Deslin Alexandre Named to Allstate AFCA Good Works Team
9/19/2022 9:00:00 AM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Pitt senior defensive end Deslin Alexandre has been named to the 2022 Allstate American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Good Works Team, a prestigious honor that recognizes college football student-athletes for their dedication to community service and the positive impact they have made on the lives of others.
Alexandre is one of 22 players named to this year's team, which was selected from a nationwide pool of 114 nominees. Eleven players were chosen from the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), while the additional 11 players represent the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), Division II, Division III and NAIA levels of play.
Allstate will continue its tradition of rewarding these student-athletes with a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunity as well as a charity match from The Allstate Foundation.
"I would like to thank Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association for this incredible honor," Alexandre said. "I want my blessings to benefit those who don't have the same good fortune and opportunities I've had as a college football student-athlete. The Pitt football program has a great tradition of commitment to community service under Coach Narduzzi. As Panthers, we are proud to make a difference beyond the football field."
"Deslin is a leader," Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi said. "On and off the field, he represents the absolute best of what it means to be a Pitt football player. Deslin's commitment to helping others really sets an inspiring example for everyone in our program and across the entire university. We are incredibly proud of Deslin and this honor is so well deserved."
Alexandre (Pompano Beach, Fla./Deerfield Beach) graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor's degree in communication and is now enrolled in Pitt's Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business. A two-time team captain of the Panthers, he has played in 50 career games, starting 27 contests. A preseason All-ACC selection by multiple publications, Alexandre has compiled 21.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks during his career.
When it comes to community service, Alexandre is a pacesetter for Pitt's entire athletic department. His efforts include service to veterans, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, literacy promotion and voter registration.
Alexandre has become a fixture at Divine Mercy Parish, a Catholic church located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. He works specifically with "The Red Door" program, which the parish began during the Great Depression to provide relief for those in need. This includes providing meals and clothing as well as encouragement for the homeless.
"Deslin has spent many hours at our church feeding and clothing the homeless," said Sister Pawla Witula, the Red Door Ambassador. "He is extremely passionate and gives from his heart. Deslin speaks to every one of the homeless visitors who he serves and gives them a sense of dignity. Even with so many commitments, he has made serving the community—and those our parish serves—a priority in his life. I am so appreciative of everything Deslin does that I posted a picture of him in our church bulletin. I am hoping his goodwill will inspire other young people to follow in his footsteps."
Alexandre is now expanding his impact beyond America's borders.
Inspired by his own heritage, he is working to help the children of Haiti. (The impoverished country is estimated to have 1.2 million orphans and vulnerable children.) He hopes to build awareness and mobilize resources for education, healthcare and nutrition in the nation where he was born.
Alexandre is the seventh Pitt player to be named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. The Panthers' previous honorees are long snapper Cal Adomitis (2021), wide receiver Tre Tipton (2019), linebacker Mike Caprara (2016), running back James Conner (2015), quarterback Tyler Palko (2006) and quarterback Alex Van Pelt (1992).
Pitt fans are encouraged to visit ESPN.com/Allstate, where they can cast their vote once a day for Alexandre to be named Captain of the 2022 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. Voting runs until November 22.
#H2P | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Alexandre is one of 22 players named to this year's team, which was selected from a nationwide pool of 114 nominees. Eleven players were chosen from the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), while the additional 11 players represent the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), Division II, Division III and NAIA levels of play.
Allstate will continue its tradition of rewarding these student-athletes with a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunity as well as a charity match from The Allstate Foundation.
"I would like to thank Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association for this incredible honor," Alexandre said. "I want my blessings to benefit those who don't have the same good fortune and opportunities I've had as a college football student-athlete. The Pitt football program has a great tradition of commitment to community service under Coach Narduzzi. As Panthers, we are proud to make a difference beyond the football field."
"Deslin is a leader," Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi said. "On and off the field, he represents the absolute best of what it means to be a Pitt football player. Deslin's commitment to helping others really sets an inspiring example for everyone in our program and across the entire university. We are incredibly proud of Deslin and this honor is so well deserved."
Alexandre (Pompano Beach, Fla./Deerfield Beach) graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor's degree in communication and is now enrolled in Pitt's Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business. A two-time team captain of the Panthers, he has played in 50 career games, starting 27 contests. A preseason All-ACC selection by multiple publications, Alexandre has compiled 21.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks during his career.
When it comes to community service, Alexandre is a pacesetter for Pitt's entire athletic department. His efforts include service to veterans, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, literacy promotion and voter registration.
Alexandre has become a fixture at Divine Mercy Parish, a Catholic church located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. He works specifically with "The Red Door" program, which the parish began during the Great Depression to provide relief for those in need. This includes providing meals and clothing as well as encouragement for the homeless.
"Deslin has spent many hours at our church feeding and clothing the homeless," said Sister Pawla Witula, the Red Door Ambassador. "He is extremely passionate and gives from his heart. Deslin speaks to every one of the homeless visitors who he serves and gives them a sense of dignity. Even with so many commitments, he has made serving the community—and those our parish serves—a priority in his life. I am so appreciative of everything Deslin does that I posted a picture of him in our church bulletin. I am hoping his goodwill will inspire other young people to follow in his footsteps."
Alexandre is now expanding his impact beyond America's borders.
Inspired by his own heritage, he is working to help the children of Haiti. (The impoverished country is estimated to have 1.2 million orphans and vulnerable children.) He hopes to build awareness and mobilize resources for education, healthcare and nutrition in the nation where he was born.
Alexandre is the seventh Pitt player to be named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. The Panthers' previous honorees are long snapper Cal Adomitis (2021), wide receiver Tre Tipton (2019), linebacker Mike Caprara (2016), running back James Conner (2015), quarterback Tyler Palko (2006) and quarterback Alex Van Pelt (1992).
Pitt fans are encouraged to visit ESPN.com/Allstate, where they can cast their vote once a day for Alexandre to be named Captain of the 2022 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. Voting runs until November 22.
#H2P | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Players Mentioned
Postgame vs. Louisville | 9.27.25
Saturday, September 27
Get HYPE for kickoff vs. Louisville | Pitt Football
Saturday, September 27
2025 Hall of Fame Class | Bob Jury
Saturday, September 27
2025 Hall of Fame Class | Aaron Donald
Saturday, September 27