Ortiz one of 111 FBS football players recognized for outstanding effort on and off the field.
Source: NMSU Athletics (Photo: Courtesy)
NM State senior wide receiver Allen Ortiz has received recognition for his contributions to society through community service in addition to his participation as an Aggie on the field.
For the first time ever, Allstate is partnering with the Wuerffel Foundation to bring together two of the most meaningful awards in college football. The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy will honor a student-athlete who is inspired to serve others and make a positive impact on society. Together with the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, the awards will mark college football’s premier honors for community service.
The selection marks the second consecutive year which the Aggies have landed an individual among the nominees as Ortiz joins 2023 Wuerffel Trophy Watch List selection Canaan Yarro.
This summer, Ortiz, a native of Lakewood, Colo., dedicated his time and support to kids and families living in poverty in the country of Honduras. While on a mission trip with Real Life Church, Ortiz provided food, assistance and spiritual strength to those in need. Additionally, Ortiz has been volunteering with the youth group at Real Life Church, helping organize games and activities for children.
Ortiz joined the Aggie program ahead of the 2023 campaign and appeared in four games, contributing mostly on special teams during NM State’s historic 10-win season.
Ortiz joins a list of 178 nominees, representing players and coaches from colleges and universities across the country and span across FBS, FCS, Division II, Division III and NAIA levels.
The final roster of 23 award recipients announced later in September will bring together:
- 11 players from the NCAA FBS
- 11 players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), Divisions II, III and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
- 1 honorary head coach
All members are 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
The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, college football’s premier award for community service, is presented annually to the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (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 the former NFL quarterback’s commitment to inspiring greater service and unity in the world.
“Our partnership with Allstate and the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team builds upon the purposeful impact of these awards,” said Wuerffel. “We want to inspire college athletes to be community-minded, live for others, and sacrifice their own interests for the benefit of other people.”
The 2024 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy recipient will be selected by a national voting committee and announced on The Home Depot/ESPN College Football Awards Show in December. Only FBS players elected to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team are eligible for the honor, which replaces the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team captain.
Established in 2005, this year marks the 20th anniversary of the first Wuerffel Trophy, awarded to Rudy Niswanger of LSU, followed by eighteen recipients. Georgia’s Ladd McConkey was most recently honored with the award and named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team in 2023. Throughout this season, the Wuerffel Foundation will reflect on these first nineteen recipients and honor the history of college football’s premier award for community service.
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team
Established in 1992, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team recognizes college football athletes for their unwavering commitment to community service and their “good works” off the field. This year’s 178 nominees champion causes including mental health awareness, youth mentorship, hunger relief, domestic abuse prevention, and many more. In addition to being actively involved with a charitable organization or service group, each player must also maintain strong academic standing to be considered for a spot on the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.
“You’ll never regret making someone else’s life better,” said Tim Tebow, two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner, 2008 Wuerffel Trophy recipient, and 2009 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team member. “Year after year, I’m inspired by these incredible nominees who go above and beyond to help others.”
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