Allstate, American Football Coaches Association Name 22 College Football Players to the 2010 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®

NORTHBROOK, Ill., Sept. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Few awards in college football look beyond a player's statistics to recognize excellence and achievement in places where touchdowns and interceptions do not matter. Today, Allstate Insurance Company and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) announced the 22 student-athletes chosen for the 2010 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, one of the most prestigious off-the-field honors in college football.

A total of 112 players across all collegiate levels of the sport were nominated for the award by sports information directors on behalf of their teams, the most ever in the 19-year history of the program.  From the nominations, a special selection committee named 22 college football players from across the country to the 2010 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®. Of the two 11-member teams, one includes players competing in the NCAA® Football Bowl Subdivision (I-A) and the other is a combined team representing the NCAA® Football Championship Subdivision (I-AA), Divisions II, III, and the NAIA.

"Allstate's partnership with the AFCA to present this award is not about X's and O's," said Guy Hill, vice president of sales and service for Allstate, who also served on the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® voting panel.  "By shining a spotlight on college football student-athletes who demonstrate a unique commitment to serving their communities, we are protecting the integrity of the sport and showcasing its positive impact that extends well beyond the field of play."

The following players have been selected to the 2010 Allstate AFCA Good Works Teams®:

While on-field heroics may capture the attention of college football fans and media, it is the commitment to service and volunteerism demonstrated by these 22 players that truly represents what is good about the game. These student-athletes have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of others, from serving on medical mission trips to Africa, to befriending elderly community members, to supporting cancer research initiatives. In doing so, they are serving to protect the image of a sport beloved by thousands of fans across the country.  

"Reading about all the community service activities and off the field accomplishments of the 22 members of this year's Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® is humbling," said Grant Teaff, AFCA Executive Director.  "Even at a young age, they get what is really important in life, and they represent thousands of college football players across the nation that are doing the same things on campus and in their hometowns.  We're proud to join Allstate in recognizing these outstanding student-athletes."

For the first time in the program's history, fans will be able to vote for a Team Captain by visiting ESPN.com and searching "Good Works." The Team Captain will be recognized by ESPN personality and Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® national ambassador Lou Holtz during The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards on Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.  The site also features profiles of the award recipients and their selfless acts of kindness.

Allstate assembled a high-profile voting panel made up of previous Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® members, including former University of Georgia lineman Matt Stinchcomb and former Tulane University running back Mewelde Moore, as well as prominent college football media personalities, including ESPN analyst Lou Holtz, ESPN.com writer Pat Forde and USA Today college sports editor Tom O'Toole.  Also part of the selection committee are current AFCA president and University of Mount Union head coach Larry Kehres, 1996 AFCA president and former head coach at the United States Air Force Academy Fisher DeBerry, and Allstate vice president Guy Hill.  

About Allstate

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®" slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help more than 17 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®.

About the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®

In order to meet the criteria set forth by Allstate and AFCA, each player must be actively involved and committed to working with a charitable organization, service group or community service while maintaining good academic standing.

The Allstate AFCA Good Works Teams® were 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 partnered to present the award starting with the 2008 season.

Since 1992, the Southeastern Conference leads all conferences with 52 selections to the Good Works Teams®, followed by the Big 12 with 38 selections and the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference with 22 selections. In 2009, St. Thomas defensive back Jeffrey Hilliard became the 12th Tommie, and Georgia defensive lineman Jeff Owens became the 12th Bulldog to be selected to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, tying both schools for the most selections of all time. Super Bowl XLII and XLI champion quarterbacks Eli and Peyton Manning were members of the 2002 and 1997 Good Works Teams®, respectively.  

About AFCA

The American Football Coaches Association was founded in 1922 and currently has more than 10,000 members around the world ranging from the high school level to the professional ranks. According to its constitution, 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." 

SOURCE The Allstate Corporation