NORTHBROOK, Ill., December 13, 2024
Nick Dawkins, a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and winner of Penn State’s 2023 Public Service Award, has been honored as this year’s recipient of the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy and named Captain of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. Dawkins founded the Dawkins Family Foundation, which supports young students in academics and athletics.
Established in 2022, the Dawkins Family Foundation provides educational and enrichment opportunities for youth, offering three scholarships to high school seniors, including one dedicated to Dawkins’ late father, Darryl Dawkins. The foundation also hosts educational workshops and sponsors charitable events in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, where Dawkins attended Parkland High School.
“Helping others, both within and outside my team, has always been my dream,” Dawkins explained. “This honor highlights the significance of giving back, and I am thankful to Danny Wuerffel, The Wuerffel Foundation, Allstate, and the AFCA for recognizing those who strive to make a difference.”
Dawkins has pursued his passion at the YMCA of Centre County by creating summer sports camps, and at Penn State, where he leads efforts to raise funds for rare disease research through Uplifting Athletics. In his personal life, Dawkins is a dedicated son and brother, supporting his family, especially his sister with Down syndrome.
“Nick’s selfless leadership and significant impact on others have rightfully earned him this award’s 20th-anniversary honor,” said Danny Wuerffel, former NFL quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner, and College Football Hall of Famer. “We all have the potential to make a difference in others’ lives, and Nick exemplifies this power. Congratulations to him on receiving this prestigious recognition.”
The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy is a leading college football award for community service, celebrating Danny Wuerffel’s impactful legacy. It is awarded to one of the 11 NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) players named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, recognizing those who excel in community service, leadership, and performance on and off the field. This milestone marks two decades of acknowledging athletes who make a meaningful impact both in and beyond sports. Dawkins joins a distinguished group of 19 previous Trophy recipients and numerous Good Works Team members since 1992.
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team includes 22 student-athletes and one head coach, chosen for their outstanding community service. This year, the team was selected from a record 178 nominees from colleges and universities nationwide, highlighting their dedication to community service and their positive actions off the field.
“Nick embodies Allstate’s mission of improving communities,” said Troy Hawkes, Allstate executive vice president and general manager. “This recognition reflects his remarkable achievements and commitment to helping others, and we look forward to seeing him continue this vital work.”
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team is chosen by a voting panel consisting of former Good Works Team members, current and former head coaches, and journalists who evaluate outstanding leadership on and off the football field.
The finalists for the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy and Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Captain are selected by a national voting committee that includes a fan voting component.
Fans can use #WuerffelTrophy and #GoodWorksTeam on social media to congratulate Dawkins and spread awareness about his well-deserved honor.
About the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team
Founded in 1992 by the College Football Association, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team recognizes college football players and student support staff for their off-the-field efforts. The AFCA took over as the governing body in 1997, continuing to honor players who go above and beyond for those in need. Allstate began presenting the award in 2008.
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) leads all conferences with 89 selections to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team since its inception. It’s followed by the Atlantic Coast Conference with 55 selections and the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference with 43. Georgia tops the list with 24 honorees, followed by Kentucky and Bethel (Minn.) with 18 each. Super Bowl champions Eli and Peyton Manning were members of the 2002 and 1997 teams, respectively.
About the AFCA
The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) was established in 1922 and currently has over 11,000 members worldwide, from high school to professional levels. Its constitution aims to maintain high standards in football and coaching and to provide a forum for discussing and studying all football-related matters.
For more details on the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. To access more in-depth articles and videos, consider becoming an AFCA member. More information on membership and benefits is available on the AFCA Membership Overview page. To join, fill out the AFCA Membership Request Form.
About the Wuerffel Foundation
The Wuerffel Foundation is committed to supporting Danny Wuerffel’s mission of inspiring service and unity worldwide, based on excellence, service, and humility. Danny mentors community leaders and connects them with philanthropic resources. The foundation annually presents the prestigious Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, college football’s top community service award, and hosts the Desire Cup and PickleBowl events.
About the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy
The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, part of the National College Football Awards Association, is college football’s premier community service award. It is presented annually by the Wuerffel Foundation to the FBS player who best exemplifies community service, leadership, and performance both on and off the field. Named after Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Hall of Famer Danny Wuerffel, the award honors his dedication to fostering greater service and unity. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the trophy was established in 2005. 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 in the National Pickleball League and hosts celebrity pro-am “PickleBowl” tournaments.
Post Views: 53
