UNI football: Spencer Cuvelier nominated for Allstate’s 31st AFCA Good Works Team

NORTHBROOK, Ill. – Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) selected UNI football's Spencer Cuvelier as a nominee for the 2022 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®.

The senior linebacker from Cresco, Iowa, is among just 38 nominees outside the FBS. The nominees are 114 student-athletes with exemplary community service, academic dedication and impact on and off the field.

"For 31 years, the Good Works Team has recognized the inspirational work of thousands of young men off the football field," said Troy Hawkes, executive vice president and general manager, Allstate Sales and Distribution. "Allstate and AFCA celebrate these athletes as an example for how each of us can be true champions. Their selflessness makes the sport and communities across the country that much better."

This year's candidates are scholars, leaders and community champions. They have volunteered to build homes, mentor underserved kids and feed the hungry, as well as advocate against domestic violence and civil injustice.

Cuvelier has volunteered at a number of community events including MLK Day of Service, Panther Read events, youth camps and player panels for various events. He also has been involved with helping senior citizens in the community with yard work, snow removal and moving.

Cuvelier has been named to the The 2022 Bluebloods Preseason All-MVFC Team. Last season, he was named Stats Perform National Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in the season opener against Sacramento State (forced six turnovers; recovered two fumbles; notched 15 tackles, reaching double figures for the 10th time in 19 career games).

He led UNI in tackles per game with 75 total, 9.38 per game and was fifth in the MVFC for tackles per game. He earned First Team MVFC Offense honors in addition to being named to Phil Steele's FCS All-MVFC First Team Defense. He was named an MVFC Commissioner's Academic Excellence Award winner and named to the MVFC Honor Roll.

Cuvlier is the son of Mark and Renee Cuvelier and is majoring in business finance investments and real estate with a minor in coaching.

"While these players are tremendous athletes on the field, they are even better people off of it. They realize that giving back is one of the most important things you can do in your life, and I am inspired by how they have used their opportunities to make life better for those around them," said Tim Tebow, two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner and 2009 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team member. "The impact they make will go well beyond their football careers. These men represent the true heart of our sport."

A Panel Chooses the Team

The final 22-member team and honorary coach are selected by a voting panel of former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team members and journalists. They look for exceptional leadership on and off the football field.

In addition to Tebow and Hawkes, the 2022 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team selection panel members are: Zaid Abdul-Aleem (Duke, 1994 team); Matt Stinchcomb (Georgia, 1997, 1998); Brian Brenberg (St. Thomas, 2001); Mike Proman (Amherst, 2002); Wes Counts (Middle Tennessee State, 1999); media members Kirk Herbstreit (ESPN); Blair Kerkhoff (Kansas City Star); and Paul Myerberg (USA Today); 2022 AFCA President and University of Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl and current Athletic Director at Virginia Union University Joe Taylor.

Fans Pick the Captain
After the final team members are announced in September, fans can vote for this year's Allstate AFCA Good Works Team captain through the official page on ESPN.com. Fans can join the conversation on social media with #GoodWorksTeam throughout the season.

"These players embody the best of what college football stands for: character, selflessness and the willingness to serve and give to others," AFCA Executive Director Todd Berry said. "The AFCA proudly stands alongside Allstate and each of these players' families and communities to applaud their inspirational work off the field."

Nomination Criteria

Established in 1992, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team is one of the most coveted community service awards in college football. From the 114 nominees, the final roster of 23 award recipients will bring 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 strong academic standing.

About the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®

The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team was established in 1992 by the College Football Association, recognizing the extra efforts made by college football players and student support staff off the field. AFCA became the governing body of the award in 1997 and continues to honor college football players who go the extra mile for those in need. Allstate worked to present the award starting with the 2008 season.

The SEC leads all conferences with 80 selections to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team since it began in 1992. The SEC is followed by the Atlantic Coast Conference with 49 selections and the Big 12 Conference with 38 selections. Georgia is in first place with 21 honorees to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. The Bulldogs are followed by Kentucky with 17 honorees. Super Bowl XLII, XLVI and XLI champion quarterbacks Eli and Peyton Manning were members of the 2002 and 1997 Allstate AFCA Good Works Teams, respectively.

About the AFCA

The AFCA was founded in 1922 and currently has more than 11,000 members around the world ranging from the high school level to the professional ranks. According to its constitution, the AFCA was formed, in part, to "maintain the highest possible standards in football and in the coaching profession" and to "provide a forum for the discussion and study of all matters pertaining to football."

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