Keenan Allen Bio
Keenan Alexander Allen is an American professional football wide receiver for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the California Golden Bears before leaving after his junior year. He was selected by the Chargers in the third round of the 2013 NFL draft. Allen won multiple rookie honors after setting Chargers’ records for receptions and receiving yards by a rookie. In 2017, he was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year. In 11 seasons with the Chargers, Allen is a six-time Pro Bowler and is one of two players in franchise history to accumulate more than 10,000 career receiving yards.
Early Life and Background
Keenan Allen was born on April 27, 1992, in Greensboro, North Carolina. He attended Northern Guilford High School, where he excelled in football, basketball, and track. In football, he was a standout player, earning recognition as a 2009 high school All-American and participating in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Allen was regarded as a five-star recruit and initially committed to the University of Alabama to play safety before switching to the University of California, Berkeley, to play wide receiver alongside his half-brother, Zach Maynard. In track and field, he was a state qualifier in the long jump and competed in sprints during his senior year.
Path to American Football
At the University of California, Berkeley, Allen started at wide receiver for the California Golden Bears football team from 2010 to 2012. In his freshman year, he recorded 46 receptions for 490 yards and five touchdowns. His sophomore season was remarkable, as he achieved a career-high 98 catches for 1,343 yards. By the end of his junior season, he had caught a school-record 205 passes for 2,570 yards and 25 touchdowns, solidifying his status as a top prospect for the NFL draft.
Keenan Allen Career
Early Career (2013-2015)
Keenan Allen was selected in the third round, 76th overall, by the San Diego Chargers in the 2013 NFL draft. He signed a four-year contract with the team shortly after. Despite struggling during training camp, he began to receive playing time after injuries to other players. Allen had his first 100-yard game against the Oakland Raiders, finishing with six catches for 115 yards and a touchdown. He ended his rookie season with 71 receptions for 1,046 yards, breaking the Chargers’ rookie record for receiving yards. He was named NFL Rookie of the Year by Sporting News and earned a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
Breakthrough (2016-2018)
Allen’s career faced a setback in 2016 when he suffered an ACL tear, causing him to miss the entire season. However, he made a strong comeback in 2017, recording 102 receptions for 1,393 yards and six touchdowns. His performance earned him the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award, and he was selected to his first Pro Bowl. In 2018, he continued his success, finishing the season with 97 receptions for 1,196 yards and six touchdowns, earning his second consecutive Pro Bowl nomination.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Keenan Allen has established himself as a key player for the Chargers, becoming the all-time leader in receptions for the franchise. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl six times and has set numerous records, including being the fastest player in NFL history to reach 1,000 career receptions.
Keenan Allen Award Nominations
Keenan Allen has received multiple nominations throughout his career, including six Pro Bowl selections and recognition as the NFL Rookie of the Year by Sporting News.
Keenan Allen Awards Won
Allen has won several awards, including the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2017 and multiple Pro Bowl selections.
Keenan Allen Family
Keenan Allen is married and has four children. He has a close relationship with his half-brother, Zach Maynard, who also played football at the University of California.
Personal Life
Allen is known for his strong family ties and has a childhood friendship with former NFL cornerback David Amerson. He remains active in the community and continues to be a prominent figure in the NFL.
