University of Texas senior defensive back Michael Taaffe has been awarded the 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, which recognizes leadership in community service among college football players. Taaffe was also named captain of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team during The Home Depot College Football Awards broadcast on ESPN.
Taaffe’s efforts include leading substance abuse prevention programs through Texas Against Fentanyl, where he works to expand education and resources across the state. He partnered with P. Terry’s Burger Stand to raise over $100,000 for the Texas Flood Relief Foundation, supporting families affected by flooding and honoring lives lost at Camp Mystic. Additionally, Taaffe volunteers at Dell Children’s Hospital, distributes food with Welcome Table ATX, and participates in community cleanups with The Trail Conservancy in Austin.
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team consists of 22 student-athletes and one head coach selected for their community service from colleges nationwide. Selection is determined by a national committee and fan voting on ESPN.com/Allstate.
“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,” said Michael Taaffe.
Danny Wuerffel, former NFL quarterback and namesake of the trophy, stated: “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.”
Troy Hawkes, executive vice president at Allstate Agent Distribution added: “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.”
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team was established in 1992 to recognize college football players’ off-field contributions to their communities. Since 2008, Allstate has presented the award alongside the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), an organization founded in 1922 that now includes more than 11,000 members worldwide.
The Wuerffel Foundation presents the trophy each year as part of its mission to inspire greater service based on excellence, service, and humility. The foundation also hosts events such as Desire Cup and PickleBowl.
Named after Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel—who led Florida to four SEC Championships—the trophy honors both athletic achievement and commitment to public service.
Past recipients include athletes from schools such as LSU (Rudy Niswanger), Florida (Tim Tebow), Oklahoma (Gabe Ikard), Notre Dame (Drue Tranquill), Georgia (Ladd McConkey), Penn State (Nick Dawkins), among others.
