NORTHBROOK, Ill. — For a second straight season, Tusculum University quarterback Matthew Palazzo has been named a nominee for the Allstate / American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Good Works Team.
Palazzo, a junior from Greeneville, Tennessee, is one of 178 college football student-athletes who are being recognized for exemplary community service, academic dedication and is an impact player both on and off the field.
Beginning this year, Allstate is partnering with the Wuerffel Foundation to bring together two of the most meaningful awards in college football. The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy will honor a student-athlete who is inspired to serve others and make a positive impact on society. Together with the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, the awards will mark college football’s premier honors for community service.
“Student-athletes deserve recognition for their contributions both in and out of sports” said Troy Hawkes, Allstate executive vice president and general manager. “The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy doubles down on Allstate’s commitment to celebrating college football athletes for outstanding performance on the field, in the classroom, and in their community.”
Established in 1992, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team is one of the most coveted community service awards in college football. From the 178 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.
Palazzo’s community service and volunteerism efforts include: First Church of God Youth Ministry volunteer; Chuckey-Doak High School Youth Football Camp volunteer; Volunteer for Nichols Tennis Complex revitalization; Nettie Day of Community Service volunteer; Make-A-Wish Foundation volunteer; Pioneer Student-Athlete Advisory Committee representative; Volunteered as baseball public address announcer for Chuckey-Doak High School.
He has a 3.80 cumulative grade point average while majoring in business administration and sport management. He is a member of the South Atlantic Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll, Tusculum Athletic Director’s Honor Roll, Dean’s List and Charles Oliver Gray Honors List. He is also a recipient of the Division II Athletic Directors Association Academic Achievement Award and was named to the 2023 CSC Academic All-District first team.
Palazzo played in 10 games last season including nine starts under center where he posted a 6-3 record and led the Pioneers to a SAC Mountain Division title. He passed for 2,045 yards (3rd in SAC / 47th in NCAA II) going 164-for-301 and accounted for 26 touchdowns (19 pass, 7 rush). His 19 TD passes were second in the league (37th in NCAA II) and the ninth-most in a TU single-season. His seven rushing touchdowns were ninth in the SAC.
“You’ll never regret making someone else’s life better,” said Tim Tebow, two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner, 2008 Wuerffel Trophy recipient, and 2009 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team member. “Year after year, I’m inspired by these incredible nominees who go above and beyond to help others.”
The nominees spend their free time working to change lives by mentoring youth, feeding the hungry and donating their earnings. Some have even established their own non-profit 501 (c)(3) organizations. They’ve also maintained excellent grades and obtained Dean’s List honors among other academic awards.
The final 22-member team and honorary coach are selected by a voting panel of former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team members, current and former head coaches and journalists. They look for exceptional leadership on and off the football field.
Three Pioneers have advanced to the 22-member AFCA Good Works Team including: Craig Pritchett (2003), Glen Black (2006) and Bo Cordell (2013).
Tusculum opens its 2024 season Sep. 7 when the Pioneers travel to the University of West Alabama.
