Hayden Conner making a difference off the football field in Austin

The Texas native has become a staple in the community and was elected to this year’s Allstate AFCA Good Works Team

Since making his collegiate debut during the 2021 season, Hayden Conner has become a staple on the Longhorns’ offensive line. While he has helped Texas become the best team in the country, his impact goes beyond the football field. The Texas native has become a staple in the community and was selected to the 2024 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

It is not an award that Conner takes for granted, but it means a lot to him.

” It definitely means a lot, Conner said. ” It was something I was mindful of over the summer when I was putting together Paws For a Cause and all that stuff. It has given me a platform to advocate for animal shelters, pups, and other animals that need that love and attention. It is definitely shining some light on an area that I don’t think gets enough love.”

While Paws For a Cause is an important charity to Conner, it is not the only way he gives back. The Longhorns star has led donation drives for the Austin Animal Center and volunteered at Austin Pets Alive. He has also served meals to low-income families through Hungry Souls and supported children affected by domestic violence by working with SAFE Austin. 

Although Conner is being recognized for his work in Austin, he has been helping those in need before he became a college athlete.

” I’ve done it my whole life,” said Conner.”I started out volunteering with Special Olympics when I was in elementary school, and that grew into fostering animals. It’s very important to me, and I was raised the right way. I have good role models.” 

As the Longhorns have risen to the top of the college football world, Hayden’s work off the field has not gone unnoticed. The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team honors student-athletes who are inspired to serve others and make a positive impact on society.

For Conner, the main priority through Paws For a Cause is getting animals into homes that will show them love.

” I care for shelter animals a lot,” said Conner. I’m a good person, and I’m authentic. I’m not doing this for any reason other than to get animals in homes that will give them love.”