Josh Allen: From Overlooked Recruit to NFL MVP contender
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If there’s one story that encapsulates Josh Allen’s journey, it’s his rise from an overlooked high school player to a top NFL quarterback.Despite not receiving a single Division I scholarship offer, Allen’s unwavering self-belief propelled him from Firebaugh High in california’s Central Valley to the University of wyoming, and eventually, to the NFL.
Allen’s path to success is a testament to his confidence and determination. After attending Reedley Community College, he sent out a highlight video to over 1,000 college coaches, which eventually led him to Wyoming. There, he transformed from a raw talent into a top-10 NFL draft pick and a future franchise quarterback.
Today, Allen is a co-favorite to win his first NFL MVP award. His talent is undeniable, but it’s his leadership and authenticity that truly set him apart. To understand what makes Allen one of the NFL’s most genuine leaders, we spoke to his childhood friends, college teammates, and coaches.
A Leader with a Unique Personality
During his three seasons at the University of Wyoming, Allen became known for his powerful arm, throwing 75-yard passes in practice, and his charismatic leadership style. His former teammate, Tanner Gentry, who played with Allen at Wyoming and with the Buffalo Bills, said, “His personality goes a long way as far as being a leader. It radiates throughout the whole team.”
Allen’s college days are filled with stories that highlight his unique personality. Craig Bohl,his former head coach at Wyoming,described him as “very authentic,” while Cooper Rothe,a former Wyoming kicker,called him a “big little kid.” Tyler Vander waal,a former Wyoming quarterback,echoed this sentiment,referring to Allen as a “big-ass little kid.”
memorable Moments and Leadership Style
allen’s friends and teammates recall numerous anecdotes that showcase his playful yet commanding presence. Markus Espinoza, a childhood friend, said, “He’s exactly the same guy that I’ve known since I was 4 or 5 years old.” Adam Pilapil, a former wyoming linebacker, added, “The exact same dude, and that’s what makes him great.”
One memorable story from Vander Waal involves a Nerf gun fight in the locker room. “Our lockers were right next to each other. He pulled a Nerf gun out of his locker. I’m like: ‘What are you doing?’ He’s like: ’Dude, we’re about to have a Nerf gun fight in the locker room.'”
Espinoza shared another amusing anecdote: “He’ll take your watch off. He’ll shake your hand and be looking you dead in your eyes and just take your watch.” James Price, a former Wyoming receiver, recalled how Allen would learn magic tricks from YouTube and perform them during team meetings.
Commanding Respect and Leading by Example
Allen’s leadership extended beyond his playful antics. Rothe recounted an incident from his freshman year: “We’re standing on the sidelines during a team scrimmage. Sure enough, the ball ends up on the sideline. I’m holding the ball, usually the equipment managers are fast to come grab it, but I see Josh calling my name: ‘Cooper, Cooper, throw me the ball, let’s go.’ I’m supposed to give it to the equipment manager, which is the right move, but Josh is the team captain. I don’t want to be the guy to say no.”
these stories paint a picture of a leader who is both relatable and commanding, someone who can inspire his teammates with both his talent and his personality. As Allen continues to excel in the NFL, his journey from an overlooked recruit to a potential MVP serves as an inspiration to many.
Josh Allen: The Heart and Soul of Wyoming Football
Josh Allen, the former Wyoming quarterback, is remembered not just for his prowess on the field but for his larger-than-life personality and the indelible mark he left on his teammates and the community.From his leadership qualities to his camaraderie with teammates, Allen’s legacy at wyoming is a testament to his character and influence.
A Leader On and Off the field
Allen’s leadership was evident from the start. Cameron Coffman, a former Wyoming quarterback, noted, “Leadership essentially comes down to influence, and whether you’re an NFL quarterback or a 10-year-old kid on the playground at school, there are certainly people that other people are attracted to, that they’ll follow. And from the beginning, he had that characteristic.”
His ability to connect with everyone, from walk-ons to janitors, showcased his genuine care for the relationships he built. “He knew all the walk-ons,the janitor,equipment managers,everybody by name,” said former Wyoming kicker Cooper Rothe.
