Brian Allen (offensive lineman)

Summary

Brian Allen (born October 11, 1995) is an American football center who is a free agent. He played college football at Michigan State. He was drafted by the Rams in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Brian Allen
refer to caption
Allen with the Los Angeles Rams in 2023
Personal information
Born: (1995-10-11) October 11, 1995 (age 28)
Hinsdale, Illinois, U.S.
Height:6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:303 lb (137 kg)
Career information
High school:Hinsdale Central
(Hinsdale, Illinois)
College:Michigan State
Position:Center
NFL draft:2018 / Round: 4 / Pick: 111
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of 2023
Games played:50
Games started:32
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

College career edit

After starring for Hinsdale Central High School, Allen was recruited to play college football for Michigan State University. Allen played with his older brother and his younger brother during his collegiate career. He was a three time all-Big Ten Conference selection as well as a Freshman All-American.

Professional career edit

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 1+18 in
(1.86 m)
298 lb
(135 kg)
32+38 in
(0.82 m)
9+14 in
(0.23 m)
5.34 s 1.81 s 3.10 s 4.71 s 7.81 s 26.5 in
(0.67 m)
8 ft 3 in
(2.51 m)
27 reps
All values from NFL Combine[1][2]

Allen was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round (111th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft, using the pick acquired in the Robert Quinn trade.[3] He played in 13 games his rookie year as a backup.

In 2019, Allen was named the starting center following the departure of veteran John Sullivan. He started the first nine games before suffering an MCL injury in Week 10. He was placed on injured reserve on November 12, 2019.[4] On April 15, 2020, the Rams announced that Allen was the first NFL player to test positive for COVID-19.[5] Allen would ultimately miss the 2020 season due to injury.

In 2021, Allen had his best season to date, starting 16 out of 17 games during the regular season and all four playoff games, helping the Rams reach Super Bowl LVI where they would defeat the Cincinnati Bengals 23–20.[6] He was also named as a Pro Bowl alternate following the regular season, but did not participate due to playing in the Super Bowl.

On March 14, 2022, Allen signed a three-year extension with the Rams worth $24 million.[7] Allen struggled with knee and thumb injuries that limited him to only five games during the 2022 season.

Prior to the 2023 season, Allen was beaten out by teammate Coleman Shelton for the starting center position. He appeared in five games for the Rams during the season with no starts.

On February 21, 2024, Allen was released by the Los Angeles Rams.[8]

Personal life edit

His older brother Jack is also a center who signed a free agent deal with the New Orleans Saints in 2016.[9] He also has a younger brother, Matt, who he also played with at Michigan State. All 3 brothers were Illinois high school HWT state wrestling champions.

References edit

  1. ^ "Brian Allen Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved April 16, 2020.
  2. ^ "2018 NFL Draft Scout Brian Allen College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved December 24, 2023.
  3. ^ McAtee, Joe (April 28, 2018). "Los Angeles Rams select Michigan St. C Brian Allen". TurfShowTimes.com. Retrieved June 10, 2018.
  4. ^ Alper, Josh (November 12, 2019). "Rams put Brian Allen, Bryce Hager on injured reserve". Pro Football Talk. NBC Sports. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  5. ^ Jackson, Stu (April 15, 2020). "Brian Allen tested positive for COVID-19, but is feeling better". TheRams.com. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  6. ^ Schwartz, Paul (February 13, 2021). "LA Rams defeat Cincinnati Bengals to win Super Bowl 2022". nypost.com.
  7. ^ Jackson, Stu (March 14, 2022). "Rams, Brian Allen agree to terms on three-year deal". TheRams.com. Retrieved March 14, 2022.
  8. ^ Jackson, Stu (February 21, 2024). "Rams release OL Brian Allen". TheRams.com. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
  9. ^ Michigan State's Brian Allen had good feeling L.A. Rams would draft him

External links edit

  • Michigan State Spartans bio