A Legacy of Service
The 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team has announced its list of nominees, highlighting a blend of athletic excellence and civic responsibility.
Among the recognized figures are University of Illinois senior offensive lineman Brandon Henderson and head coach Bret Bielema, both celebrated for their on‑field contributions and extensive community outreach.
Henderson has appeared in 35 career games over the last two seasons, helping the Fighting Illini secure 19 victories while earning two‑time Academic All‑Big Ten honors. He serves on the leadership team for EMPOWER, a student‑athlete affinity group, and has taken part in Uplifting Athletes' Lift for Life fundraiser for rare disease research.
His off‑field work includes volunteering at the University Primary School Black History Month Celebration, mentoring young children through the Child Development Laboratory, supporting youth programs at the Stephens Family YMCA, and assisting the Eastern Illinois Foodbank to combat food insecurity.
Bielema and his family have launched the FamILLy First Backpack and School Supply Drive, matched donations for veterans’ tickets, partnered with Champaign‑Urbana’s Young Lives program to aid teen mothers, and contributed to a range of local charities such as the Don Moyer Boys & Girls Club, Carle Mills Breast Cancer Institute, and the Central Illinois Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Beyond these initiatives, Bielema sits on the AFCA Board of Trustees, mentors emerging coaches, and has been named to the Good Works Team nominee list for three consecutive years, joining fellow coaches Ryan Day and Matt Campbell among the 13 head coaches recognized.
The selections reflect a broader shift in college athletics toward service‑driven leadership, with the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team spotlighting individuals who leverage their platforms for community betterment.
Both Henderson and Bielema will be honored at the upcoming awards ceremony, where their stories will serve as inspiration for peers and fans alike.