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 prominent American football wide receiver currently playing for the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL. He previously played college football at the University of California, leaving after his junior year. Allen was drafted by the Chargers in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He is known for his route-running precision and reliable hands, making him a consistent target in the passing game, and briefly played for the Chicago Bears.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2008: Highest Selected Wide Receiver

In 2008, Keenan Allen was the highest selected wide receiver from Cal since DeSean Jackson.

2009: High School All-American

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

2010: State Qualifier in Long Jump

In 2010, Keenan Allen qualified for the state in the long jump, recording a top jump of 7.01 meters. He also competed in sprints, with a time of 51.60 seconds in the 400-meter dash at the PTFCA State Meet and a personal-best time of 11.2 seconds in the 100-meter dash. Additionally, he was timed at 4.56 seconds in the 40-yard dash.

2010: Freshman Season at Cal

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

2011: Prolific Day against USC

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

2011: Career-High Catches

In 2011, during his sophomore season, Keenan Allen had a career-high of 98 catches for 1,343 yards while playing for the California Golden Bears.

2012: Junior Season at Cal

In 2012, during his junior season with the California Golden Bears, Keenan Allen had 61 receptions for 737 yards and six touchdowns. He then left Cal, holding a school-record 205 passes.

April 9, 2013: Allen's Pro Day

On April 9, 2013, Keenan Allen attended his own pro day to showcase his route-running skills and catching abilities to numerous scouts and reporters. Due to a previous PCL sprain he was not at his peak performance.

May 9, 2013: Signed with the Chargers

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

October 6, 2013: First 100-Yard NFL Game

On October 6, 2013, Keenan Allen had his first 100-yard game as an NFL receiver 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: Drafted by the Chargers

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

2013: Projected NFL Draft Pick

In 2013, draft pundits described Keenan Allen as one of the best receivers in the NFL draft, estimating that he would be picked in the latter half of the first round.

2014: Career Highs

In 2014, Keenan Allen established a career-high of 10 receptions for 135 yards against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He also recorded two touchdowns and 121 receiving yards against the Baltimore Ravens. He finished the season with 77 receptions for 783 yards and four touchdowns, missing the last two games due to a broken collarbone.

2015: 100 Yard Game

In 2015, prior to his injury in week 2 of the 2017 season, Allen played his last 100 yard game.

June 10, 2016: Contract Extension

On June 10, 2016, Keenan Allen agreed to a four-year, $45 million contract extension with the Chargers.

September 11, 2017: Return From Injury

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

December 19, 2017: First Pro Bowl

On December 19, 2017, Keenan Allen was named to his first Pro Bowl. He finished the season with 102 receptions for 1,393 yards and six touchdowns, also being named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

2017: NFL Comeback Player of the Year

In 2017, Keenan Allen was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year. During his 11 seasons with the Chargers, Allen became a six-time Pro Bowler and accumulated more than 10,000 career receiving yards. He is also the all time leader in receptions for the Chargers.

2018: Continued Success

In 2018, Keenan Allen finished the season with 97 receptions for 1,196 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns. He earned a 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 Catches

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

2021: Continued Success in 2021

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