University of Texas senior defensive back Michael Taaffe receives the 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy
Taaffe also named Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® captain for leading substance abuse education and service in communities across Texas; announced live on ESPN
Atlanta, GA., December 12, 2025 – University of Texas senior defensive back Michael Taaffe is the recipient of the 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, college football’s most prestigious award for community service. He was also named captain of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team during The Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN on Friday, Dec.12th.
“For me, it’s all about serving my community with purpose and making a meaningful difference beyond football. I’m honored to receive this award and for everyone who supports giving back. The Wuerffel Foundation, Allstate, and AFCA, thank you for shining a light on service.”
“Michael represents everything this award stands for. His courage and commitment to help others reflect his remarkable servant leadership. As he joins the fraternity of twenty previous recipients of this award, we congratulate him on this prestigious honor.”
“Allstate champions athletes who lead with purpose and create positive change. Through the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy and Good Works Team, we celebrate student-athletes who go beyond the game to strengthen communities. There’s no better example of that this year than Michael’s work improving communities across the Lone Star State.”
Past recipients of the Wuerffel Trophy include: Rudy Niswanger – LSU – 2005; Joel Penton – Ohio State – 2006; Paul Smith – Tulsa – 2007; Tim Tebow – Florida – 2008; Tim Hiller – Western Michigan – 2009; Sam Acho – Texas – 2010; Barrett Jones – Alabama – 2011; Matt Barkley – USC – 2012; Gabe Ikard – Oklahoma – 2013; Deterrian Shackelford – Ole Miss – 2014; Ty Darlington – Oklahoma – 2015; Trevor Knight – Texas A&M – 2016; Courtney Love – Kentucky – 2017; Drue Tranquill – Notre Dame – 2018; Jon Wassink – Western Michigan – 2019; Teton Saltes – New Mexico – 2020; Isaiah Sanders – Stanford – 2021; Dillan Gibbons – Florida State – 2022; Ladd McConkey – Georgia – 2023; and Nick Dawkins – Penn State – 2024.
About the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, established in 2005, honors college football players who serve others, celebrates their impact, and inspire greater service in the world. A member of the National College Football Awards Association, the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy is presented annually to the FBS player who best combines exemplary community service with leadership achievement on and off the field. It is the first major award honoring the character of service to others.
The trophy is named after Heisman Trophy winner, College Football Hall of Famer, former NFL quarterback, and renowned humanitarian Danny Wuerffel, whose life mission is to inspire greater service in the world. Wuerffel led the University of Florida to four SEC Championships and the Gators’ first National Football Championship as the team’s star quarterback. The 1996 Heisman Trophy winner set 17 NCAA and Florida records and won a myriad of other awards including the Maxwell Award, the Davey O’Brien Award, and The William V. Campbell Trophy, presented to the nation’s top scholar-athlete. As a nationally recognized humanitarian, Wuerffel inspires leaders to use their influence to make a positive impact and currently serves as President of the Wuerffel Foundation. The Trophy is also supported by corporate partners Dart Container Corporation/Solo Cup and Herff Jones.
About the Wuerffel Foundation is dedicated to supporting Danny Wuerffel’s mission to inspire greater service and unity in the world, built on the three values of excellence, service and humility. As a recognized humanitarian, Danny mentors community leaders and connects them with philanthropic resources. The foundation annually presents the prestigious Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, college football’s premier award for community service, and hosts the Desire Cup and PickleBowl events.
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 Southeastern Conference (SEC) leads all conferences with 91 selections to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team since it began in 1992. The SEC is followed by the Atlantic Coast Conference with 58 selections and the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference with 45 selections. Georgia is in first place with 24 honorees to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. The Bulldogs are followed by Kentucky and Bethel (Minn.) with 19 honorees.
About the AFCA
The American Football Coaches Association (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. If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Request Form.
About Allstate (NYSE: ALL) Allstate protects people from life’s uncertainties with a wide array of protection for autos, homes, electronic devices, and identity theft. Products are available through a broad distribution network including Allstate agents, independent agents, major retailers, online, and at the workplace. Allstate is widely known for the slogan “You’re in Good Hands with Allstate.” For more information, visit www.allstate.com
Contact:
James Gadsby – jg@wuerffelfoundation.org