Retired U.S. Navy SEAL Jocko Willink Joins San Diego FC Ownership Group as a Club Partner

July 3, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
San Diego FC News Release

SAN DIEGO – San Diego FC (SDFC) today announced two additions to the Club’s ownership group as retired U.S. Navy SEAL officer Jocko Willink and businessman David C. Michan have joined the Club as Partners.

“On behalf of the ownership group, we welcome Jocko and David to the SDFC family and are hugely appreciative of their interest in and support for the project,” said SDFC Owner and Chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour.

Willink, who is a resident of San Diego, is a retired U.S. Navy SEAL officer, co-author of the #1 New York Times bestseller “Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win” and “Dichotomy of Leadership,” host of the top-rated Jocko Podcast, and co-founder of Echelon Front, where he serves as Chief Executive Officer. Willink is also a leadership instructor, speaker, and strategic advisor. Jocko spent 20 years in the SEAL Teams, starting as an enlisted SEAL and rising through the ranks to become a SEAL officer. As commander of SEAL Team Three’s Task Unit Bruiser during the battle of Ramadi, he orchestrated SEAL operations that helped the “Ready First” Brigade of the U.S. Army’s First Armored Division bring stability to the violent, war-torn city. Task Unit Bruiser became the most highly decorated Special Operations Unit of the Iraq War.

“Joining San Diego FC as a partner is an incredible honor,” said SDFC Partner Jocko Willink. “With San Diego’s rich military heritage, my goal is to leverage my leadership experience to create strong bonds between the club and those who serve, fostering a culture of unity, resilience, and excellence both on and off the field. Soccer has always been a passion of mine, and I’m excited to bring my leadership and experience to help build a winning culture here. San Diego is my home, and I look forward to playing a role in the success of this great club and our community.”

Willink’s role with SDFC will be instrumental in developing a comprehensive community program framework designed to actively involve and honor the armed services community of San Diego. His extensive military background and leadership experience will help forge strong connections between the club and the men and women who serve.

“We are thrilled to welcome American hero Jocko Willink and David C. Michan to the San Diego FC family,” said SDFC Vice-Chairman and Sycuan Tribal Chairman Cody Martinez. “Jocko’s unparalleled leadership experience and deep roots in the San Diego…