NORTHBROOK, Ill. – The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® has been one of the most esteemed honors in college football for over 30 years. The student-athletes nominated for this award not only demonstrate a unique dedication to community service and desire to make a positive impact on the lives around them, but also show tremendous perseverance as well as the ability to overcome personal struggles and come out victorious against all odds. Representing the MAC is Buffalo’s Max Michel, Bowling Green’s Odieu Hilaire, Central Michigan’s Robi Stuart, Eastern Michigan’s Brian Dooley and Toledo’s Daniel Bolden.
“These bright young athletes are role models,” said Troy Hawkes, executive vice president and general manager, Allstate Sales and Distribution. “We’ve celebrated thousands of college football players around the country for years, and they’ve had a huge impact on their communities and on society.”
“I’m impressed and inspired by these young men because they’re incredible athletes and amazing human beings,” said Tim Tebow, two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner and 2009 Good Works Team member. “When you give back to the community, it gives you purpose and can change your whole life – and the lives of others.”
For the second-straight season, Michel has landed on this prestigious list. This past December, he held his second annual coat drive. Through his efforts, he was able to collect numerous coats, jackets, gloves and hats and donate them to the Buffalo City Mission.
He also donates his time volunteering at the Buffalo City Mission's kitchen, helping prepare and serve food, emptying the garbage and whatever else he can do to help. In addition, Michel volunteers his time with Harrison's Playmakers, a non-profit organization that promotes social inclusion and kindness with year-round sports programs and activities for kids with developmental differences and special needs.
Among his numerous other volunteer ventures, Michel organized a group of teammates to work with WNY Peacemakers to distribute free groceries in East Buffalo.
Hilaire takes part in Holidays with Falcon Football, which is when the BGSU football team provides celebrations for children in the Bowling Green community who might not otherwise have one during the holiday. He has volunteered at The Nest in Bowling Green, which provides free childcare for parents completing their education.
An esteemed leader both on and off the field, Dooley, a two-time All-MAC selection, heavily assisted in Eastern's eighth annual Victory Day activities, a day filled with fun and football for cognitive and physically impaired community members. Dooley also took time to visit many local elementary schools in the Ypsilanti, Mich., area where he read to a multitude of young students, as well as assisting in the building and refurbishment of parks and playgrounds.
Overall, Dooley has logged over 100 community service hours.
Bolden, a linebacker for the Rockets, has volunteered for numerous Toledo area organizations throughout his career, including the Boys and Girls Club of Toledo, the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank, the Cherry Street Mission Ministries, the Miracle Network Dance Marathon, The Glass City Marathon, the Toledo Zoo, and many preschools, elementary and middle schools in the Toledo area. He has been a member of the football team's leadership council since 2019.
A Panel Chooses the Team
The final 22-member team and honorary coach are selected by a voting panel of former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team members, current and former head coaches and journalists. They look for exceptional leadership on and off the football field.
In addition to Tebow and Hawkes, the 2023 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team selection panel members are: Zaid Abdul-Aleem (Duke, 1994 team); Matt Stinchcomb (Georgia, 1997, 1998); Brian Brenberg (St. Thomas, 2001); Mike Proman (Amherst, 2002); Wes Counts (Middle Tennessee State, 1999); media members Kirk Herbstreit (ESPN); Blair Kerkhoff (Kansas City Star); and Paul Myerberg (USA Today); 2023 AFCA President and Ouachita Baptist University Head Coach Todd Knight; and 2014 AFCA President and former head coach at Ithaca College, Mike Welch.
Fans Pick the Captain
After the final team members are announced in September, fans can vote for this year’s Allstate AFCA Good Works Team captain through the official page on ESPN.com/allstate. Fans can join the conversation on social media with #GoodWorksTeam throughout the season.
“These players embody the best of what college football stands for: character, selflessness and the willingness to serve and give to others,” AFCA Executive Director Todd Berry said. “The AFCA proudly stands alongside Allstate and each of these players’ families and communities to applaud their inspirational work.”
Nomination Criteria
Established in 1992, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team is one of the most coveted community service awards in college football. From the 135 nominees, the final roster of 23 award recipients will bring together 11 players from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision; 11
players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III, and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA); and one honorary head coach. To be considered for a spot on the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, each player must be actively involved with a charitable organization or service group while maintaining strong academic standing.
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 SEC leads all conferences with 82 selections to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team since it began in 1992. The SEC is followed by the Atlantic Coast Conference with 52 selections and the Big 12 Conference and Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference with 39 selections. Georgia is in first place with 22 honorees to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. The Bulldogs are followed by Kentucky with 17 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.
MAC Student-Athletes Nominated For Allstate AFCA Good Works Team
Max Michel - Buffalo
Odieu Hilaire - Bowling Green
Robi Stuart - Central Michigan
Brian Dooley - Eastern Michigan
Daniel Bolden - Toledo
