American Devon Allen has shown he is a very talented athlete, as he has had success on the track in athletics, and he is signed up with the NFL franchise Philadelphia Eagles as a wide receiver.
Allen competed at the 2022 World Athletics Championship for the USA in the 110 meters hurdles competition. That is unlikely to be his last appearance at a major event in track and field.
The 27-year-old reached the final of the 110 meters event in Eugene. He ran a time of 13.47 in his opening heat, which was the 13th fastest of the 40 competitions taking part. In his semi-final, he went much quicker, clocking 13.09 in his second-place finish behind Hansle Parchment in heat 2.
Allen was optimistic about picking up a medal in the final in his home country, but he was disqualified after reacting 0.099 before the starter’s gun. This was 0.001 faster than what is permitted in the event, so despite the appeal, he could not take part. It was a bitter disappointment for the American.
Allen Hoping to Help Make an Impact with The Eagles
From now until February, Allen will be focussing on his role with the Philadelphia Eagles. The wide receiver is on their practice squad, and he will be hoping to be recalled up to the main roster before the season is over.
Allen played college football between 2014 and 2016 for the University of Oregon. He aspired to play in the NFL back then, but he chose to focus on his athletics career once he left college.
The WR scored eight touchdowns during his three seasons with the University of Oregon. Due to his speed, he was also used as a rusher in certain plays. His most productive campaign came in his opening year, as he recorded 684 receiving yards and 21 rushing yards.
In 2022, Allen impressed NFL scouts with his 40-yard dash at a football pro day at his former college. He completed the dash in 4.35 seconds. The Philadelphia Eagles invited him to their training facility and then signed him to a three-year deal.
Unfortunately for the rookie, he was waived at the end of August, meaning he did not make the main roster with the franchise for the 2022/23 season. However, he did make it onto the practice squads, meaning he will get the chance to impress the Eagles coaching team daily.
Philadelphia is one of the teams in the NFL that has been active in free agency during the offseason to give them a better chance of lifting the Vince Lombardi Trophy in February. As of the 15th of September, they are +800 in Betways latest NFL odds to win Super Bowl LVII in Arizona.
Should Allen get the opportunity to make the Eagles’ main roster, he will be playing alongside the likes of A.J. Brown, Zach Pascal, and Dallas Goedert, players who have had a lot of success as receivers in the NFL.
Olympics Likely to Be on His Mind
As well as three World Championship appearances, Allen has represented the United States at two Olympics. He made his debut in the Games in Rio in 2016, while five years later, he appeared in Japan.
Although he will be focussing on his NFL career, for now, the Olympics in 2024 is likely to be on his mind. He showed earlier this year that he remains one of the fastest 110-meter hurdlers in the world.
On his debut in the Olympics six years ago, Allen finished fifth in Rio. In the race, which was won by Omar McLeod, Allen was the highest finishing American, with a time of 13.31 in the final.
In 2021, Allen went one place better, finishing fourth, just one place outside the medals in Tokyo. He won his opening heat to get off to a fantastic start. The US sprinter then came out on top in his semi-final, finishing ahead of Aurel Manga. In the final, he ran his fastest time of the Games, but his 13.14 was just 0.04 behind third-placed Ronald Levy.
Allen has a bright future ahead in American football and athletics. At some point, he may need to decide which sport to give his 100% focus on, but until then, he will be looking to show he can have success with and without a ball.
Related