Memorable Moments and Shenanigans
Allen’s time at Wyoming was filled with memorable moments, both on and off the field. Tanner Gentry, a former Wyoming receiver, recalled a humorous incident, “He’s always f—ing with people.” This playful nature was a hallmark of Allen’s personality, endearing him to his teammates.
One such incident involved a perfectly thrown ball by Rothe that Allen intentionally ignored, only to later reassure the freshman kicker, “I was kidding.” This lightheartedness was balanced by his genuine care for his teammates, as Rothe noted, “He took care of me after that.”
College Life and Traditions
Like many college students, Allen and his teammates enjoyed their downtime. “We would go to Applebee’s every Tuesday and Thursday after 9 p.m. for half-priced apps,” said former Wyoming linebacker Lucas Pilapil. the tradition of indulging in boneless wings and other appetizers became a staple of their college experience.
Nick Smith, another former Wyoming quarterback, reminisced, “Boneless wings. at half price. They’re doing three, four, five rounds.” These outings were more than just meals; they were bonding experiences that strengthened the team’s camaraderie.
Wyoming’s Unique Culture
Being in Wyoming, the team had its own unique culture. “Obviously,being in Wyoming,we liked to go out and drink a lot. Our saying was, ‘Win or lose, we still booze,’” said former Wyoming quarterback Tyler Vander Waal. This laid-back, yet spirited attitude was a defining feature of their time together.
One particularly memorable story involved Allen chopping down a live tree with the cover still on the axe. Gentry humorously recounted,”I was just with my grandma two weeks ago and she was like: ‘Tell Josh I’m charging interest on this tree.’”
The legacy of Josh Allen
Allen’s impact on Wyoming football extends beyond his athletic achievements. His leadership, humor, and genuine care for those around him have left a lasting legacy. As former Wyoming running back Milo Hall succinctly put it, “He’s just a person you want to be around.”
Allen’s journey from Wyoming to the NFL is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the relationships he built along the way. His story serves as an inspiration to current and future athletes, reminding them of the importance of character and camaraderie in achieving success.
Photo by Getty Images
Josh Allen: The Unwavering Leader and teammate
Josh Allen,the standout quarterback from Wyoming,has always been more than just a player on the field. Known for his loyalty, servant leadership, and genuine care for his teammates, Allen’s impact extends far beyond his remarkable stats.
A Leader by Example
Allen’s former teammates and coaches paint a picture of a man who is steadfast in his character. “He is who he is, and he doesn’t change for anybody,” said Vander Waal, a former teammate. This consistency in character has earned Allen the unwavering support of his peers. “Dudes ride for Josh as they know he’s loyal to the team and he’ll do anything for his teammates and friends,” added Gentry.
Servant Leadership
Allen’s approach to leadership is rooted in service. “Servant leadership was big for him. He was always like: ‘What can I do for you?'” Vander waal noted. This attitude was evident in his everyday actions, whether it was picking up a car-less freshman from the dorms or offering emotional support during tough times.
Acts of Kindness
Allen’s kindness is remembered fondly by those who played with him. Coffman, a fifth-year senior at the time, recalled how a young Allen once insisted on taking him out to dinner and paying for it. “I was like: ‘Why is this kid doing this?’ I think that’s just who he is,” Coffman said.
Hall, another former teammate, shared a poignant story from 2016 when he lost his older brother. “Josh was there for me every single day. He was there checking to make sure I was doing well mentally, physically, and spiritually. He was a big brother so we talked about everything.He asked me where my head was,what he could do to help. … Just saying,’Bro,I love you.'”
Pregame Rituals
allen’s pregame rituals also highlighted his camaraderie and affection for his teammates. “Every pregame, there would be three of us quarterbacks warming up and we’d always go through our snaps. right before we’d go back inside, he’d shake all three centers’ hands, and all three quarterbacks, and he’d be like, ‘I love you guys.’ He’d say that religiously every game,” Vander Waal shared.
