WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue quarterback Aidan O'Connell not only makes a difference on the field, but he impacts the community as well. Entering his sixth season at Purdue and showing love to the West Lafayette community throughout his career as a Boilermaker, O'Connell landed on the watch list for the 2022 Wuerffel Trophy.
Named after Danny Wuerffel, the 1996 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from the University of Florida, the Wuerffel Trophy honors college football players who serve others, celebrate their positive impact on society, and inspire greater service in the world.
Since he arrived on campus, O'Connell has helped with the annual Special Olympics Camp. He has also coached Tippy Stars Baseball, a special needs summer baseball program. Making trips to the Boys and Girls Club, O'Connell has spent time there as a mentor to the children. He continues to be a role model for youth by reading to students at local elementary schools, emphasizing the importance of reading and academics overall.
O'Connell has extended his service beyond the local community, providing an impact in different parts of the world. As one of the leaders of Purdue's Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) chapter, the Boilermaker quarterback has joined the organization on two mission trips to South Africa. O'Connell spent time at an orphanage, interacting with children and providing a friendly face to brighten their day. While there, he put up a playground fence and also helped with a variety of other landscape projects.
The Wuerffel Trophy Watch List is O'Connell's second recognition for community service heading into the 2022 season. The Purdue quarterback has also been nominated for the 2022 Allstate Good Works Team, which will be finalized later this fall.
Semifinalists for the Wuerffel Trophy will be announced on November 1, and finalists will be announced on November 22. The formal announcement of the 2022 recipient is scheduled to be made on December 8, and the presentation of the 2022 Wuerffel Trophy will occur on February 24, 2023.
Named after Danny Wuerffel, the 1996 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from the University of Florida, the Wuerffel Trophy honors college football players who serve others, celebrate their positive impact on society, and inspire greater service in the world.
Since he arrived on campus, O'Connell has helped with the annual Special Olympics Camp. He has also coached Tippy Stars Baseball, a special needs summer baseball program. Making trips to the Boys and Girls Club, O'Connell has spent time there as a mentor to the children. He continues to be a role model for youth by reading to students at local elementary schools, emphasizing the importance of reading and academics overall.
O'Connell has extended his service beyond the local community, providing an impact in different parts of the world. As one of the leaders of Purdue's Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) chapter, the Boilermaker quarterback has joined the organization on two mission trips to South Africa. O'Connell spent time at an orphanage, interacting with children and providing a friendly face to brighten their day. While there, he put up a playground fence and also helped with a variety of other landscape projects.
The Wuerffel Trophy Watch List is O'Connell's second recognition for community service heading into the 2022 season. The Purdue quarterback has also been nominated for the 2022 Allstate Good Works Team, which will be finalized later this fall.
Semifinalists for the Wuerffel Trophy will be announced on November 1, and finalists will be announced on November 22. The formal announcement of the 2022 recipient is scheduled to be made on December 8, and the presentation of the 2022 Wuerffel Trophy will occur on February 24, 2023.