Joshua Patrick Allen Bio
Joshua Patrick Allen is an American professional football quarterback for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). A lightly regarded high school prospect, Allen began his college football career with the Reedley Tigers before transferring to the Wyoming Cowboys. His success at Wyoming led to him being selected seventh overall by the Bills in the 2018 NFL draft. Allen has established himself as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks, known for his powerful arm and ability to make plays with his legs. He was named NFL Most Valuable Player in 2024 and has received multiple Pro Bowl selections, establishing a reputation as a dual-threat quarterback.
Early Life and Background
Joshua Patrick Allen was born on May 21, 1996, in Firebaugh, California. He grew up on a 3,000-acre cotton farm, where his family has lived since his great-grandfather settled there during the Great Depression. Allen’s father was a longtime member of the local school board, and his grandfather established the family farm in 1975. Allen attended Firebaugh High School, where he graduated in 2014. Despite being a fan of Fresno State football and attending games and camps, he received no scholarship offers from NCAA Division I programs. His early exposure to sports included basketball and baseball, where he excelled as a pitcher.
Path to American Football
After high school, Allen attended Reedley College, where he played for one season. He led the team to rank among the top junior colleges in California, throwing for 26 touchdowns. Despite his impressive performance, he received limited interest from Division I programs. Eventually, he committed to the University of Wyoming, where he played for three seasons. Allen’s college career was marked by a broken collarbone in his first year, but he returned to lead Wyoming to significant success, throwing for over 3,200 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2016. He graduated with a degree in social science in 2017.
Joshua Patrick Allen Career
Early Career (2018-2019)
Joshua Allen was drafted by the Buffalo Bills as the seventh overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract worth $21 million and competed for the starting quarterback position. Allen made his first regular season appearance in September 2018, finishing with 74 passing yards and 26 rushing yards. His rookie season was marked by ups and downs, but he became the first quarterback in Bills history to lead the team in both passing and rushing. He finished the season with 2,074 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Breakthrough (2020-2021)
Allen had a breakout season in 2020, leading the Bills to their first division title and playoff victory since 1995. He threw for 4,544 yards, 37 touchdowns, and only 10 interceptions, earning his first Pro Bowl selection and being named the AFC Offensive Player of the Month multiple times. His performance helped the Bills reach the AFC Championship Game. In 2021, he continued to excel, surpassing 10,000 career passing yards and leading the Bills to another playoff berth.
Notable Works and Milestones
Allen’s signature work includes his 2020 season, where he was named NFL Most Valuable Player in 2024. He has also received multiple Pro Bowl selections and accolades for his dual-threat capabilities, becoming known for his ability to make plays with both his arm and legs.
Joshua Patrick Allen Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Joshua Allen has received numerous nominations, including multiple Pro Bowl selections and accolades for his performances in key games.
Joshua Patrick Allen Awards Won
Joshua Allen has won several prestigious awards, including the NFL Most Valuable Player in 2024, 2× Second-team All-Pro, and 4× Pro Bowl selections.
Joshua Patrick Allen Family
Joshua Allen is married to actress and singer Hailee Steinfeld. The couple announced their engagement in November 2024 and were married in May 2025.
Personal Life
Allen has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including supporting children’s health initiatives through the John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo. He has also been active in promoting youth sports programs in his hometown of Firebaugh, California.