A. J. Allen (born April 14, 1998) is a Canadian professional football linebacker for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played U Sports football at Guelph.
| No. 32 Saskatchewan Roughriders | |
 Allen with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2024 | |
| Born: | April 14, 1998 Burlington, Ontario, Canada |
|---|---|
| Career information | |
| Status | Active |
| CFL status | National |
| Position(s) | Linebacker |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Weight | 210 lb (95 kg) |
| University | Guelph |
| High school | M. M. Robinson (Burlington, Ontario) |
| CFL draft | 2020, round: 4, pick: 35 |
| Drafted by | Saskatchewan Roughriders |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 2021 | Saskatchewan Roughriders* |
| 2022–present | Saskatchewan Roughriders |
| *Offseason and/or practice roster member only | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
| Career stats | |
| |
Early life
editAllen was born in Burlington, Ontario, and attended M. M. Robinson High School in Burlington.[1][2]
University and professional career
editAllen first played U Sports football for the Guelph Gryphons for four years, recording 63.5 tackles, 5.5 sacks, one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries.[3][4] He was then selected by the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) in the fourth round, with the 35th overall pick, of the 2020 CFL draft. However, the 2020 CFL season was later cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He officially signed with the Roughriders on January 19, 2021.[5][6] Allen did not make the team and was sent back to Guelph for another season.[3] In his fifth and final season at Guelph in 2021, Allen totaled 58 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles in seven games, earning All-Canadian and Ontario University Athletics (OUA) All-Star honors. He was also named the OUA's most outstanding stand-up defensive player.[3]
Allen re-signed with the Roughriders on December 14, 2021.[7] He was placed on injured reserve on June 17, 2022, and activated from injured reserve on July 28. He dressed in 12 games during the 2012 season, recording six defensive tackles and six special teams tackles.[8][2] Allen dressed in all 18 games in 2023, accumulating 19 defensive tackles, 19 special teams tackles, and one pass breakup.[2] He dressed in all 18 games for the second consecutive season, starting two, in 2024, totaling seven defensive tackles, 22 special teams tackles, and one interception that he returned 48 yards for a touchdown.[2] His 22 special teams tackles tied for the league lead that year.[9] Allen had a workout with the Denver Broncos of the National Football League in December 2024.[9]
References
edit- ^ "A.J. Allen". cfl.ca. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
- ^ a b c d "A.J. ALLEN". profootballarchives.com. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
- ^ a b c Massey, Rob (December 20, 2021). "Gryphon linebacker focused on becoming a pro". guelphtoday.com. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
- ^ Shire, Taylor (May 7, 2020). "Saskatchewan Roughriders draft pick A.J. Allen is poised for the pros". globalnews.ca. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
- ^ "Saskatchewan Roughriders Transactions". footballdb.com. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
- ^ "'One of my whys': Riders' Allen keeps memory of friend close to his heart". ckom.com. August 6, 2023. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
- ^ "Saskatchewan Roughriders Transactions". footballdb.com. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
- ^ "Junior Allen". footballdb.com. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
- ^ a b Dunk, Justin (December 13, 2024). "Riders' Canadian LB A.J. Allen works out for Denver Broncos". 3downnation.com. Retrieved December 14, 2024.