A. J. Allen
Canadian gridiron football player (born 1998)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A. J. Allen (born April 14, 1998) is a Canadian professional football linebacker for the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played U Sports football at Guelph.
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Allen with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2024 | |
| Ottawa Redblacks | |
|---|---|
| Position | Linebacker |
| Roster status | Active |
| CFL status | National |
| Personal information | |
| Born | April 14, 1998 Burlington, Ontario, Canada |
| Listed height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Listed weight | 210 lb (95 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | M. M. Robinson (Burlington, Ontario) |
| University | Guelph |
| CFL draft | 2020: 4th round, 35th overall pick |
| Career history | |
| 2021 | Saskatchewan Roughriders* |
| 2022–2025 | Saskatchewan Roughriders |
| 2026–present | Ottawa Redblacks |
* Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |
| Awards and highlights | |
| Stats at CFL.ca | |
Early life
Allen was born in Burlington, Ontario, and attended M. M. Robinson High School in Burlington.[1][2]
University and professional career
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] He dressed in all 18 games for the second consecutive season, starting two, in 2024, totaling seven defensive tackles, 22 special teams tackles, and one interception that he returned 48 yards for a touchdown.[2] His 22 special teams tackles tied for the league lead that year.[9] Allen had a workout with the Denver Broncos of the National Football League in December 2024.[9] He became a free agent upon the expiry of his contract on February 10, 2026.[10]
On February 11, 2026, it was announced that Allen had signed with the Ottawa Redblacks.[11]