Texas Longhorns safety Michael Taaffe named to 'Good Works' team

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Longhorns All-American safety Michael Taaffe was recently named to another prestigious national team.

On Tuesday, Allstate announced Taaffe is part of the 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works team, a program that recognizes college football players nationwide who make a positive impact and inspire in their community.

Taaffe launched “Taaffe's Tackles for Fentanyl Awareness” to honor Jake Ehlinger, his friend who died of an accidental overdose in 2021, according to his Allstate Good Works Team bio.

The walk-on turned Longhorns leader also volunteers locally with several organizations, including Meals on Wheels, Welcome Table ATX, Dell Children's Hospital and the YMCA, his bio said.

Former Texas Longhorn defensive lineman Sam Acho was part of the 2010 Good Works team. On Wednesday, Acho told KXAN what it means to receive the "Good Works" honor.

"We live in a society where it seems like it's getting kind of dark, you know? There's so many pockets of... darkness, if you will. And these players are light. These players are light not just on the field with their play, but they're a light to their communities. They're a light to their families. We just want to amplify that light and shine a brighter light on the work that they're doing," Acho said.

Taaffe, who was a second-team, AP All-American in 2024, is also in the running for the 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, which recognizes the college football player who leads on and off the field. Voting is open until Nov. 10.

Acho won the Wuerffel Trophy in 2010. He turned his success on and off the field with the University of Texas into an NFL career, where he impacted communities globally. Acho said he traveled to Nigeria every summer for mission work.

When I got to the NFL, I continued the work we did in Austin at Texas. We would do community service work with the Bears when I was in Chicago or in Arizona. So it helps you continue to leave a lasting legacy," Acho said.