NORTHBROOK, Ill., December 13, 2024 – Nick Dawkins, a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and Penn State’s 2023 Public Service Award winner who founded the Dawkins Family Foundation to champion academic and athletic excellence for young students, is this year’s Allstate Wuerffel Trophy recipient and Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Captain.
Dawkins started the Dawkins Family Foundation in 2022 to provide educational and enrichment opportunities for youth. The foundation presents three scholarships to high school seniors, including one in honor of Dawkins’ late father, Darryl Dawkins. The organization offers educational workshops and sponsors charitable events in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley region, where Dawkins attended Parkland High School.
“It’s all about helping those both on and outside my team. Nothing has stopped me from chasing that dream,” Dawkins said. “This honor underscores the importance of giving back, and I am grateful to Danny Wuerffel and The Wuerffel Foundation, Allstate, and the AFCA for celebrating those who serve to make a difference.”
Dawkins has brought his passion to life at the YMCA of Centre County, where he created summer sports camps, and at Penn State, where he leads Uplifting Athletics in raising funds for rare disease research. Beyond his public roles, Dawkins is a devoted son and brother, providing unwavering support to his family, especially his sister with Down syndrome.
“Nick’s selfless leadership and meaningful impact on others have rightfully earned him the 20th anniversary of this award,” said Danny Wuerffel, the former NFL quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Hall of Famer for whom the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy is named. “Every one of us has the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. Nick exemplifies this powerful capability. Congratulations to him on this prestigious honor.”
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy represents college football’s premier award for community service, honoring the long-lasting impact of Danny Wuerffel’s inspiring service. The award is presented to one of the 11 NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) players elected to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team who best combines exemplary community service, leadership and performance on and off the field. This milestone highlights two decades of recognizing athletes who are making a meaningful impact on the field and beyond the sport. Dawkins joins an elite fraternity of 19 previous Trophy recipients, and hundreds of Good Works Team members since its inception in 1992.
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team names 22 student-athletes and one head coach for exemplary community service. This year’s Allstate AFCA Good Works Team was selected from a record 178 nominees, representing players and coaches from colleges and universities across the country for their unwavering commitment to community service and their “good works” off the field.
“Nick represents our shared purpose at Allstate to improve communities,” said Troy Hawkes, Allstate executive vice president and general manager. “This recognition is a testament to his outstanding achievements and his commitment to giving back to others. We’re excited to see him continue this important work.”
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team is selected by a voting panel of former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team members, current and former head coaches and journalists who look for exceptional leadership on and off the football field.
The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy and Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Captain finalists and recipient are selected by a prestigious national voting committee, including a fan vote component.
Fans can use #WuerffelTrophy and #GoodWorksTeam on social media to congratulate Dawkins and help others learn more about his well-deserved recognition.
About the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team was established in 1992 by the College Football Association, recognizing the extra efforts made by college football players and student support staff off the field. AFCA became the governing body of the award in 1997 and continues to honor college football players who go the extra mile for those in need. Allstate worked to present the award starting with the 2008 season.
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) leads all conferences with 89 selections to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team since it began in 1992. The SEC is followed by the Atlantic Coast Conference with 55 selections and the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference with 43 selections. Georgia is in first place with 24 honorees to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. The Bulldogs are followed by Kentucky and Bethel (Minn.) with 18 honorees. Super Bowl XLII, XLVI and XLI champion quarterbacks Eli and Peyton Manning were members of the 2002 and 1997 Allstate AFCA Good Works Teams, respectively.
About the AFCA
The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) was founded in 1922 and currently has more than 11,000 members around the world ranging from the high school level to the professional ranks. According to its constitution, the AFCA was formed, in part, to “maintain the highest possible standards in football and in the coaching profession” and to “provide a forum for the discussion and study of all matters pertaining to football.”
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Request Form.
About the Wuerffel Foundation
The Wuerffel Foundation is dedicated to supporting Danny Wuerffel’s mission to inspire greater service and unity in the world, built on the three values of excellence, service and humility. As a recognized humanitarian, Danny mentors community leaders and connects them with philanthropic resources. The foundation annually presents the prestigious Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, college football’s premier award for community service, and hosts the Desire Cup and PickleBowl events.
About the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy
The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, a member of the National College Football Awards Association, is college football’s premier award for community service. The trophy is presented annually by the Wuerffel Foundation to the FBS player who best combines exemplary community service with leadership and performance on and off the field. Named after Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Hall of Famer, Danny Wuerffel, the award honors his commitment to inspiring greater service and unity in the world. Established in 2005, the Wuerffel Trophy is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Wuerffel led the University of Florida to four SEC Championships and the 1996 National Championship. As a humanitarian, he continues to inspire leaders to positively impact their communities. Danny currently serves as President of the Wuerffel Foundation and Executive Director of Desire Street Ministries. An avid pickleball player, he was drafted as a professional within the National Pickleball League and hosts celebrity pro-am “PickleBowl” tournaments.
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