Eastern Michigan Athletics
Adam Named 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Nominee
7/16/2025 10:00:00 AM | Football
A record-breaking 197 student-athletes were nominated
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – Eastern Michigan University football defensive lineman Jefferson Adam was named a nominee for the 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association announced Tuesday, July 15.
For the second year, Allstate is partnering with the Wuerffel Foundation to align two of college football's most meaningful honors: the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, which together recognize student-athletes who demonstrate excellence in community service, academics, and athletics.
A record-breaking 197 student-athletes were nominated, which is the highest in the award's 34-year history.
"It's bigger than football. It's about setting an example." These are not just words for Adam — they are the foundation of his life's purpose. A dedicated student-athlete, servant-leader, and hometown hero, Adam (Ypsilanti, Mich./Washtenaw International/Hocking College/Iowa State) embodies the mission and values of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, living out excellence, service, and humility in every facet of his journey.
As a versatile defensive lineman, Adam made a significant impact for the Eagles in the 2024 season. Appearing in all 12 games, he totaled 25 tackles, including 15 solo stops, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks — consistently demonstrating his ability to disrupt offenses and deliver under pressure. His standout performance against Saint Francis — where he tallied two sacks — underscored his growth, dedication, and competitive edge.
But Adam's excellence transcends stats. A former JUCO player from Hocking College, Adam's path to Division I football was unconventional and hard-fought. Overlooked and undersized out of high school, he transformed his body and mindset during the COVID-19 pandemic by training at a local Planet Fitness — gaining over 30 pounds of muscle and determination. His resilience led him to become the first player from Hocking College to transfer to a Power Five school (Iowa State), and ultimately to Eastern Michigan, where he found not just a team, but a calling.
Adam is also academically focused and committed to growth beyond football. As the eldest of three boys and a first-generation American, he shoulders his role as a leader with pride and responsibility. "I have two little brothers," he says. "So it's important to set the foundation — not just by being a good football player, but by being disciplined, obsessed with your goals, and taking care of school."
Since arriving on campus, Adam has recorded over 30.75 hours of community service, including 18.25 hours this academic year alone, with plans for continued outreach throughout the summer. What makes his service so meaningful is not just the quantity, but the quality and intentionality behind it.
Adam has been a central figure in EMU's Bright Futures Program, especially at the Perry Early Learning Center, where he volunteers regularly. Whether reading to preschoolers or helping with early literacy initiatives, Adam connects with students in ways that are personal and authentic — often returning to the very schools he once attended as a child.
He also played an active role in EMU's Annual Victory Day, offering companionship and encouragement to cognitively and physically impaired community members. During the holidays, he supported Shop with a Cop, helping local children experience the joy and security of positive community engagement.
One of Adam's most impactful initiatives was organizing a children's book drive as part of EMU's 2024 Spring Game. Over 500 books were collected and donated to Ypsilanti Public Schools and Bright Futures libraries — a testament to his belief that education and opportunity begin with access. His involvement wasn't limited to promotion — he was hands-on from conception to delivery, ensuring the books went directly to children and schools in need.
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team was established in 1992 by the College Football Association, recognizing the extra efforts made by college football players and student support staff off the field.
AFCA became the governing body of the award in 1997 and continues to honor college football players who go the extra mile for those in need. Allstate worked to present the award starting with the 2008 season.
A voting panel of former Good Works Team members, head coaches and journalists will select the 23-man team in September. The team will be comprised of 11 FBS players, 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.
MAC Nominees for the 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®
Keylen Davis, Akron
Kiael Kelly, Ball State
Drew Pyne, Bowling Green
Red Murdock, Buffalo
Michael Heldman, Central Michigan
Jefferson Adam, Eastern Michigan
Mattheus Carroll, Kent State
Brock Taylor, Massachusetts
Abiathar Curry, Northern Illinois
Matt Hofer, Toledo
Tyson Lee, Western Michigan
For the second year, Allstate is partnering with the Wuerffel Foundation to align two of college football's most meaningful honors: the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, which together recognize student-athletes who demonstrate excellence in community service, academics, and athletics.
A record-breaking 197 student-athletes were nominated, which is the highest in the award's 34-year history.
"It's bigger than football. It's about setting an example." These are not just words for Adam — they are the foundation of his life's purpose. A dedicated student-athlete, servant-leader, and hometown hero, Adam (Ypsilanti, Mich./Washtenaw International/Hocking College/Iowa State) embodies the mission and values of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, living out excellence, service, and humility in every facet of his journey.
As a versatile defensive lineman, Adam made a significant impact for the Eagles in the 2024 season. Appearing in all 12 games, he totaled 25 tackles, including 15 solo stops, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks — consistently demonstrating his ability to disrupt offenses and deliver under pressure. His standout performance against Saint Francis — where he tallied two sacks — underscored his growth, dedication, and competitive edge.
But Adam's excellence transcends stats. A former JUCO player from Hocking College, Adam's path to Division I football was unconventional and hard-fought. Overlooked and undersized out of high school, he transformed his body and mindset during the COVID-19 pandemic by training at a local Planet Fitness — gaining over 30 pounds of muscle and determination. His resilience led him to become the first player from Hocking College to transfer to a Power Five school (Iowa State), and ultimately to Eastern Michigan, where he found not just a team, but a calling.
Adam is also academically focused and committed to growth beyond football. As the eldest of three boys and a first-generation American, he shoulders his role as a leader with pride and responsibility. "I have two little brothers," he says. "So it's important to set the foundation — not just by being a good football player, but by being disciplined, obsessed with your goals, and taking care of school."
Since arriving on campus, Adam has recorded over 30.75 hours of community service, including 18.25 hours this academic year alone, with plans for continued outreach throughout the summer. What makes his service so meaningful is not just the quantity, but the quality and intentionality behind it.
Adam has been a central figure in EMU's Bright Futures Program, especially at the Perry Early Learning Center, where he volunteers regularly. Whether reading to preschoolers or helping with early literacy initiatives, Adam connects with students in ways that are personal and authentic — often returning to the very schools he once attended as a child.
He also played an active role in EMU's Annual Victory Day, offering companionship and encouragement to cognitively and physically impaired community members. During the holidays, he supported Shop with a Cop, helping local children experience the joy and security of positive community engagement.
One of Adam's most impactful initiatives was organizing a children's book drive as part of EMU's 2024 Spring Game. Over 500 books were collected and donated to Ypsilanti Public Schools and Bright Futures libraries — a testament to his belief that education and opportunity begin with access. His involvement wasn't limited to promotion — he was hands-on from conception to delivery, ensuring the books went directly to children and schools in need.
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team was established in 1992 by the College Football Association, recognizing the extra efforts made by college football players and student support staff off the field.
AFCA became the governing body of the award in 1997 and continues to honor college football players who go the extra mile for those in need. Allstate worked to present the award starting with the 2008 season.
A voting panel of former Good Works Team members, head coaches and journalists will select the 23-man team in September. The team will be comprised of 11 FBS players, 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.
MAC Nominees for the 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®
Keylen Davis, Akron
Kiael Kelly, Ball State
Drew Pyne, Bowling Green
Red Murdock, Buffalo
Michael Heldman, Central Michigan
Jefferson Adam, Eastern Michigan
Mattheus Carroll, Kent State
Brock Taylor, Massachusetts
Abiathar Curry, Northern Illinois
Matt Hofer, Toledo
Tyson Lee, Western Michigan
Players Mentioned
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