CHICAGO – Illinois rising senior Nick Allegretti was presented a Mental Toughness Award by the National Football Foundation at the NFF Chicago Metro Chapter Awards on Monday, February 19 at Halas Hall in Lake Forest, IL. Jeff Joniak, the voice of the Chicago Bears, once again served as master of ceremonies for the event.
Allegretti, a two-year starter on the offensive line, was introduced by Fighting Illini offensive line coach Luke Butkus, nephew of Illinois and Chicago Bears great Dick Butkus.
Allegretti was a mainstay on the Illini offensive line in 2017, earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors after playing all but two snaps the entire season and starting multiple games at both guard and center. He was voted a team captain and helped mentor a young offensive line that included himself alongside four freshmen for much of the season. An undisputed team leader, Allegretti spearheads Illinois community service efforts and serves as the team's Uplifting Athletes chapter president, helping to raise over $39,000 for rare disease research and awareness at the annual Lift for Life event. He was named to watch lists for the Wuerffel Trophy and AFCA Good Works Team this season, both of which honor a student-athlete's dedication to volunteerism and community involvement, as well as football and academics.
For more information about the National Football Foundation, please visit www.footballfoundation.org.
