Hans Henken
Olympic Medalist, Professional Sailor, Team Ocean Captain
“The ocean has shaped nearly every part of my life, from how I grew up to the places I’ve been fortunate enough to compete. I’ve spent my life being challenged by it, learning from it, and forming relationships with people I never could have imagined meeting without it. The older I get, the more I realize that it’s not just about what we accomplish, but what we leave behind. I feel a responsibility to give something back to the place that has given me so much. I’m excited to join the Ocean Conservancy initiative because I want to use my platform to help protect the ocean, raise awareness, and hopefully inspire more people to take action so future generations have the opportunity to form their own connection with this incredible playground.”
Ovie Mughelli
2x All-Pro NFL Veteran, Team Ocean Coach
“I’ve said my whole life that I would do anything for the people I love, especially my family. A lot of us say that. But if we really mean it, then we also have to care about the world we’re leaving them. For me, that means paying attention to what’s happening to our oceans and our environment and deciding to do something about it. Football taught me there’s a difference between talking about what matters and showing it through your actions. I’ve always tried to let my actions speak for me. That’s what joining Ocean Conservancy means to me. It’s a chance to step up, do my part, and help create real change for the people we love and the generations coming behind us.”
Amani Toomer
Super Bowl Champion, Team Ocean Coach
Amani Toomer (born September 8, 1974) is a former NFL wide receiver and punt returner who spent his whole career with the New York Giants. He posted 1,000+ receiving yards every season from 1999–2003, was part of the Giants’ Super Bowl XLII championship team in 2007, and still holds franchise records for receiving yards (9,497), receptions (668), and receiving touchdowns (54). He also put up strong punt-return numbers, including leading the NFL in punt-return average as a rookie in 1996.
Before the NFL, he played college football at the University of Michigan (1992–1995), setting a single-season receiving record there in 1994 and finishing his college career ranked among the school’s all-time receiving leaders.
Lee Whitwell
Professional Pickleball Player, Team Ocean Captain
““Every tournament, every adventure, every community I’ve been fortunate enough to experience has been connected to coastlines, lakes, and oceans that deserve our respect and protection. We can’t keep taking these places for granted. They’re where we play, where we gather, where we recharge — and they’re worth fighting for.”
Photo credit: Angela Farmer
Anita Alvarez
USA Artistic Swimmer, Team Ocean Captain
“Water has shaped my life, my sport, and some of my greatest passions and dreams. I am both proud and excited to join Protect Where We Play because protecting our oceans means protecting the places that inspire, challenge, and connect all of us. The water gives us so much – it is our responsibility to give back and protect it for future generations.”
Photo credit: Getty Images
Kelvin Beachum
NFL Athlete, Team Ocean Captain
“A clean ocean matters because it plays a crucial role in regulating our climate, producing oxygen for the planet, providing a vital source of food for humans, and contributing to a healthy global ecosystem. It provides and sustains life. Supporting Protect Where We Play is vital in protecting all our futures.”
Photo credit: © Arizona Cardinals
Napheesa Collier
WNBA All-Star, Team Ocean Captain
“I’m joining Protect Where We Play because I believe that if we can harness the joy, passion and fighting spirit that sports creates in us all we can achieve incredible things.”
John Florence
3x World Champion Surfer, 2x Olympian, Team Ocean Captain
“It’s an honor to join the Protect Where We Play initiative, and to partner with Ocean Conservancy who have an incredible 51-year history of protecting our oceans. The ocean has been my life’s greatest gift, and it’s my goal to help take care of it for future generations.”
Photo credit: Parallel Sea
Brent Suter
MLB Pitcher, Team Ocean Captain
“I want all our kids to be able to enjoy the game that has given me so much. We can all see that the impact of extreme weather on sports is getting worse – whether that’s hurricanes, fire or heat. If we want future generations to play, watch and love sports like we’ve done, we need to protect them. We need to Protect Where We Play.”
Photo credits: © Los Angeles Angels, © Leslie Gonzalez.
John Slattery
Actor, Director, Surfer, Team Ocean Captain
“The ocean has been a source of great joy and peace for me when I’m not behind or in front of the camera, and I’m delighted to be part of Protect Where We Play. My favorite thing about surfing may be the knowledge that the wave I’m riding has traveled a great distance to reach me. The ocean connects us all.”
Photo Credit: Timothy Greenfield-Sanders
Katherine Barkman
Principal Dancer, Team Ocean Captain
“For me – dancing is like breathing and after learning that every second breath we take is powered by the ocean – I feel compelled to get involved and do what I can to help protect our planet and ultimately the future of the things we love most.”
Photo credit: Trey McIntyre
Ezra Frech
2x Paralympic Gold Medalist, Team Ocean Captain
“We need to do everything we can to reduce the impact of extreme weather events and the ocean is a powerful place to start. To protect our planet, and to create the best world we can for the next generation to enjoy sports like I have, we need to protect the oceans. We need to protect where we play.”
Photo credit: © IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire
Leigh Steinberg
Sports Agent, Philanthropist, Team Ocean Coach
“Our future as a species depends on safeguarding the ocean environment. Ocean Conservancy stands as a guardian, fighting against pollution and the destruction of coral reefs. I am proud to join their efforts in ensuring a healthier planet. Please join us in this important work.”