Ethan Zohn first captured public attention as the winner of the reality series Survivor, a triumph that launched him into a multifaceted career as a professional soccer player, entrepreneur, and advocate for health causes. Alongside his athletic pursuits, Zohn co‑founded Grassroot Soccer, an organization that uses the sport to educate youth about HIV prevention and life skills. His latest venture, the travel series Kicking Back, blends his love of soccer with a curiosity about the cultural fabric of the United States.
A Road Trip Fueled by the Beautiful Game
In Kicking Back, Zohn travels from the bustling streets of Boston to the sun‑kissed avenues of Miami, documenting how local communities rally around the world’s most popular sport. Each episode spotlights neighborhood clubs, family‑run eateries, and the everyday people whose lives intersect with the rhythm of the ball. The series frames soccer not merely as a game but as a conduit for connection, bridging diverse traditions under a shared passion.
The journey is as much about the landscapes he traverses as it is about the stories he uncovers. From the historic neighborhoods of Philadelphia and the artistic enclaves of Seattle, to the vibrant markets of Atlanta and the sprawling suburbs of Houston and Dallas, Zohn’s lens captures the mosaic of American life. He also ventures north to Canada and south to Mexico, illustrating how the sport’s influence stretches beyond borders, echoing the global reach of the World Cup.
Behind the camera, Zohn’s personal resilience adds depth to the narrative. The same determination that carried him through the final tribal council in Survivor later helped him confront a cancer diagnosis, a battle he faced with the same strategic mindset he applied on the playing field. His experience underscores a broader theme: the sport’s capacity to provide comfort, community, and a sense of purpose during life’s most challenging moments.
As filming wraps up, Zohn hopes the series will inspire viewers to see soccer as a catalyst for dialogue and mutual understanding. By highlighting the sport’s role in shaping identity, supporting local businesses, and fostering philanthropic initiatives, Kicking Back aims to celebrate the unifying power of a game that transcends cultural divides.