Jonathan Allen

Jonathan Allen's Biography

Jonathan Christopher Allen was born on January 16, 1995, in Anniston, Alabama. He spent the early years of his life moving around, living in diverse locations such as Seattle, North Carolina, South Carolina, Pittsburgh, and Maryland before his family finally settled in Ashburn, Virginia. Allen’s childhood was fraught with challenges, as his parents divorced when he was three years old, leading to his mother gaining custody of him and his brother Richard Allen III. Unfortunately, the siblings were taken under foster care at the young age of eight, an experience that indelibly marked Allen’s life. After ten long months in the system, they were joyously reunited with their father, US Army Sgt. 1st Class Richard Allen Jr., who won full custody in 2004.

As Allen transitioned into adolescence, he found solace in football, showcasing an innate ability on the field while attending Stone Bridge High School. His remarkable stats – 308 tackles and 44 sacks throughout his high school career – earned him the title of Virginia’s Gatorade Football Player of the Year in 2012, cementing his reputation as a five-star recruit.

Upon graduating, Allen committed to the University of Alabama, where he swiftly made an impact. Establishing himself as a formidable defensive force, he contributed to the Crimson Tide’s victory in the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship.

Allen’s superb performance in the 2016 season garnered him the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, and Lombardi Award, accolades that aptly recognized his exceptional defensive talents. However, just prior to the NFL draft, teams were apprehensive about his physical health due to a recent diagnosis of arthritis in his shoulder, a concern compounded by Allen undergoing surgeries on both shoulders two weeks before the combine.

Despite these medical hurdles, Allen’s talent was too considerable to ignore for the Washington Redskins (now known as the Washington Commanders) who selected him as the 17th pick in the first round of the exemplary 2017 NFL draft class. Cementing his professional football career, he signed a four-year rookie contract worth $11.59 million.

Allen’s career, however, has not been devoid of challenges. His rookie season was abruptly ended when he suffered a Lisfranc injury and underwent surgery. Demonstrating the resilience that characterizes his career, Allen bounced back in the 2018 season, playing in all 16 games with impressive stats.

The 2019 season saw him start in 15 games proving his dominance once more with six sacks, 68 total tackles, one pass defended among other notable performances. This stellar performance prompted the Washington team to exercise their fifth-year option on Allen’s contract.

In 2021, Allen’s hard work was rewarded with a hefty contract extension worth $72 million over four years. The ensuing year saw him accomplish a personal best, securing a staggering 8.5 sacks in a single season, propelling him into the illustrious ranks of Pro-Bowl players.

Allen’s 2022 season debut saw him deliver a stellar performance, setting a new personal record for his first career interception and forced fumble. Later in December, Allen was voted to his second consecutive Pro Bowl, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier players.

Off the field, Allen provides significant assistance to homeless shelters drawing from his own experience in foster care. He is married to his wife, Hannah, and remains an ardent supporter of the Washington Commanders, the same team that honored him with a first-round draft pick in his rookie year, a true manifestation of his childhood dreams becoming reality.