Markus Allen

Markus Allen's Biography

Marcus Allen, born as Marcus LeMarr Allen on March 26, 1960, is an American ex-professional footballer. He has won several accolades and has achieved numerous remarkable feats during his 16-season-long career in the National Football League (NFL), where he spent most of his time with the Los Angeles Raiders.

Allen’s mastery in goal-line and short-yard running earned him a prominent place in NFL history. Following his outstanding college football performance with the USC Trojans, the Raiders chose him as the 10th overall player in the 1982 NFL draft. He dedicated 11 out of his 16 professional years to the Raiders and played with the Kansas City Chiefs for the five remaining seasons.

Allen demonstrated exceptional stamina and skills throughout his career. He ran for 12,243 yards, caught 587 passes, covering 5,412 yards, and scored a remarkable 145 touchdowns. This icon set what was then a league record by nursing 123 rushing touchdowns. He attended six Pro Bowls and played a pivotal role in the Raiders’ victory in Super Bowl XVIII. As the first NFL player to cross 10,000 rushing and 5,000 receiving yards, Allen etched his name in sporting history.

Allen’s legendary status was further cemented by his unrivalled achievement of winning the Heisman Trophy, AFCA National Championship Trophy, the Super Bowl, NFL MVP, and Super Bowl MVP. The College Football Hall of Fame inducted him in 2000, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003, followed by his initiation into the International Sports Hall of Fame in 2021.

Before reaching this zenith of success, Allen kicked off his journey in football at Abraham Lincoln High School in San Diego, California. He demonstrated a promising future in the 1977 CIF Title game against Kearny High School, leading his team to a 34–6 victory by scoring five touchdowns. He won the Cal-Hi Sports Mr. Football award in 1977, given to California’s top high school football player.

At the University of Southern California (USC), Allen played as a running back from 1978 to 1981. He shared his first two seasons with fellow hall of famer Anthony Munoz and the first three with Ronnie Lott. Although initially recruited as a safety, head coach John Robinson switched him to tailback. During his time with USC, Allen won several awards and made notable achievements, sharing the NCAA record for most 200-yard rushing games with Ricky Williams and Ron Dayne, and finished his four college years with 4,664 rushing yards, 5,232 total yards, and 46 touchdowns.

Allen’s professional journey started in 1982. As the 10th overall pick in the 1982 NFL draft, Allen joined the Los Angeles Raiders. Even as a rookie, Allen showcased his potential by rushing for 697 yards and leading the Raiders to the top place in the AFC with an 8–1 record. This earned him the title of NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. His subsequent seasons with the Raiders and later with the Kansas City Chiefs were equally remarkable, with consistent high rushing yards, numerous touchdowns, and commendable team spirit.

Allen’s career, however, was also marked by disagreements and challenges. His strained relationship with Raiders owner, Al Davis, was a key factor in his eventual move to the Kansas City Chiefs in 1993. Despite the issues, Allen continued to display commendable performances, making significant contributions towards the Chiefs’ games.

Allen ended his career post the 1997 season. His excellence in football earned him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and several other Halls of Fame. After retiring, Allen worked as a spokesman for OPENSports.com, sharing his experiences and insights with sports enthusiasts.

Allen’s personal life has also seen significant attention. While his marriage to Kathryn Eickstaedt ended in 2001, the relationship garnered media coverage, especially due to connections with O.J. Simpson’s notorious murder trial. Despite the challenges, Allen continued focusing on his sporting career, establishing a legacy that all football enthusiasts admire today. He is also the older sibling of respected Canadian Football Hall of Fame quarterback Damon Allen.