Peyton Ritzert, a senior defensive back from Central College, has been nominated for the Allstate American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team®. This honor goes to college football players who really step up as leaders and care about serving others.
Ritzert’s nomination puts him among 162 players from NCAA FCS, Division II, Division III, and NAIA. That’s a pretty big deal and says a lot about his impact, both on and off the field.
The Legacy of Central College in the Good Works Team
Central College has a bit of a legacy with the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. Five players have made the squad before him.
It started back in 1997 with Marc Poortinga. Then came Stephen Barnes in 2005, Cory Nikkel in 2011, Jake Wassenaar in 2015, and Cameron Bannister in 2024.
Now Ritzert’s nomination keeps that tradition alive. It’s honestly impressive to see a school keep turning out athletes who care about more than just sports.
Peyton Ritzert’s Community Involvement
Ritzert’s all about giving back, and it shows in his volunteer work. Last summer, he spent a week in Antigua with Imagine Guatemala, helping to build a house for a family that needed it.
He hasn’t limited his efforts to overseas, either. During the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years, he’s been volunteering every week at Third Church in Pella.
There, he leads lessons and activities for kids. It’s clear he cares about mentoring and building community.
Locally, Ritzert’s made a real difference with several organizations:
- The Well of Pella
- Pella Community Food Shelf
- Pella Wrestling Club
On campus, he’s on the leadership team for Fellowship of Christian Athletes. That’s another place where he shows his commitment to faith-based leadership and bringing people together.
Overcoming Adversity on the Field
Things haven’t always gone smoothly for Ritzert. He missed almost his entire junior season due to injury—just played in the opener.
Still, he made his mark in that first game with five tackles and a pass break-up. Bouncing back from that kind of setback takes grit, and he’s shown plenty of it since returning to the field.
Academic Achievements
Ritzert’s not just about football and volunteering. He’s a two-time American Rivers Academic All-Conference selection, earning the honor in 2024 and 2025.
Balancing sports, school, and service isn’t easy. Somehow, he manages it all with a level of dedication that’s honestly kind of rare.
The Significance of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team started in 1992. It’s meant for college football players who do more than just play—they serve others, too.
A panel picks the final 22-member team. It’s made up of former team members, coaches, and journalists, so the selection isn’t taken lightly.
This recognition isn’t just about what happens during the game. It’s about character and leadership off the field, which, let’s be honest, is what sticks with people.
Central College’s Commitment to Community Service
Central College keeps showing up on the Good Works Team list, and that’s no accident. The school clearly values community service and growing leaders among its athletes.
Supporting students as they give back seems to be part of the fabric there. It’s the kind of thing that helps shape people who go on to make a difference in more ways than one.
Peyton Ritzert’s nomination for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team says a lot about his dedication, both in football and beyond. He’s put in countless hours volunteering, taken on leadership roles, and still managed to excel academically.
For more details on Peyton Ritzert’s nomination and his contributions, visit the official announcement from Central College Athletics.
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