The Los Angeles Raiders selected Allen as the 10th overall pick in the 1982 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the league. In his rookie season, Allen rushed for 697 yards and scored 11 touchdowns in just nine games, earning him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. His performance helped the Raiders secure a playoff berth, and he continued to be a vital asset for the team in the following years.
One of the highlights of Allen's career came during Super Bowl XVIII in January 1984, when the Raiders faced the Washington Redskins. Allen delivered a spectacular performance, rushing for 191 yards and scoring two touchdowns, including a memorable 74-yard run that is still celebrated as one of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history. His efforts earned him the Super Bowl MVP award, and the Raiders emerged victorious with a 38-9 win.
Throughout his tenure with the Raiders, Allen consistently demonstrated his ability to perform at a high level. In 1985, he achieved a career-high 1,759 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, leading the league in rushing yards and earning the NFL MVP award. Allen's versatility as both a runner and a receiver made him a valuable asset to the Raiders' offense.
However, Allen's relationship with the Raiders began to sour in the late 1980s, primarily due to conflicts with team owner Al Davis. Despite his undeniable talent, Allen found himself in a reduced role, often sharing carries with other running backs. This tension eventually led to his departure from the team.
In 1993, Allen signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he experienced a resurgence in his career. He played a crucial role in the Chiefs' offense, helping the team reach the playoffs multiple times. During his time with the Chiefs, Allen continued to showcase his skills as a reliable goal-line back and a mentor to younger players. He achieved several milestones, including surpassing the 10,000-yard rushing mark and becoming the first player in NFL history to gain more than 10,000 rushing yards and 5,000 receiving yards.
Allen retired from professional football after the 1997 season, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. Over his 16-year career, he accumulated 12,243 rushing yards, 5,411 receiving yards, and scored 145 touchdowns. His achievements earned him numerous accolades, including six Pro Bowl selections and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003.
Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Allen's influence extended off the field as well.
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