NORTHBROOK, Ill. - Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) announced University of North Dakota linebacker Ted Mullin as a nominee for the 2023 Allstate Good Works Team. Mullin is one of 136 student-athletes recommended by their coaches as a member of the team for investing time playing college football, attending school full-time and giving back to the community.

"I'm impressed and inspired by these young men because they're incredible athletes and amazing human beings," said Tim Tebow, two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner and 2009 Good Works Team member. "When you give back to the community, it gives you purpose and can change your whole life – and the lives of others."

Mullin started all 12 games at linebacker for North Dakota in 2022 and finished fifth on the team in tackles-for-loss with 3.5 for nine yards. He recorded a season-best seven stops at Nebraska to go with half a sack. Mullin tallied three quarterback hurries during the season and broke up a pass in the 34-31 win over Abilene Christian. His dedication to the team showed, with peers voting him a team captain coming into the season. He was also a standout in the classroom, earning the MVFC Commissioner's Excellence Award.

The Littleton, Colo, native, has volunteered 112.25 hours of community service and is involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Holiday Magic from Markus, UND SAAC Pen Pal Program, UND SAAC Halloween Bash and The Big Event.

Mullin is a leader at Fellowship of Christian Athletes and has served at speaking engagements for college, high schoolers, and youth the past five years. Along with this, he volunteers at a local Church and helps run services on Sunday's, organizes events like food drives and helps with community projects. He also started a Christian clothing brand, Rocky Mountain Faith, which gives a percentage of every sale to missionaries and Churches all over the world.

One of Mullin's biggest volunteer activities is Holiday Magic from Marks, where he has been one of the student leaders for the event for the last four years. Holiday Magic from Marks raises money to go towards the purchase of Holiday gifts for area children who are going to spend the winter Holidays in the hospital, or who are fighting serious illnesses over the Holidays. The mission of the organization is to allow student-athletes at UND a chance to impact the community and make a difference in the lives of children.

Each of this year's Good Works Team candidates have spent time working to change lives by mentoring youth, feeding the hungry and donating earnings. Some have even established their own non-profit 501 (c)(3) organizations. They have also maintained excellent grades and obtained Dean's List honors among other academic accolades.

"These bright young athletes are role models," said Troy Hawkes, executive vice president and general manager, Allstate Sales and Distribution. "We've celebrated thousands of college football players around the country for years, and they've had a huge impact on their communities and on society."

Established in 1992, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team is one of the most coveted community service awards in college football. From the 136 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."
 
The final 22-member team and honorary coach will be 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.
 
In addition to Tebow and Hawkes, the 2023 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); West Counts (Middle Tennessee State, 1999); media members Kirk Herbstreit (ESPN), Blair Kerkhoff (Kansas City Star); and Paul Myerberg (USA Today); 2023 AFCA President and Ouachita Baptist University Head Coach Todd Knight; and 2014 AFCA President and former head coach at Ithaca College, Mike Welch.

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/allstate. Fans can join the conversation on social media with #GoodWorksTeam throughout the season.