A Kid at Heart
despite his serious commitment to the game and his teammates, Allen never lost his playful spirit. Brent Vigen, former Wyoming offensive coordinator, remarked, “He still has the kid in him.” this was evident in his love for a drinking game called Buffalo, where if someone held a drink in their right hand, they had to finish it. Allen was adamant about playing it, calling out anyone who broke the rule.
espinoza, another former teammate, recounted a night when allen chased down a runaway dog. ”Josh takes off. I mean, our friends followed him in a car and said he caught up to the dog after a mile and brought the dog back. It was crazy. I couldn’t believe it.”
Conclusion
Josh Allen’s time at Wyoming was marked by his unwavering loyalty, servant leadership, and genuine care for his teammates. His actions, both on and off the field, have left a lasting impression on those who had the privilege of playing alongside him. As Allen continues his career, these stories serve as a testament to the kind of leader and person he truly is.
, man.”
Vigen: He was such a good teammate because he could relate.
Rothe: If he’s our best player, if he’s the captain, and he knows all the walk-ons by name, if he’s the one cleaning the locker room after practice, leading the conditioning races, working out harder than anybody, I think that showed nobody was too good to be a part of the team.
Smith: Before the bowl game against BYU (in 2016), he was talking through about maybe going to the (NFL) draft and just kind of weighing all the options. I remember him just asking what I thought and what I would recommend doing. And I thought that was really humbling. Here I am his backup and he respected my opinion enough to ask.
Coffman: A lot of people are extremely talented, but they can’t pull a group together like that. If people who have different beliefs, different backgrounds, can all rally around one person, it’s a pretty special trait.
Pilalpil: That’s why people around him love him.
Price: He’s probably the best competitor I’ve ever been around in my entire life.
hall: He always had that Kobe mentality: “I’m the best, and I’m gonna prove it today.”
Price: He’s obsessed with growing. He used to do these magic tricks that started out really lame. And we’re like, “Dude, you just need to come back with some cooler tricks.”
Pilapil: He’s really good with sleight of hand.
Price: Even now if you hand him a deck of cards, he’s going to pull out some magic trick that I haven’t seen before. And it’s just like,“Dude,you’re Josh Allen. When do you find time to sit down to learn magic tricks?” But it’s because he’s obsessed with his own personal growth.
Pilapil: If you play the kid in spades, you know you’re going to get f—ed with. He’ll never admit to it, but he’s going to change the deck or slip cards here and there.
Espinoza: He’s obsessed with cards.
Pilapil: We would play Monopoly Deal and he would blatantly cheat. He went and bought another pack of Monopoly Deal cards so that he could pack his hand with the high-powered cards.
Gentry: He doesn’t have an off switch. He’ll do anything it takes to win.
Pilapil: When we lost to Oregon in 2017, we had a bunch of people up, a bunch of families in town, and the dude locked himself in his room and played “Grand Theft Auto” for like six hours, running people over and doing what you do in “Grand Theft Auto,” to get his anger out.
C.J. Johnson, former Wyoming receiver: He takes his losses a little too hard on himself.
Smith: he wasn’t dejected. It was almost like a fierce disappointment.It wasn’t sulking. It was more like fuel.
Price: He’s always had that confidence and belief in himself, even when everyone else around him doubted.
Gentry: The first spring he came early from juco. We were working out before spring ball started, and we were in the indoor practice facility doing one-on-ones against the DBs. He only let us run go routes. The receivers were kind of getting pissed. … He would say: “Just run a go, run a go,” and he would wait for us to run 50 yards down the field just to throw it as far as he could just to prove a point.
Johnson: After practice he would always stand in the end zone and just try to throw
Josh Allen: The Unyielding Confidence and Unique Spirit of an NFL Star
josh Allen, the dynamic quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, is known for his exceptional talent and unshakable confidence. His journey from a small-town kid to an NFL star is filled with anecdotes that highlight his unique personality and competitive spirit.
The Brett Favre Rule
Allen’s coaches and teammates have shared numerous stories that paint a vivid picture of his character. Brent Vigen, one of Allen’s coaches, recalls implementing the “Brett Favre rule” during practice.Vigen, a lifelong Vikings fan, remembered Favre’s infamous interception in the NFC Championship game and used it as a teaching moment. The rule was simple: if you’re rolling right or left, never throw back to the middle of the field.
