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.

A. J. Allen
No. 32     Saskatchewan Roughriders
Allen with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2024
Born: (1998-04-14) April 14, 1998 (age 26)
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Career information
StatusActive
CFL statusNational
Position(s)Linebacker
Height6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight210 lb (95 kg)
UniversityGuelph
High schoolM. M. Robinson (Burlington, Ontario)
CFL draft2020, round: 4, pick: 35
Drafted bySaskatchewan Roughriders
Career history
As player
2021Saskatchewan Roughriders*
2022–presentSaskatchewan Roughriders
*Offseason and/or practice roster member only
Career highlights and awards
  • All-Canadian (2021)
  • OUA All-Star (2021)
Career stats

Early life

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Allen was born in Burlington, Ontario, and attended M. M. Robinson High School in Burlington.[1][2]

University and professional career

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Allen 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]

References

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  1. ^ "A.J. Allen". cfl.ca. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c "A.J. ALLEN". profootballarchives.com. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c Massey, Rob (December 20, 2021). "Gryphon linebacker focused on becoming a pro". guelphtoday.com. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  4. ^ Shire, Taylor (May 7, 2020). "Saskatchewan Roughriders draft pick A.J. Allen is poised for the pros". globalnews.ca. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  5. ^ "Saskatchewan Roughriders Transactions". footballdb.com. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  6. ^ "'One of my whys': Riders' Allen keeps memory of friend close to his heart". ckom.com. August 6, 2023. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  7. ^ "Saskatchewan Roughriders Transactions". footballdb.com. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  8. ^ "Junior Allen". footballdb.com. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
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