. Beasely said he liked what he saw in Agus.
"It's going to take some time but today it looked good," Beasley said. "He's a good player, strong player. Good in the air. Good with his feet. He can pass the ball. That's what we want."
Beasley's international status remains up in the air, too. He announced his retirement from international play December 2014. He returned for the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, however.
Beasley and US national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann keep an open line of communication about his status.
"This time I'm not saying this is my last game with the national team," Beasley said. "I'll just keep it open."
He also knows any possible call-up to play for the US could be his last.
"Will I be on the national team in another two years?" Beasley said. "At 36? I don't think so. I doubt it. It's one of those things where if I don't get another cap, I'm very happy to look at the future and see the next left backs, left midfielders coming up in the game."