Defying Conventional Wisdom
Craig Bohl,another coach,recounts a particularly windy spring day when Allen defied conventional wisdom.During a conventional bootleg play, Allen ignored the open fullback and tight end, opting rather to throw a 60-yard touchdown pass against a 60-mile-per-hour wind. “Josh, the rules are you throw it to the fullback if the fullback is open,” Bohl reminded him. Allen’s response? “No, Coach, Favre says touchdowns first.”
A Cowboy at Heart
Allen’s fearless approach to the game is matched by his off-field antics. Former teammate Tanner Gentry recalls their time at an apartment complex called The Verge, where Allen would throw beer cans as far as he could, watching them explode on the ground before drinking them. ”He’s truly one of a kind,” Gentry says.
Unmatched Confidence
Allen’s confidence is evident in everything he does. “He is just the most confident and sure-about-himself person in the world,” says another teammate, Espinoza. Despite his self-assuredness, Allen remains humble. “The mindset piece of it,he definitely believes he’s the best in the world. But you’ll never hear him talking about how good he is,” Gentry adds.
Competitive Spirit
Allen’s competitive nature extends beyond the football field. Pilapil, a close friend, recalls playing “NCAA Football 14″ until the early hours of the morning, running Hail Mary plays and checking the tailback into a wheel route.”It was freaking awesome,” Pilapil says.
Even at the American Century golf tournament, Allen’s competitive spirit was on full display. “He was still wrestling with the fellas, still throwing beers 50 yards and trying to catch them one-handed,” pilapil notes.
A Unique NFL Star
Josh Allen’s journey is a testament to his unyielding confidence and unique spirit. Whether on the field or off, he embodies the qualities of a true competitor and a one-of-a-kind individual. His story continues to inspire and captivate fans and teammates alike.
Illustration: Will Tullos / The Athletic; photos: Aaron Ontiveroz, John Cordes / Getty Images
In examining the personal and professional attributes of Josh Allen during his time at Wyoming, it’s evident that he possessed a unique blend of competitive spirit, personal growth, and genuine camaraderie with his teammates. His leadership style was rooted in his constancy of character and a servant leadership mindset, demonstrated by his actions and engagement with teammates, irrespective of their standing within the team.
A Leader by Example
Allen’s steadfast character and consistency earned him the unwavering support of his teammates. His approachability and inclusiveness allowed him to build strong relationships, ensuring that even walk-ons felt part of the team. his humility was highlighted by moments where, despite being a key player, he valued opinions and insights from those around him, like soliciting advice from backups.
acts of Kindness and Servant Leadership
Servant leadership was a core element of Allen’s approach.His willingness to perform acts of kindness, such as taking teammates out to dinner or emotionally supporting them through challenging times, exemplified his commitment to those around him. His actions conveyed a level of care and attention that endeared him to his peers,fostering a sense of loyalty and support.
Competitive and Driven Nature
allen’s competitive nature, akin to a “Kobe mentality,” drove him to be the best and constantly improve, even in areas as unrelated as magic tricks. His obsession with personal growth spilled over into his competitive demeanor, whether it was in card games or trying to outperform on the field.
Camaraderie and Playful Spirit
He balanced his competitive edge with a playful spirit, demonstrating a child-like enthusiasm for simple joys and games, which further strengthened his bond with teammates. His antics, whether chasing down a runaway dog or engaging in card games, added a layer of relatability and warmth to his persona.
Mentality in Adversity
When setbacks occurred, such as a loss to Oregon, Allen’s response was a reflection of his deeply competitive nature.He displayed a fierce disappointment in himself,emphasizing how seriously he took his role and outcomes,and often sought solitary ways to manage these feelings.
Josh Allen’s tenure at Wyoming left a profound impact on those around him, characterized by his loyalty, care, humor, and relentless drive.these stories of his past highlight the foundation of a leader who strives for personal and professional excellence while never losing sight of the importance of team unity and personal connections.
