Crystal Lake's Tyler Simmons named to 2013 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team

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AURORA, IL (09/19/2013)(readMedia)-- Allstate Insurance and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) announced the 22 honorees for the 2013 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®. Aurora University senior defensive lineman Tyler Simmons, AU '14, from Crystal Lake, Ill. has been honored by the AFCA as a member of the Good Works Team.

"Tyler Simmons is the epitome of the Division III student-athlete," said Head Coach Mark Walsh. "He is an excellent student, a leader by example on and off the field, and the first to volunteer for activities that make our team and community better. It makes me smile when I think of Tyler because he makes my day better watching him work and helping others to get better."

The award recognizes a select group of college football players who have made a commitment to enriching the lives of others while contributing to the greater good of their communities. Since 1992, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team has honored college football players at all levels of the sport for their selfless acts of giving back to the community and their off-the-field achievements. These student-athletes represent the sport's finest in the areas of volunteerism and leadership amongst their peers.

"The Good Works Team honor is tremendous for Tyler and Aurora University," said Athletic Director Jim Hamad. "His work on and off the field is the essence of what we look for in all of our Spartans."

While tackles and touchdowns earn accolades on the field, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team shines a light on the stories of good taking place outside the sport of football that often go unnoticed. It is those student-athletes who have dedicated countless hours towards helping others who have been nominated by their respective colleges and universities for this prestigious honor.

"It's truly an honor to be recognized as part of the 2013 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team," said Simmons. "I'm extremely proud to represent Aurora University and the football program on and off the field."

This year's honorees uphold impressive service resumes detailing several unique and inspiring stories of servitude. From aiding with natural disaster relief across the globe to volunteering with sick and underprivileged children, this dedicated group of student-athletes has demonstrated the exceptional ability to balance academics with athletics while donating their limited free time and energy to serve others.

Simmons long list of accolades includes organizing a 5K run/walk to raise money and awareness for multiple sclerosis, coaching a youth flag football program and volunteering with the National Alliance on Mental Illness, an organization that provides homes, education and jobs for mentally challenged adults and teens. On the field, Simmons was a 2012 Northern Athletics Conference honorable mention.

"With a record number of nominees submitted this year for the 2013 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, it is obvious that our country's collegiate football programs are producing great student-athletes," said Grant Teaff, AFCA Executive Director. "The AFCA is proud to partner with Allstate for a sixth consecutive year in honoring these outstanding student-athletes."

From the nominees submitted by sports information directors across the nation on behalf of their schools, a special voting panel consisting of former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team members and prominent college football media members selected the 2013 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. The team is comprised of 11 players from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision and 11 players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III, and the NAIA.