Athletes
Meet the athletes behind the campaign
Deuce McDuffie
Nicolet High SchoolSIX-WORD STORY:”Win on and off the court.”
Deuce McDuffie is an outstanding student-athlete and member of the inaugural Playmakers for Peace™ Athlete Ambassador class. Through his participation, Deuce has chosen to use his platform to promote peace, positive decision-making, and leadership both on and off the basketball court.
When asked why he wanted to become a Playmakers for Peace™ Athlete Ambassador, Deuce shared, “So I can make peace off and on the court.” His response reflects his understanding that the discipline learned through athletics carries responsibilities beyond competition.
Deuce believes basketball has taught him the importance of remaining calm under pressure and encourages his peers to pause before reacting. His message is simple yet powerful: “To be calm.”
As an inaugural Playmakers for Peace™ Athlete Ambassador, Deuce demonstrates that leadership is measured not only by athletic performance but also by the willingness to positively influence others and strengthen the community.
Jalen Brown
Wauwatosa West High SchoolSIX-WORD STORY: “Don’t Follow, instead… lead the pack.”
Jalen Brown is a member of the inaugural Playmakers for Peace™ Athlete Ambassador class whose leadership extends beyond the basketball court. Recognizing the influence athletes have within their schools and communities, Jalen volunteered to use his voice to promote peace, respect, and thoughtful decision-making.
Jalen believes that “peace is more powerful than violence” and joined the initiative to help young people understand that everyone deserves to feel safe.
Drawing from his experience as a student-athlete, Jalen teaches that reacting emotionally often escalates conflict, while responding with composure creates opportunities for communication and resolution. His message encourages young people to rely on preparation, character, and self-control when facing adversity.
Through Playmakers for Peace™, Jalen represents a generation of athletes committed to using leadership, rather than retaliation, to influence their peers and strengthen their communities.
Londyn Hollins
Wisconsin Lutheran High SchoolSIX-WORD STORY: “Hoopin saves lives. Violence steals dreams.”
Londyn Hollins is an inaugural Playmakers for Peace™ Athlete Ambassador whose passion for leadership is rooted in serving others. She joined the initiative because she wanted to make an impact beyond basketball by positively influencing her community and providing an alternative to the negativity and violence that too many young people experience.
Londyn recognizes that violence affects not only individuals but also families, friends, and entire communities. She believes athletes have an opportunity and a responsibility to model self-control, strong character, and intentional decision-making.
Through athletics, Londyn has learned that success requires discipline, emotional control, and consistency under pressure. Her “next play mentality” should be used off the court during life’s difficult situations. She encourages her peers to remember that every decision affects not only themselves but also the people who look up to them.
Her leadership reflects the mission of Playmakers for Peace™ by demonstrating that true strength is shown through compassion, responsibility, and choosing peace.
Michael Rogers Jr.
Homestead High SchoolSIX-WORD STORY: “Choose love. End cycles of violence.”
Michael Rogers Jr. serves as an inaugural Playmakers for Peace™ Athlete Ambassador and brings a deeply personal perspective to the initiative. After experiencing the loss of a teammate to gun violence, Michael chose to transform personal tragedy into purposeful leadership by encouraging others to make thoughtful decisions before moments of conflict become irreversible.
As a point guard, Michael understands that every decision has consequences. He believes the responsibility of leading a team mirrors the responsibility each person has to make choices that positively impact their family, teammates, and community.
Michael reminds his peers that “this life is not a dress rehearsal” and encourages young people to recognize the value of every life and every decision. His willingness to share his story and advocate for peace demonstrates courage, compassion, and maturity well beyond his years.
Through Playmakers for Peace™, Michael is using his influence to help ensure fewer families experience the pain of losing someone to violence.
Rashaad Davis
Nicolet High SchoolSIX-WORD STORY: “Don’t fold for cred, be bigger instead.”
Rashaad Davis is an inaugural Playmakers for Peace™ Athlete Ambassador who believes athletes have an opportunity to use their voices for something greater than basketball. Growing up in Milwaukee, he has witnessed the effects violence can have on individuals, families, and neighborhoods, inspiring him to become an advocate for positive change.
Rashaad joined Playmakers for Peace™ because he wanted to use his influence to encourage others to think beyond the immediate moment. Through sports, he has learned the importance of stepping back, thinking before acting, and recognizing “the bigger picture” that one impulsive decision can change a life forever.
He encourages young people to understand that every decision carries consequences and that choosing peace requires courage, self-control, and perspective. His message reflects a commitment to protecting not only his own future but also the futures of those around him.
Rashaad exemplifies the values of leadership, responsibility, and community service by using athletics as a platform to inspire hope and strengthen Milwaukee’s next generation.