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| Keenan Allen | |
|---|---|
| Name | Keenan Allen |
| Number | 13 |
| Position | Wide receiver |
| Birth date | 27 April 1992 |
| Birth place | Montclair, New Jersey |
| Weight lb | 211 |
| College | California (Berkeley) |
| High school | El Segundo HS; Cleveland HS |
| Draftyear | 2013 |
| Draftpick | 76 |
| Pastteams | San Diego / Los Angeles Chargers (2013–present) |
Keenan Allen is an American professional football wide receiver who plays for the Chargers of the NFL. Known for precise route-running, reliable hands, and high reception volume, he emerged from Cal as a productive collegiate receiver before becoming a three-time Pro Bowl selection. Allen has been central to Chargers' passing offenses under multiple coordinators and head coaches, contributing to playoff campaigns and franchise receiving records.
Born in Montclair, New Jersey, Allen moved to Southern California where he attended El Segundo High School and later Cleveland High School. At high school he played alongside teammates who advanced to NFL programs and competed in CIF leagues and regional combines. During this period Allen earned attention from collegiate recruiters including programs such as California, Oregon State, and Arizona State, leading to his commitment to Cal under head coach Jeff Tedford.
At Cal Allen became a primary receiving target in offenses coordinated by staff including Gerad Parker and saw action in Pac-12 Conference play. He redshirted early before producing seasons with significant reception totals against opponents like Stanford, UCLA, and USC. Allen earned selections to postseason all-star games and drew scouting attention from the Combine and draft evaluators for his route-running, quickness, and ball skills. His college production positioned him for entry into the 2013 NFL Draft.
Selected in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Chargers, Allen signed a rookie contract and immediately contributed as a slot receiver under head coach Mike McCoy and offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt. In his rookie season he set franchise rookie reception records and earned recognition among peers from organizations such as the Pro Football Writers of America and the Associated Press. Allen suffered a major knee injury—an ACL tear—in 2015 that sidelined him for an extended period, requiring rehabilitation with trainers affiliated with the Chargers and medical staff including specialists who have worked with players from Patriots and Packers. Returning from injury, Allen posted career-high seasons under offensive schemes led by coordinators such as Ken Whisenhunt, Jim Harbaugh-era contemporaries in college coaching networks, and later under coordinators like Ken Dorsey and Joe Lombardi. He recorded top receiving seasons, earning multiple selections to the Pro Bowl and helping the Chargers reach the playoffs and the AFC Championship discussions during campaigns coached by Anthony Lynn and Brandon Staley. Allen's tenure with the Chargers included franchise records for receptions and frequent matchups against divisional rivals like the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, and Las Vegas Raiders.
Allen is widely noted for precise route-running, separation on short and intermediate routes, and high catch rates, drawing analytical praise from outlets such as Pro Football Focus and statistical compilations by ESPN and NFL.com. Defenses often deploy nickel and slot cornerbacks including players from New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, and Seattle Seahawks rosters to shadow him. Season-by-season statistics include multiple 1,000-yard receiving campaigns, leading the league in receptions in certain years, and ranking in career metrics for receptions, receiving yards, and targets within franchise history. His contributions appear in advanced metrics like target share, catch percentage, and yards after catch (YAC), cited by analytics groups such as Next Gen Stats and commentators from The Athletic.
Off the field Allen has been involved with community initiatives in the Los Angeles metropolitan area and San Diego County, partnering with regional charities and participating in youth football camps alongside other NFL players such as Philip Rivers, Antonio Gates, and contemporaries who played for the Chargers. He maintains connections to the University of California, Berkeley alumni network and has familial ties to athletes who competed at collegiate and professional levels. Allen's public profile has included appearances on local media outlets like ESPN Los Angeles and lifestyle features in publications such as Sports Illustrated.
Allen's accolades include multiple selections to the Pro Bowl, recognition on All-Pro lists by various media outlets, and franchise awards for single-season receptions and receiving yardage. He has received team nominations for league honors presented by the Associated Press and accolades from player organizations such as the NFL Players Association. Season-specific honors reflect top statistical ranks in NFL receiving categories, and he has been acknowledged by regional sports halls of fame and Chargers' historical lists.
Category:Living people Category:1992 births Category:American football wide receivers Category:Los Angeles Chargers players Category:California Golden Bears football players