ATLANTA – Purdue quarterback Aidan O'Connell not only makes a difference on the field, but he impacts the community as well. In his sixth season at Purdue and showing love to the West Lafayette community throughout his career as a Boilermaker, O'Connell was named a semifinalist for the 2022 Wuerffel Trophy to begin the month of November.
O'Connell became one of 12 semifinalists for college football's premier community service award. 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.
Finalists for the 2022 Wuerffel Trophy will be announced on November 22. The formal announcement of the 2022 recipient is scheduled for December 8, and the presentation of the 2022 Wuerffel Trophy will occur on February 24, 2023 at the 54th All Sports Association Awards Banquet in Fort Walton Beach.
2022 Wuerffel Trophy Semifinalists
O'Connell became one of 12 semifinalists for college football's premier community service award. 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.
Finalists for the 2022 Wuerffel Trophy will be announced on November 22. The formal announcement of the 2022 recipient is scheduled for December 8, and the presentation of the 2022 Wuerffel Trophy will occur on February 24, 2023 at the 54th All Sports Association Awards Banquet in Fort Walton Beach.
2022 Wuerffel Trophy Semifinalists
| Name | School | Year | Position |
| Matthew Cindric | Cal | Sr. | Offensive Line |
| Dillan Gibbons | Florida State | Sr. | Offensive Line |
| Kearis Jackson | Georgia | Sr. | Wide Receiver/Special Teams |
| Clay James | Miami | Jr. | Long Snapper |
| Tanner Morgan | Minnesota | Sr. | Quarterback |
| Austin Williams | Mississippi State | Sr. | Wide Receiver |
| Barrett Banister | Missouri | Sr. | Wide Receiver |
| Sean Clifford | Penn State | Sr. | Quarterback |
| Deslin Alexandre | Pittsburgh | Sr. | Defensive Line |
| Aidan O'Connell | Purdue | Sr. | Quarterback |
| Patrick Fields | Stanford | Sr. | Defensive Back |
| Tony Bradford Jr. | Texas Tech | Sr. | Defensive Line |