NORTHBROOK, IL – Johns Hopkins senior offensive lineman Charlie Pearson is among the 22 college football players from all divisions of the NCAA and NAIA who have been named to the 34th Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® for outstanding contributions to their communities it was announced today.  Pearson is the seventh Johns Hopkins football player named to the team as he joins Jim Sanders (2005), Brian Nickel (2006), Tim Miller (2009), Alan Gorny (2022), Spencer Uggla (2023), and Thomas Grehan (2024).
 
With Pearson's selection, Johns Hopkins is one of just four schools in the nation at any level of college football to have a player named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team ® in each of the last four years.  Bethel (MN), Morningside (IA) and St. John's (MN) join Johns Hopkins as the only football programs that have been represented on the team in each of the last four years.
 
This year's team was selected from a record 195 nominees, submitted by college sports information directors and coaches nationwide, spotlighting student-athletes who lead with purpose, from fighting substance abuse to creating opportunities for youth and families.
 
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team was established in 1992 by the College Football Association, recognizing the extra efforts made by college football players and student support staff off the field. AFCA became the governing body of the award in 1997 and continues to honor college football players who go the extra mile for those in need. Allstate worked to present the award starting with the 2008 season.
 
From the 195 nominees, the final roster of 23 award recipients include:

• 11 players from the NCAA FBS
• 11 players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), Divisions II, III and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
• 1 honorary head coach, Oklahoma's Brent Venables

 
All members are selected by a voting panel of former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team members, current and former head coaches and journalists who look for exceptional leadership on and off the football field.
 
To be considered for a spot on the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team^®, each player must be actively involved with a charitable organization or service group while maintaining a strong academic standing.
 
Pearson is double majoring in public health and natural sciences with a minor in bioethics and carries a 3.87 cumulative grade point average.  He has been named to the Dean's List in each of his six semesters at Johns Hopkins, has posted at least a 3.73 GPA in each semester and had one semester with a perfect 4.0.  He was named the Centennial Conference Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year for the 2024 season and has twice been named to the Centennial Conference Academic Honor Roll.
 
One of Johns Hopkins' most visible and active student-athletes, Pearson's list of volunteer and community service activities is as lengthy as it is impressive.  Among his key initiatives:
 
Johns Hopkins Emergency Response Organization (HERO)
Emergency Medical Technician / Training Coordinator
April 2023 – Present
• Respond to emergencies on Johns Hopkins' Homewood Campus and in the surrounding community
• Collaborate with University and Baltimore City Fire & Police Department resources to ensure patient care
• Design & execute realistic "high pressure" trainings, exposing members to extreme scenarios they may encounter in the field.
 
Blue Jays for Baltimore
Director of Adolescent Programming & Development
Spring 2023 – Present
• Serve student-led nonprofit empowering Baltimore youth to thrive through sports mentorship
• Coordinate recurring programs and annual events run independently or in partnership with other community organizations, including: 7on7 football tournament with mental health & career resources, Hopkins campus visit for Bentalou Rec Center Youth Basketball League, MissionFit strength & conditioning coaching, Next One Up football coaching & nutrition teaching, Student-Athlete Mental Health presentations for local schools
 
Johns Hopkins Food Pantry
Volunteer / Head Student Organizer (as of January 2025)
August 2022 – Present
• Responsible for leading and organizing volunteer groups, restocking shelves from pantry shipments, and assist in keeping of inventory and equipment logs.
 
Turnaround Tuesday Jobs Movement Baltimore, MD
Intern (two days per week during football season)
September 2024 – December 2024
• Participated in Turnaround Tuesday training sessions focused on job preparation, leadership development, and life skills for people returning from incarceration or currently unemployed or underemployed
• Aid participants during Wednesday Resource Day sessions in job applications, technology literacy, obtaining driver's licenses & legal documents and any additional areas of need
• Shadowed Community Health Worker, observing the process of connection to resources for health, housing, food, etc.
• Assisted Executive Deputy Director in grant writing and applications.
 
HopThon
Football Team Fundraising Captain
September 2023 – Present
• Helps drive Johns Hopkins chapter of Children's Miracle Network Dance Marathons, with mission to end childhood illness through advocacy & fundraising. Funds donated to Johns Hopkins Children's Center Child Life Department
• Leads Hopkins Football's efforts, including campus events and a yearlong fundraising challenge.
 
Elmer A. Henderson: A Johns Hopkins Partnership School
Sports Club Volunteer
January 2025 – Present
• Coaches weekly after-school sports club program for elementary and middle school kids at their school
• Hosts sports club session at Johns Hopkins' Homewood campus, which includes tour of athletic center and playing on field
 
Pen Lucy Action Network
Math & Language Arts Tutor
January 2025 – Present
• Mentors a local fourth-grade student weekly at community church to supplement her in-school learning
• Tailor sessions based on student needs, strengths, and areas for improvement
 
Be The Match / Get in the Game Baltimore, MD
Volunteer
May 2022 – Present
• Solicits and recruits donors into the National Marrow Donor Program through annual registration and swabbing drive.