Keenan Allen

Did You Know?

• In 2023, Allen competed in season nine of The Masked Singer as 'Gargoyle'.
• He was timed at 4.56 seconds in the 40-yard dash.
• Allen is childhood friends with former cornerback David Amerson.

Early life

Keenan Allen attended two high schools in Greensboro, North Carolina: Grimsley Senior and then Northern Guilford. There, he played football, basketball, and ran track. On the football field, he was a two-way star for the Nighthawks, earning All-American honors from USA Today and Parade in 2009, and playing in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Recruiting services rated him a five-star prospect and the nation’s top defensive back. He first committed to Alabama to play safety but flipped to California to join his half brother Zach Maynard as a wide receiver. In track, he qualified for state in the long jump, with a best of 7.01 meters, and also ran the 100-meter dash (11.2 seconds) and 400-meter dash (51.60 seconds).

College career

Allen played wide receiver for the California Golden Bears from 2010 to 2012. He caught 46 passes for 490 yards and five scores as a freshman, then set a personal best with 98 grabs for 1,343 yards as a sophomore. After his junior year, he left Cal holding the school record with 205 career catches, along with 2,570 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Professional career

Allen did not work out at the NFL Scouting Combine due to a PCL sprain but ran routes at Cal's Pro Day. At his own pro day on April 9, 2013, he ran a 4.71-second 40-yard dash while at 80% health, causing his projected draft position to drop. He was selected 76th overall by the San Diego Chargers in the 2013 NFL draft, the highest Cal wide receiver taken since DeSean Jackson. He signed a four-year, $2.81 million contract on May 9, 2013.

After not playing in the season opener, he began receiving playing time when Malcom Floyd suffered a season-ending injury. On October 6, 2013, against the Oakland Raiders, he had his first 100-yard game with six catches for 115 yards and a touchdown. In Week 14 he broke the franchise rookie receptions record with 61. He won multiple rookie honors and was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2017.

Over 11 seasons with the Chargers, he became one of two players in franchise history with over 10,000 receiving yards and the all-time leader in receptions.

Personal life

Allen, who is married with four children, is the younger half-brother of quarterback Zach Maynard; the two connected on a 90-yard touchdown pass at Cal, the longest in school history. His cousin Maurice Harris also played in the NFL. On August 30, 2026, Allen was arrested in Indianapolis on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and OWI causing endangerment.