Due to his All-America work on the field and in the community, Kansas State senior offensive lineman Dalton Risner was named a candidate for the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Good Works team, the organization has announced.
Risner is a nominee for the award for a second-straight year, while his inclusion on the list marks the 10th for the Wildcats in the last 11 years. Most recently, defensive back Dante Barnett (2016) and current Offensive GA Stanton Weber (2015) were up for the award, while Tyler Lockett was a two-time nominee (2013 and 2014). Former quarterback and current Co-Offensive Coordinator Collin Klein was named to the team at season’s end in 2012.
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team has been one of the most esteemed honors in college football for more than 25 years. The student-athletes who are nominated for this award not only demonstrate a unique dedication to community service and desire to make a positive impact on the lives around them, but they also show tremendous perseverance as well as the ability to overcome personal struggles and come out victorious against all odds. This year’s nominee list includes 169 players from the FBS, FCS, NCAA Divisions II and III as well as NAIA.
The 2017-18 Big 12 Male Sportsperson of the Year, Risner has taken upon himself to be involved in numerous community-service activities and spend time with those in need.
The Wiggins, Colorado, product started the RiseUp Foundation, which has started in both a blog and v-log form to “encourage everyone to RISE above the evil and sin in this world and be a positive shining light in the lives of others.” The ultimate goal for the foundation is to motivate people through his words and actions, through his stories and his relationships.
Risner, a 2017 First Team All-American by Pro Football Focus, also visits Buttonwood Special Needs Home and has bonded with one member in particular, Mike, by going to movies, bowling and hanging out about once per week. He goes to the house to spend time for a while before taking Mike to places around town to spend time together.
Risner is also a Big Brother to Kaden, who is battling leukemia. After originally meeting in April, Risner and Kaden have spent time together on multiple occasions, including a family barbeque, while Risner brought Kaden and his siblings Easter baskets.
Although he takes the time on his own to participate in community service, Risner also does work through the K-State football team’s initiatives, including Special Olympics, Senior Kats (spending time at all four local retirement communities), Cats in the Classroom (volunteering at local elementary schools), Cats 4 Cans (collection of food items for the Flint Hills Breadbasket) and Adopt-a-Family.
The AFCA Good Works Team will be comprised of 11 players from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision and 11 players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III and the NAIA and one honorary head coach. To be in consideration, each player must be actively involved with a charitable organization or service group while maintaining a strong academic standing. The final roster of 22 recipients will be unveiled in September.