Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and junior defensive back Jaylen McClain are on the shortlist, nominated for the prestigious Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. This isn’t just about football; it’s about recognizing college football student-athletes and coaches who seriously commit to community service, stellar academics, and their athletic hustle. Established way back in 1992 and rocking with Allstate since 2008, this program shines a spotlight on players who use their massive platforms to make communities stronger and champion causes they truly believe in. You think this is just some quiet award? Nah, this is about impact that stretches way beyond the field.
Day’s Drive for Mental Wellness Is Pure Heart
If you’ve been following Ryan Day, you already know his heart is firmly planted off the field. He and his wife, Nina, kicked things off big time, establishing The Nina and Ryan Day Resilience Fund with a massive $1 million donation to The Ohio State University. This fund isn’t just some charity; it’s all about research, trying to pinpoint risk factors for mental illness and helping people build up their resilience. This cause hits Day hard, given he tragically lost his father to suicide early in his life. But they didn’t stop there. The couple also teamed up with Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The Kids Mental Health Foundation to create the Christina and Ryan Day Fund for Pediatric and Adolescent Mental Wellness. This incredible fund delivers free “Day Time Break” curriculum kits straight into classrooms, teaching young students how to handle stress and boost their mental health. Talk about making a difference where it counts! Back in April, nearly 1,000 students, teachers, counselors, coaches, and community members gathered at The Palace Theatre in Manchester, New Hampshire, for Ryan and Nina Day’s powerful speech about their work with The Kids Mental Health Foundation. The impact is staggering: all 6,000 students in the Manchester School District, the very schools Ryan and Nina attended growing up, are now receiving their “Day Time Break” Kits. Plus, we’ve got to shout out former OSU running back TreVeyon Henderson, current quarterback Julian Sayin, and former safety Caleb Downs for providing recorded videos to inspire kids to talk about their mental health, emphasizing its importance just like physical health. Day even took an hour after the event to speak with three area football teams about mental illness. That’s dedication.
McClain’s Everyday Legends Are Rising
Then there’s Jaylen McClain, who is out there making serious moves. He started the Everyday Legends Foundation, a nonprofit totally dedicated to empowering youth and beefing up underserved communities. He didn’t just stop at paperwork; he put on the inaugural Jaylen McClain Youth Football Camp, pouring focus into leadership, skill-building, and confidence for young athletes. And McClain isn’t just about big events either; he’s on the ground, volunteering in seasonal outreach efforts, including spreading cheer with holiday toy drives and making sure families have a good meal with Thanksgiving turkey donation initiatives. This kid is relentless in his mission to uplift.
The 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team is set to drop in September, honoring 22 student-athletes and one honorary head coach. One truly deserving student-athlete will also snag the team captain spot and receive the coveted Allstate Wuerffel Trophy. Best of luck to both Day and McClain; their work off the field truly matters.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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