Tuifua represents Morningside on Good Works Team nominee list

Morningside University senior Sione Tiufua (Barrow, Alaska) has been nominated for the 2022 Allstate American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team.

The Mustangs' tight end is one of 114 student-athletes across all divisions of the NCAA and NAIA put forward for the prestigious honor. They each have resumes that include exemplary community service, academic dedication and impacts 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. Tuifua's nomination form featured three mission trips with the Morningside football program; working on various local projects including a high school boys ministry and Samaritan's Purse distributing supplies around Sioux City through Sunnybrook Community Church; and helping serve at his hometown church with subsistence whaling which makes as many people have usage of an entire whale for the aborigine community he and his family live among and aid.

"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."

The final 22-member team and honorary coach are selected by a voting panel of former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team members and journalists. The announcement will be made in September. After the final team members are released, 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.