PISCATAWAY, N.J. (July 17, 2018) – Fifth-year senior Zack Heeman represents Rutgers football as a nominee for the 2018 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. Considered one of the most prestigious off-the-field accolades in college football, the honor is merited through a commitment to community service.
“Community service is a way to give thanks to your parents and show how you were raised,” Heeman, an offensive lineman with 24 games of experience, said. “It is also a way to thank Rutgers for a scholarship and the opportunity to play in front of the fans. They provide great support to us and being active in the community is a way to give back.”
Since 1992, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team has brought together a select group of college football players from across the country to honor their dedication to volunteerism and enriching the lives of others. While players are oftenrecognized for their accomplishments and achievements on game day, these student-athletes have made significant contributions to the greater good of society, inspiring future generations of young athletes and the larger college football community. Recent ScarletKnights nominated include Sebastian Joseph, Derrick Nelson, Quentin Gause, David Milewski, Brandon Coleman, Khaseem Greene and Scott Vallone.
From Budd Lake, New Jersey, Heeman hasdedicated time to numerous causes while a member of the RU football team. One involved speaking to 20 different Monmouth county high schools as part of The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide on mental health and resiliency to honor his brother, Luke. Heeman also has taken part and raised money for the Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk.
Other initiatives Heeman has supported include Operation Shoe Box, which sends simple supplies to the troops, soup kitchens, community cleanups, football clinics and children’s hospital visits. In addition, Heeman, a two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection and a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, has joined his teammates at the Special Olympics New Jersey Opening Ceremony on multiple occasions.
“The Special Olympics ceremonies and clinics allowed us to interact one-on-one with the kids,” Heeman said. “You can see the impact that you have as a player from the State University. That’s such an overwhelming feeling and very worthwhile. But you are not doing this foryourself, it is about reciprocating that feeling and helping others.”
The final roster of 22 award recipients will be unveiled in September.
“Community service is a way to give thanks to your parents and show how you were raised,” Heeman, an offensive lineman with 24 games of experience, said. “It is also a way to thank Rutgers for a scholarship and the opportunity to play in front of the fans. They provide great support to us and being active in the community is a way to give back.”
Since 1992, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team has brought together a select group of college football players from across the country to honor their dedication to volunteerism and enriching the lives of others. While players are oftenrecognized for their accomplishments and achievements on game day, these student-athletes have made significant contributions to the greater good of society, inspiring future generations of young athletes and the larger college football community. Recent ScarletKnights nominated include Sebastian Joseph, Derrick Nelson, Quentin Gause, David Milewski, Brandon Coleman, Khaseem Greene and Scott Vallone.
From Budd Lake, New Jersey, Heeman hasdedicated time to numerous causes while a member of the RU football team. One involved speaking to 20 different Monmouth county high schools as part of The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide on mental health and resiliency to honor his brother, Luke. Heeman also has taken part and raised money for the Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk.
Other initiatives Heeman has supported include Operation Shoe Box, which sends simple supplies to the troops, soup kitchens, community cleanups, football clinics and children’s hospital visits. In addition, Heeman, a two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection and a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, has joined his teammates at the Special Olympics New Jersey Opening Ceremony on multiple occasions.
“The Special Olympics ceremonies and clinics allowed us to interact one-on-one with the kids,” Heeman said. “You can see the impact that you have as a player from the State University. That’s such an overwhelming feeling and very worthwhile. But you are not doing this foryourself, it is about reciprocating that feeling and helping others.”
The final roster of 22 award recipients will be unveiled in September.
