Olympian Devon Allen debuts for Philadelphia Eagles: “Since I was 5 years old I’ve been dreaming of playing in the NFL”
The American track and field athlete is the 44th Olympian to play in the NFL regular season.
Athletics
Devon Allen, two-time Olympian in the 110m hurdles, fulfilled a childhood dream, as he stepped on the field at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Monday night.
The 28-year-old played his first minutes for Philadelphia Eagles against Tampa Bay Buccaneers, including the opening kick-off, as the Eagles continued their unbeaten start to the 2023 NFL regular season.
“Since I was 5 years old I’ve been dreaming of playing in the NFL. I told my pops when we would watch the games on TV I would be there one day!,” Allen wrote on his Instagram social media account afterwards.
“The path it took to get here wasn’t the most straightforward but all that matters is I’m here now and my passion for the game I’ve played my whole life is stronger than ever! Excited to keep moving forward and upward 3-0! Go Birds!”
Allen, who signed with the Eagles in April last year, was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster right before Monday night's game, where he played as a wide receiver, returing a kickoff for 17 yards in the second quarter.
The American has been juggling his NFL career with track and field since joining the Eagles. He competed at the Olympic Games in 2016 for Team USA, finishing fifth in the final of the men's 110m hurdles event. At Tokyo 2020 in 2021, he was fourth, running in 13.14. His personal best is 12.84 in the 110m hurdles.
Allen became the 44th Olympian to play in the NFL.