University of Texas senior defensive back Michael Taaffe honored with 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy for leadership in community service
Northbrook, IL, December 12, 2025 – University of Texas senior defensive back Michael Taaffe has been awarded the 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, college football’s most prestigious community service award. He was also named Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Captain period Home Depot College Football Awards Airs Friday, December 12 on ESPN.
In honor of his close friend Jake Ehlinger, Taff led Texas’ substance abuse prevention efforts against fentanyl, expanding education and resources across the state. His commitment to helping others doesn’t stop there. Taaffe partnered with P. Terry’s Burger Stand to raise more than $100,000 for the Texas Flood Relief Foundation, which honors the lives lost at Camp Mystic and provides support to families in need. From visiting Dell Children’s Hospital to distributing food with Welcome Table ATX to participating in community cleanups with The Trail Conservancy, Taaffe regularly gives back in Austin.
The Allstate AFCA Good Works team nominated 22 student-athletes and one head coach from colleges and universities across the country for exemplary community service. Taaffe joins an elite group of past recipients and hundreds of Good Works Team members since 1992. Finalists were selected by a national committee and fan voting at ESPN.com/Allstate.
Michael Taaffe, 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy winner and Allstate AFCA Good Works team captain:
“For me, it’s all about serving my community with purpose and making a meaningful difference outside of football. I’m honored to receive this award and grateful to everyone who supports giving back. Wuerffel Foundation, Allstate, and AFCA, thank you for shining a light on service.”
Danny Wuerffel, former NFL quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner, College Football Hall of Fame member, Allstate Wuerffel Trophy namesake:
“Michael represents everything this award stands for. His courage and commitment to helping others reflect his exceptional servant leadership. As he joins the ranks of the previous twenty recipients of this award, we congratulate him on receiving this prestigious honor.”
Troy Hawkes, executive vice president, Allstate Agent Distribution:
“Allstate champion athletes lead with purpose and create positive change. Through the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy and Good Works teams, we celebrate student-athletes who go above and beyond the game to strengthen their communities. There is no better example this year than Michael’s work to improve communities throughout the Lone Star State.”
Fans can use #WuerffelTrophy and #GoodWorksTeam on social media to congratulate Taaffe and help others learn more about his recognition.
Past recipients of the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy include: Rudy Niswanger – LSU – 2005; Joel Penton – Ohio State – 2006; Paul Smith – Tulsa – 2007; Tim Tebow – Florida State – 2008; Tim Hiller – Western Michigan – 2009; Sam Acho – Texas State – 2010; Barrett Jones – Alabama – 2011; Matt Barkley – USC – 2012; Gabe Ikard – Oklahoma State – 2013; Deterrian Shackelford – Mississippi State – 2014; Ty Darlington – Oklahoma State – 2015; Trevor Knight – Texas A&M – 2016; Courtney Love – Kentucky – 2017; Drue Tranquill – Notre Dame – 2018; Jon Wassink – Western Michigan – 2019; Teton Salt Lake – New Mexico – 2020; Isaiah Sanders – Stanford – 2021 Dillan Gibbons – Florida – 2022; Ladd McConkey – Georgia – 2023; and Nick Dawkins – Penn State – 2024.
About the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team was established in 1992 by the College Football Association to recognize college football players and student support staff for their extra efforts off the field. AFCA became the award’s governing body in 1997 and continues to recognize college football players who go the extra mile to serve those in need. Allstate has been committed to presenting the award since the 2008 season.
About Asian Financial Cooperation Association
The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) was founded in 1922 and currently has more than 11,000 members worldwide, ranging from the high school level to the professional level. According to its charter, the AFCA was established in part to “maintain the highest standards of the football and coaching professions” and “to provide a forum for the discussion and study of all matters relating to football.”
For more information about AFCA, please visit AFCA Network. If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find more information about membership and specific member benefits at Overview of Asian Financial Association members Page. If you are ready to join, please fill in AFCA Membership Application Form.
About the Werfel Foundation
The Wuerffel Foundation is dedicated to supporting Danny Wuerffel’s mission to inspire more service and unity in the world, based 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 awards the prestigious Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, college football’s highest award for community service, and hosts cup of desire and kimchi bowl event.
About the Allstate Ulfel Trophy
this Allstate Werfield Trophyis a member of the National College Football Awards Association, college football’s premier award for community service. The trophy is awarded annually by the Wuerffel Foundation to the FBS player who best combines exemplary community service with leadership and performance on and off the field. Named after the Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Hall of Fame member, Danny Werfelthe award honors his commitment to inspiring the world to more service and solidarity. The Wulfel Cup was founded in 2005 and will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year. Wuerffel led Florida to four SEC Championships and the 1996 National Championship. As a humanitarian, he continues to inspire leaders to positively impact their communities. Danny currently serves as President and Executive Director of the Wuerffel Foundation Desire Street Ministries. An avid pickleball player, he was drafted as a pro in the National Pickleball League and hosted the Celebrity Pro-Am “PickleBowl” tournament.
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