NORTHBROOK, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Florida State University graduate offensive lineman Dillan Gibbons is the captain of this year’s Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®. Gibbons was selected from 22 players for his remarkable commitment to community service.
“The only thing more impressive than Dillan’s fierceness on the field is his philanthropy off of it,” said Mike Norvell, head coach of Florida State. “He is a smart, thoughtful leader, and he has made a massive difference in his time as a Florida State Seminole. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor than Dillan.”
When name, image and likeness (NIL) deals became legal for college athletes, Gibbons launched the nonprofit Big Man, Big Heart to encourage other athletes to direct their NIL earnings to charitable opportunities. The St. Petersburg, Fla., native and graduate of Clearwater Central Catholic has raised nearly $500,000 since the organization's launch, helping fund experiences and medical costs for children with leukemia, Down syndrome and a rare disease called VACTRL.
A member of the 2021 ACC All-Academic Team, Gibbons also organized the Shop with a Player event through the Tallahassee Boys & Girls Club, participated in the GoFundMe College Charity Challenge and planned a Teach a Kid to Fish Event with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team recognizes college football athletes – across all divisions – and the nonprofits they serve. Since the roster was announced in September, fans have been voting on ESPN.com/Allstate for their honorary captain.
“Dillan Gibbons is what the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team stands for: selflessness, compassion and community,” said Troy Hawkes, executive vice president and general manager of sales at Allstate. “His work has already changed the lives of so many, and we can’t wait to see the impact he’ll have in the future.”
Gibbons will be recognized at The Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 8 on ESPN, and at the Allstate Sugar Bowl® on Dec. 31. Learn more about him and the commendable efforts of the other 2022 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team at ESPN.com/Allstate.
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. The 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 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, both 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.
About the AFCA
The 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. For news, check out insider.afca.com and subscribe to our weekly email. To get more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. Get information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. To join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Application.
