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 an American professional football wide receiver who played college football for the California Golden Bears. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He has also played for the Chicago Bears. Allen is known for his route-running ability and reliable hands, making him a key offensive player.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1978: Breaking Chargers Rookie Record

In 2013, Allen broke the Chargers rookie record of 1,001 receiving yards, which was set by John Jefferson in 1978.

2008: Highest Selected Wide Receiver Since DeSean Jackson

In 2013, Allen was the highest selected wide receiver from Cal since DeSean Jackson in 2008.

2009: High School All-American

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

2010: State Qualifier in Track and Field

In 2010, Allen was a state qualifier in track & field for the long jump, with a top jump of 7.01 meters. He competed in the 400-meter dash at the PTFCA State Meet, with a time of 51.60 seconds, and recorded a personal-best time of 11.2 seconds in the 100-meter dash.

2010: Started at California Golden Bears

In 2010, as a freshman, Allen started at wide receiver for the California Golden Bears football team, recording 46 receptions for 490 yards and five touchdowns.

2011: Prolific Game Against USC

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

2011: Sophomore Season at Cal

In 2011, as a sophomore, Allen had a career-high 98 catches for 1,343 yards while playing football for the California Golden Bears.

2012: Junior Season at Cal

During his junior season in 2012, Allen had 61 receptions for 737 yards and six touchdowns at California Golden Bears.

April 9, 2013: Allen's Pro Day

On April 9, 2013, Allen attended his own pro day, showcasing his route-running skills and catching abilities. His 40-yard dash time was 4.71 seconds due to a PCL sprain, leading to a drop in his projected draft position.

May 9, 2013: Signed with the Chargers

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

October 6, 2013: First 100-Yard NFL Game

On October 6, 2013, 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, Allen led all NFL rookies with 71 receptions and 1,046 receiving yards, breaking the Chargers rookie record and setting a Chargers rookie record with five 100-yard games in a season. He was named NFL Rookie of the Year by Sporting News and Offensive Rookie of the Year by the Pro Football Writers Association (PFWA), and Pepsi NEXT NFL Rookie of the Year.

2013: Drafted by San Diego Chargers

In 2013, Allen was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the third round of the NFL draft after playing college football for the California Golden Bears.

2014: Career-High of 10 Receptions

In 2014, 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: Reference to Week 6 of 2015

In Week 2 of 2017, against the Miami Dolphins, Allen had nine receptions for 100 yards for his 13th career game with at least 100 yards and the first such since Week 6 of the 2015 season.

June 10, 2016: Contract Extension with Chargers

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

2016: Reference to Torn ACL in 2016

In 2017, Allen was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year after coming back from a torn ACL in 2016.

September 11, 2017: Return from Injury

On September 11, 2017, in the season opener, Allen returned from his injury and had five receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown.

December 19, 2017: Named to First Pro Bowl

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

2018: 2018 NFL Season

During the 2018 NFL season, Allen finished with 97 receptions for 1,196 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns. He had a 14-catch, 148-yard game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He earned a second Pro Bowl nomination.

September 5, 2020: Contract Extension with Chargers

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

2020: Franchise Record 104 Catches

In 2020, Allen finished the season with a franchise record 104 catches for 1,199 yards and six touchdowns. He earned a Pro Bowl nomination for the third consecutive season. He was ranked 77th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020.

January 7, 2021: Activated from Reserve/COVID-19 List

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

2021: 2021 NFL Season

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