Williams named to 2023 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team

NORTHBROOK, ILL. – Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association revealed the members of the 2023 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team today, naming KJ Williams to this year's roster. He is one of two National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics athletes named to this year's team.

Williams' selection follows his work to organize a Kid Captain program for home football games, organize spring mission trips to the Dominican Republic and Cuba, his work with the Siouxland Area chapter of Youth For Christ, and his role as president of Morningside's chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

"I was just in amazement. I remember being filled with gratitude and smiling for so long my cheeks started to burn," recounted Williams about receiving word of his selection. "Reflecting on the ever changing journey that I went through in college, I knew right away that it was all because of the Lord." 

Beyond the surface, Williams' involvement with FCA at Morningside has included coordinating guest speakers to talk to the groups' members, assembling a group for Omicron Delta Cappa's annual "Into the Streets" event, coordinating bible studies, and working alongside Pastor Andy Nelson to organize canned food and clothing drives.

KJ has woven his commitment to the community into his Morningside Football experience, too, partnering with Brightside Cafe to build a Kid Captain program that connects with children with disabilities and their family members and provides them the opportunity to serve as captain for a home football game. Participants attend practice during the week and meet with the team and coaches before joining the team on the sidelines for the game.

Off the field, Williams has led his team on mission trips to the Dominican Republic and Cuba, immersing themselves in the cultures of the communities that they're serving. On these trips, team members completed service projects like helping to repair fences, painting an outdoor basketball court, and fixing up a seminary. They also spent time with local children, playing games, reading the Bible, and going on walks.

"I have the privilege of working with so many outstanding coaches who long to see our players continue to grow as outstanding men." said Morningside head football coach Steve Ryan. "KJ has done an amazing job of making a difference on campus, in the Sioux City community, and in this world. It truly is a privilege to know him."

Annually, the Allstate and the AFCA name 22 athletes to the Good Works Team, with 11 representing the National Collegiate Athletic Association Football Bowl Subdivision and 11 representing Football Subdivisions II and III and the NAIA. There were 136 nominees across all divisions for this year's team.

"It's amazing to see what these athletes have done at such a young age," AFCA Executive Director Todd Berry said. "They balance athletics, schoolwork and community service. This is an outstanding group of men who will continue the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team legacy."

Williams joins six previous Morningside selections to the Good Works Team, following Colby Rohde in 2011, Jordan Sitzmann in 2013, Luke Grooters in 2016, Trent Solsma in 2018, Jake Katzer in 2019, and most recently, Sione Tuifua in 2022.

Fans can vote for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team captain at ESPN.com/Allstate, voting once per day through Nov. 22 at ESPN.com/Allstate.