(Story courtesy of Springfield College) 

Northbrook, Ill. – Springfield College's Tyler Pohlman (St. James, N.Y.) was nominated for the 2025 Allstate/American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Good Works Team®.

Established in 1992, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team recognizes college football athletes for their unwavering commitment to community service and their "good works" off the field. This year's 197 nominees champion causes including mental health awareness, youth mentorship, hunger relief, domestic abuse prevention, and many more. In addition to being actively involved with a charitable organization or service group, each player must also maintain strong academic standing to be considered for a spot on the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

The final 23-member team and honorary coach, which will featured 11 NCAA FBS student-athletes and 11 NCAA FCS, Division II, Division III and NAIA student-athletes as well as one head coach are selected by a voting panel of former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team members and journalists. The committee looks for players who demonstrate exceptional leadership on and off the football field. 

Pohlman graduated with his degree in health science and earned a 3.903 grade point average and is currently working towards his master's in business administration. After one semester in grad school, Pohlman has a 4.000 grade point average. Pohlman was one of only 24 Division III student-athletes nationwide who were nominated for the award, is the only student-athlete from the NEWMAC, and one of only two Division III student-athletes from New England in consideration for the honor.

"I've been a part of this team, and these players aren't just showing up, they're standing out," said Sam Acho, ESPN analyst, former NFL linebacker, author and 2010 Good Works Team member and Allstate Wuerffel Trophy recipient. "Their commitment to service creates lasting change and inspires the next generation."

Pohlman emerged as a powerful example of resilience and leadership on Alden Street in the face of profound personal loss last fall. After enduring a devastating family tragedy right before the 2024 season kicked off, Tyler did not retreat inward but instead stepped forward to support and uplift those around him. Rather than allowing grief to define him, Tyler channeled his pain into purpose, leading with empathy, encouraging open dialogue about hardship, and fostering a strong sense of unity within our community. 

Pohlman returned to the field for Springfield College's game against Union College (NY) on September 20 and registered five tackles and a recovered a fumble in the Pride's 37-20 victory. Springfield went on to have a historic campaign going 12-1, winning its fourth straight NEWMAC Championship and reached the NCAA Division III National Quarterfinals for the first time since 2000.

About the NEWMAC

The NEWMAC is an association of 12 selective academic institutions: Babson College, Clark University, U.S Coast Guard Academy, Emerson College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mount Holyoke College, Salve Regina University, Smith College, Springfield College, Wellesley College, Wheaton College, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, that are committed to providing high quality competitive athletic opportunities for student-athletes within an educational and respectful environment that embodies the NCAA Division III Philosophy. The conference also partners with four Associate Members: Norwich University (Football), Simmons College (Rowing), SUNY Maritime College (Football), and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Football), while sponsoring 20 sports.