Temple University Athletics
Football’s Mesday Named AFCA Good Works Team Nominee
7.17.19 | Football
NORTHBROOK, Ill.,- Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) today announced the list of nominees for the 2019 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, an annual award given to college football players for the impact they make off the field. A total of 137 student-athletes with inspiring stories of community service were nominated. Temple graduate defensive end Zack Mesday is one of these distinguished nominees.
Mesday has emerged as a leader on the field for the Owls but has been a leader off the field for several years. A graduate student with a master's degree in early childhood education, Mesday earned a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA after coming back from multiple knee surgeries. That never stopped him from leading the Temple team in annual events from the Be The Match Bone Marrow Drive, Huddle Up for Autism, MLK Day of Service, Athletes Helping Athletes and the TU Walk to End Domestic Abuse.
Past Owls who have been made the annual team include: Alex Derenthal, Yazid Jackson, Amara Kamara, Brandon McManus and Wayne Tribue
"It's truly inspiring to see these young men dedicating their time and energy outside of their already busy schedules to leave a lasting impact in their communities," said John O'Donnell, Allstate's Western Territory president and member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team selection committee "As a longtime college football sponsor, Allstate takes great pride in our partnership with the AFCA, and we are honored to celebrate the successes of these players and highlight their stories as an inspiration to all who love the sport."
Established in 1992, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® continues to be one of the most coveted community service awards in college football. From the 137 nominees, the final roster of 23 award recipients will be announced in September, bringing 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 a strong academic standing.
"To be named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team is no small feat and goes above and beyond sportsmanship and leadership in the classroom or on the field," said Tim Tebow, two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner and 2009 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® member. "These student-athletes believe in the power of giving back and enriching the lives of others, while also helping to shape the lives of future young athletes. Each year, I am struck by the caliber of these nominees and humbled to be a part of telling their stories."
Mesday has emerged as a leader on the field for the Owls but has been a leader off the field for several years. A graduate student with a master's degree in early childhood education, Mesday earned a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA after coming back from multiple knee surgeries. That never stopped him from leading the Temple team in annual events from the Be The Match Bone Marrow Drive, Huddle Up for Autism, MLK Day of Service, Athletes Helping Athletes and the TU Walk to End Domestic Abuse.
Past Owls who have been made the annual team include: Alex Derenthal, Yazid Jackson, Amara Kamara, Brandon McManus and Wayne Tribue
"It's truly inspiring to see these young men dedicating their time and energy outside of their already busy schedules to leave a lasting impact in their communities," said John O'Donnell, Allstate's Western Territory president and member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team selection committee "As a longtime college football sponsor, Allstate takes great pride in our partnership with the AFCA, and we are honored to celebrate the successes of these players and highlight their stories as an inspiration to all who love the sport."
Established in 1992, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® continues to be one of the most coveted community service awards in college football. From the 137 nominees, the final roster of 23 award recipients will be announced in September, bringing 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 a strong academic standing.
"To be named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team is no small feat and goes above and beyond sportsmanship and leadership in the classroom or on the field," said Tim Tebow, two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner and 2009 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® member. "These student-athletes believe in the power of giving back and enriching the lives of others, while also helping to shape the lives of future young athletes. Each year, I am struck by the caliber of these nominees and humbled to be a part of telling their stories."
Players Mentioned
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