Maine South Football Player Named Bears Community High School All-Star

The Chicago Bears named junior linebacker Carter Collins of Maine South High School in Park Ridge, Ill., their fourth Community High School All-Star award winner of the season. The Community High School All-Star award brought to you by Athletico Physical Therapy recognizes high school football players making a positive impact in their community and school throughout the season.

Collins, who also runs track for the Maine South indoor and outdoor teams, has hosted a local blood and food drive for the past three years with his younger brother and teammate, Noah. After the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, the Collins brothers were inspired to help others and set up the annual drive. This year, due to COVID-19, they were unable to hold the event at the elementary school, so they began searching for another location. Prospect Park was available, but exceeded their budget, so they raised money through local sponsors and community members to help offset the cost. With the help of fellow students, coaches and their community, they were able to safely hold the event on Oct. 4. More than 50 pounds of food were collected for the Maine Township Food Pantry and 46 people donated blood, which was a 60 percent increase from the prior year. Collins is directing the $500 donation he receives for winning the award to American Red Cross, which they partnered with on the blood drive.

"Carter, and his brother, do this for no other reason than helping those in need," said Maine South football coach David Inserra. "It is an honor to coach these young men. We are blessed to have them in our program. Their work is an exact reflection of who they are: humble, self-directed, innovative, driven, persistent and extremely caring."

Nine high school football players will be honored from November through January. Each winner will receive a personalized, hand-painted football, gift bag and a special message from a Bears guest. The Bears will also make a $500 donation to the charitable organization of the players choosing. Applications are open now; nominations must be entered by the first Tuesday of the month to be considered in that month. For more information or to nominate a high school football player, please visit chicagobears.com/community/community-high-school-all-star.