Jeff Sims – Real Life Superhero?

First Round Mock’s Victoria Jonach takes a look at what Nebraska quarterback (QB) Jeff Sims has done off the field.

In today’s world of college sports, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals seem to be what athletes are most interested in. Ever since the NCAA’s 2021 rule change allowing players to monetize their likeness, athletes everywhere want the best brand deals.

However, this isn’t the case for everyone.

Nebraska QB Jeff Sims is proving to be one of the select college athletes still interested in volunteering.

The 21-year-old transferred to Nebraska at the end of last season, but before he was a player on the Cornhuskers, Sims was a Yellow Jacket in Georgia.

This is where he demonstrated he is anything but self-centered.

Sims supports the underdogs

Back in his second year with Georgia, Sims decided to spend his holidays helping the less fortunate. In December 2021, the quarterback visited the Atlanta Children’s Shelter. 

This shelter was founded in 1968 by the Junior League of Atlanta. Since the group started, they have helped over 5,000 families and 8,000 children in total find stable homes. They also provide residents with employment opportunities and kids with early childhood education.

Not only did Sims talk with the kids, he made a special effort to spread joy, making the children feel valued. He handed out dolls and Spiderman toys to each of the kids. Not to mention, he participated in a “read to achieve” workshop and read stories such as “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” 

Is Sims a superhero or does he just give them away?

“It was definitely a great experience. I feel like I’m definitely going to be up here a lot more,” Sims said to 11 Alive. “It was heartwarming to see the kids happy about getting their Spiderman toys and just reading the books to them. I just think this is amazing.”

“All of the 2-year-olds were excited, running around playing with their toys. It was just a really nice experience,” Sims explained to 11 Alive while apparently smiling.

Watching the video, it is clear that Sims has genuine intentions. Everyone knows how busy the holidays can get. However, Sims dedicated his time and energy to individuals who might be not used to all this attention.

“You have to have a good heart [and] have to want to do this,” Sims shared. “You can’t be forced to do this, so this is a great opportunity to show that you have a good heart and you always want to help,” he added. “I feel like this is something I will do more often.”

Any individuals interested in volunteering at the Atlanta Children’s Shelter can visit this link. Anyone willing to donate to the organization can do so here.

A prestigious player

Aside from his selfless work with the shelter, he also gained a special title in a prestigious competition in 2019. At just 18 years old, Sims earned recognition as one of eleven of the nation’s best QBs in an annual quarterback competition. The former Yellow Jacket was named one of the “Elite 11” beside the first and second picks of the 2023 Draft, CJ Stroud and Bryce Young. 

Overall, Sims is much different than many of the star college QBs we see today. His work ethic, plus his generosity demonstrate his capability of being an exceptional leader. If this Nebraska prospect keeps it up, coaches will be fighting over him at next year’s draft.

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated in what kinds of activities players participate in off the football field. Growing up in New Jersey, she is a New York Giants fan and attends Rutgers University, pursuing a career in Journalism and Media Studies. She writes for FirstRoundMock.com covering anticipated draft picks and their acts of volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and other interests that shape these individuals.