Story courtesy of Grand Valley State's Sports Information Department
Grand Valley St. -- Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) announced that Grand Valley State senior linebacker Tyler Bradfield is one of 22 student-athletes and an honorary coach named to the 2020 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. Annually, Allstate partners with the AFCA to spotlight student-athletes whose remarkable stories often go unnoticed. Community service, academic performance and play on the field are highlighted credentials essential for selection to this prestigious team.
"I am extremely honored to be one of 22 student-athletes selected to this incredible 2020 team and to be mentioned among those previously selected," said Bradfield. "I take a lot of pride in all facets of being a student-athlete and helping others. I also want to thank Allstate and the AFCA for recognizing the 2020 team."
Bradfield is a two-time (2019, 2018) CoSIDA Academic All-American, earning first-team honors in 2019 and second-team plaudits in 2018. He is the first Laker football student-athlete to earn back-to-back Academic All-America honors. In addition, he is a two-time All-GLIAC honoree and a three-time GLIAC All-Excellence performer. The 2019 GVSU Skill Defensive Player of the Year, Tyler ranked second on the team and eighth in the GLIAC in total tackles with 81 (25 solo/56 assisted) stops, while recording 10.0 TFL (-48), 4.0 QB sacks (-40), three pass breakups, three QB hurries and two forced fumbles. Bradfield tallied 10 or more tackles three times, including a season-high 14 tackles vs. Ashland in 2019.
"This is an awesome honor for Tyler and he is so deserving," said head coach Matt Mitchell. "Tyler is the consummate student-athlete who is one of the most respected student-athletes at GVSU. He cares about his fellow teammates more than he cares about himself and is a mentor to those younger players in our locker room. In addition, Tyler is so giving of his time to help others and is involved in every community service project that our football team participates in, while also helping with other projects outside of football," added Mitchell.
During his career Bradfield has 214 career tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss (-82) and 7.0 QB sacks (-62).
About the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team was established in 1992 by the College Football Association to recognize extra efforts by players and student support staff off the field. AFCA became the governing body of the award in 1997 and continues to honor players who go the extra mile for those in need. Allstate became the presenting sponsor starting with the 2008 season.
The Judging Panel
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team was selected by a voting panel that includes Tim Tebow and an Allstate representative, along with: Matt Stinchcomb (Georgia, 1997, 1998 teams); Brian Brenberg (St. Thomas, 2001 team); Mike Proman (Amherst, 2002 team); Wes Counts (Middle Tennessee State, 1999 team); media members Blair Kerkhoff (Kansas City Star) and Paul Myerberg (USA Today); Gary Patterson (2020 AFCA president and Texas Christian University head coach); and Joe Taylor (2001 AFCA president and athletic director at Virginia Union University).
"This year has brought new meaning and purpose to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, and this group of 22 players has risen to these challenges to give back to their communities in tremendous ways," AFCA Executive Director Todd Berry said. "I am very proud of everything this honor represents for student-athletes and coaches and look forward to showcasing their incredible stories throughout the season."
