In a remarkable display of leadership both on and off the field, Campbell University linebacker DaVonyae Pettis has been nominated for the prestigious 2026 Good Works Team. This honor is bestowed by Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).
Pettis has excelled in his athletic endeavors and made significant contributions to his community. That combination makes him a standout candidate for this award.
DaVonyae Pettis: A Beacon of Community Service and Athletic Excellence
DaVonyae Pettis, a linebacker from Shelby, N.C., has shown an impressive commitment to community service. He’s especially active at Buies Creek Elementary School, which sits right next to the Campbell University campus.
Pettis volunteers there often, sometimes multiple times a week. He’s joined in activities like international day, where students perform dances from around the world.
But his service doesn’t stop at the school. Pettis has also helped out at a special needs prom, pitched in with food distribution for the homeless, and assisted with Campbell’s freshmen move-in events.
On-Field Achievements
Pettis joined Campbell University in 2025 and wasted no time making an impact on the football field. In his debut season, he recorded 25 tackles, including a team-best 8.5 stops for loss and 4.0 sacks.
He forced three fumbles, registered seven quarterback hurries, and broke up three passes. Thanks to that performance, he’s been named team captain for the 2026 season.
Off the field, Pettis keeps up a 3.642 GPA and is on track to graduate with a BBA-Management degree this December. That’s not an easy balancing act, but he’s pulling it off.
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team was created in 1992 to recognize college football players who go above and beyond in community service, academics, and athletics. Allstate has presented the award since 2008, honoring players who use their platforms to strengthen communities and support important causes.
The 2026 Good Works Team will include 22 student-athletes and one honorary head coach. A special selection panel reviews nominations from all over the country.
Selection Process
The selection panel is made up of former Good Works Team members, college football coaches, journalists, and other folks connected to the award. They evaluate candidates based on the breadth and depth of their community service, leadership, academics, and the real impact they’ve had on people and causes.
From there, the panel selects 11 players from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), 11 from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), Divisions II, III, and the NAIA, plus one honorary head coach. It’s a pretty thorough process.
Allstate’s Commitment to Collegiate Athletics
Allstate’s been a steady supporter of collegiate athletics for over 20 years. Their involvement includes university and conference sponsorships, academic scholarships, and community impact initiatives.
Since 2005, the Allstate Good Hands Nets program has raised millions in scholarships with every field goal and extra point scored. In recent years, Allstate has even increased donations for each kick, which means more scholarships for student-athletes across all sports.
Impact of the Allstate Good Works Teams
Since 2008, the Allstate Good Works Teams have honored hundreds of student-athletes for their service off the field. These efforts support causes like youth empowerment and hunger relief.
Allstate’s involvement also extends to the Allstate Sugar Bowl, one of college football’s premier events. They’ve been the title sponsor since 2006.
About the AFCA
The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) was founded in 1922 and now has over 11,000 members around the world. Members range from high school coaches to professionals.
The AFCA’s mission is to maintain the highest possible standards in football and coaching. They also provide a forum for discussion and study of all things football. For more info about the AFCA, check out their official website.
AFCA Membership
The AFCA offers a variety of membership benefits, including access to in-depth articles and videos. If you’re interested, you can find more details on the AFCA Membership Overview page and sign up using the AFCA Membership Request Form.
The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy
The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, part of the National College Football Awards Association, is college football’s top award for community service. Named after Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Hall of Famer Danny Wuerffel, the award honors players who combine outstanding community service with leadership and performance on and off the field.
Established in 2005, the Wuerffel Trophy is celebrating its 22nd anniversary this year. Not a bad legacy for an award that’s all about giving back.
About Danny Wuerffel
Danny Wuerffel led the University of Florida to four SEC Championships. He also helped the team clinch the 1996 National Championship.
These days, he’s known as a humanitarian who pushes others to make a difference in their communities. Danny serves as President of the Wuerffel Foundation.
He’s also the Executive Director at Desire Street Ministries. Besides all that, he’s pretty into pickleball—drafted as a pro in the National Pickleball League, no less.
He even hosts celebrity pro-am *PickleBowl* tournaments. Not bad for a guy whose name you probably first heard on a football field.
If you’re curious about DaVonyae Pettis and his nomination for the 2026 Good Works Team, check out the full article on the Campbell University Athletics website here.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
