For a select group of college football players, the words "sacrifice" and "commitment" extend far beyond the football field to places that don't require helmets and shoulder pads. Earlier this year, Allstate Insurance Company and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) chose 22 football student-athletes for the 2009 Allstate AFCA Good Works Teams®, honoring dedicated and hard-working student-athletes for their off-the-field achievements and selfless contributions to their communities.
UCLA sophomore running back Derrick Coleman is one of the 22 student-athletes honored. Coleman, who plays college football despite a near total hearing loss in both ears, speaks to youngsters about staying positive despite their hearing issues. He wears hearing aids, including at practices and games, and encourages youngsters not to be embarrassed about wearing the devices.
The AFCA and ESPN.com now have a web page honoring the members of the Good Works Team®. To view the page, go to
Coleman, along with other members of the Good Works Team®, will be introduced at halftime of the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1 in New Orleans, LA.
