NORTHBROOK, Ill. – Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) announced University of North Dakota wide receiver Garett Maag as a nominee for the 2022 Allstate Good Works Team. Maag is among 114 student-athletes with exemplary community service, academic dedication and impact on and off the field that was nominated for the team.
“For 31 years, the Good Works Team has recognized the inspirational work of thousands of young men on and 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.”
Maag started nine games at wide receiver for UND in 2021 and finished fifth on the team in receptions with 21 catches for 266 yards. He averaged 12.67 yards per catch and 29.56 yards per game to sit fourth on the team. Maag produced two touchdown receptions and recorded a season-high five receptions for 81 yards at Utah State. Entering the 2021 season, he was named HERO Sports’ “Top FCS Player to Wear No. 89”. Maag was a team captain in 2021 and also shined in the classroom this last season, earning the MVFC Commissioner’s Academic Excellence Award.
The Inver Grove Heights, Minn., native is a member of the UND Student-Athlete Leadership Academy (Hawkademy) and volunteered 88.5 hours of community service in 2021-22. Maag is involved in the Special Olympics of North Dakota, UND SAAC Pen Pal Program, Holiday Magic from Markus, Football Fan Fest, SAAC Halloween Bash, Frozen Feet 5K/10K Run and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Each of this year’s candidates are scholars, leaders and community champions. They have volunteered to build homes, mentor undeserved kids and fed the hungry, as well as advocate against domestic violence and civil injustice.
“While these players are tremendous athletes on the field, they are even better people off 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 a 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 the sport.”
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 (FBS); 11 players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), 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.
“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.”
The final 22-member team and honorary coach will be 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.
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.
