Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Keenan Allen

Discover the career path of Keenan Allen, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Keenan Allen is a wide receiver in the National Football League, playing for the Los Angeles Chargers. Before joining the NFL, Allen played college football for the California Golden Bears. He was drafted by the Chargers in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He also played for the Chicago Bears.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1978: John Jefferson's Rookie Record

In 1978, John Jefferson set a Chargers rookie record with 1,001 receiving yards.

2008: Highest Selected Wide Receiver

In 2008, DeSean Jackson was the highest selected wide receiver before Keenan Allen.

2009: High School All-American Selection

In 2009, Keenan Allen was selected as a high school All-American by USA Today and Parade. He also played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

2010: Freshman Season at California

During the 2010 season, as a freshman at the University of California, Berkeley, Keenan Allen had 46 receptions for 490 yards and five touchdowns playing for the California Golden Bears football team.

2011: Career-High Catches

During the 2011 season, Keenan Allen had a career-high 98 catches for 1,343 yards at the University of California, Berkeley.

2011: Prolific Game Against USC

In 2011, Tom Telesco attended Cal's game against USC where Allen caught a career-best 13 passes for 160 yards.

2012: Junior Season at California

During the 2012 season, as a junior, Keenan Allen had 61 receptions for 737 yards and six touchdowns at the University of California, Berkeley.

April 9, 2013: Pro Day Performance

On April 9, 2013, Keenan Allen attended his own pro day, showcasing his skills to scouts and reporters; however, due to a PCL sprain, his 40-yard dash time was 4.71 seconds, impacting his projected draft position.

May 9, 2013: Signs with the Chargers

On May 9, 2013, Keenan Allen signed a four-year, $2.81 million contract with the San Diego Chargers, which included a $613,800 signing bonus.

October 6, 2013: First 100-Yard Game

On October 6, 2013, Keenan Allen had his first 100-yard game in the NFL against the Oakland Raiders, with six catches for 115 yards and a touchdown.

2013: Record-Breaking Rookie Season

In 2013, Keenan Allen finished the season leading all NFL rookies with 71 receptions and 1,046 receiving yards, breaking the Chargers rookie record. He was named NFL Rookie of the Year by Sporting News and Offensive Rookie of the Year by the Pro Football Writers Association (PFWA).

2013: NFL Draft Prospect

In 2013, Keenan Allen was considered a top wide receiver prospect in the NFL draft, with projections of being a late first-round pick.

2013: Drafted by the Chargers

In 2013, Keenan Allen was drafted by the Chargers in the third round of the NFL draft.

2014: Career-High Receptions

In 2014, during Week 4, Keenan Allen established a career-high of 10 receptions for 135 yards in a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He finished the season with 77 receptions for 783 yards and four touchdowns.

2015: 100 Yard Games

Keenan Allen had his first game with 100+ receiving yards since Week 6 of the 2015 season against the Miami Dolphins.

June 10, 2016: Contract Extension and ACL Tear

On June 10, 2016, Keenan Allen agreed to a four-year, $45 million contract extension with the Chargers. However, in the 2016 season opener, he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, causing him to miss the rest of the season.

September 11, 2017: Return from Injury

On September 11, 2017, Keenan Allen returned from his ACL injury in the season opener against the Broncos, catching five passes for 35 yards and a touchdown.

December 19, 2017: First Pro Bowl Selection

On December 19, 2017, Keenan Allen was named to his first Pro Bowl.

2017: NFL Comeback Player of the Year

In 2017, Keenan Allen was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

2018: Season Performance and Pro Bowl

In 2018, Keenan Allen finished the season with 97 receptions for 1,196 receiving yards and six touchdowns, earning his second Pro Bowl nomination.

September 5, 2020: Contract Extension

On September 5, 2020, Keenan Allen signed a four-year, $80.1 million contract extension with the Chargers.

2020: Franchise Record for Catches

In 2020, Keenan Allen finished the season with a franchise record of 104 catches for 1,199 yards and six touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl nomination.

January 7, 2021: Activated from COVID-19 List

On January 7, 2021, Keenan Allen was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list. He earned a Pro Bowl nomination for the fourth consecutive season and was ranked 55th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021.

2021: Pro Bowl Nomination

In the 2021 season, Keenan Allen finished with 106 receptions for 1,128 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns, earning his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl nomination.

2022: Season Performance

During the 2022 season, Keenan Allen caught 66 passes for 752 yards and four touchdowns.

2023: Record-Breaking Performance

During the 2023 season, Keenan Allen became the only player in NFL history to have three games with at least 15 receptions and the first player to record at least 15 receptions and throw a passing touchdown in the same game. He finished the season with 108 receptions, 1,243 yards, and seven touchdowns in 13 games and earned his sixth Pro Bowl nomination.