Jacksonville Jaguars’ Josh Allen Changes Name to Honor Family Legacy

Posted on by ONO Staff

written & photos by: JUAN MOORE/outlook news

In a move that will surely eliminate any confusion in NFL circles, Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Josh Allen has announced a name change. Going forward, Allen will be known as Josh Hines-Allen, a decision that honors his family heritage. The announcement was made in a heartfelt video posted where Hines-Allen displayed his new jersey bearing the updated name.

JACKSONVILLE, FL – DECEMBER 31: Defensive End Josh Allen #41 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates after making a sack on Quarterback Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers during the game at EverBank Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. With this sack, Allen set the Jaguars all-time season record for the most sack. The Jaguars defeated the Panthers 26 to 0. (Photo by Juan Moore/Outlook News)

Adding Hines to his name is a tribute to the maternal side of his family. Hines-Allen’s athletic lineage is impressive, with his sister Myisha Hines-Allen playing as a forward for the WNBA’s Washington Mystics. His other sisters, Kyra and LaTorri, also made their mark in college basketball under the Hines-Allen name. Additionally, his uncle Gregory Hines was a standout player at Hampton University in the 1980s and was drafted by the NBA’s Golden State Warriors.

“It was almost destined for me to follow in their footsteps,” Hines-Allen said in his video posted earlier today, reflecting on the influence of his family’s athletic prowess.

While sharing the same name as Buffalo Bills’ star quarterback Josh Allen might have been a source of occasional confusion, Hines-Allen has firmly established his own reputation in the NFL. Drafted seventh overall by the Jaguars in the 2019 NFL Draft, Hines-Allen quickly made an impact, earning a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie. Last season, he further cemented his elite status with 17.5 sacks, earning another Pro Bowl nod and securing a lucrative five-year contract worth over $141 million.

JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 7: Linebacker Josh Allen #41 of the Jacksonville Jaguars makes a sack on Quarterback Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills during the 2nd quarter of the game at TIAA Bank Field on November 7, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. The sack makes the first time in NFL history that a quarterback was sacked by someone with the same name. (Photo by Juan Moore/Outlook News)

Hines-Allen’s contributions have been pivotal for the Jaguars over his five seasons with the team. For Jacksonville fans who now own outdated jerseys, the Jaguars have announced that Hines-Allen will host a jersey exchange event in Jacksonville this September. This gesture ensures fans can proudly wear the new Hines-Allen jerseys as the team heads into what promises to be an exciting season.

This name change is not just a personal milestone for Hines-Allen but also a way to honor and celebrate the rich athletic legacy of his family. As he continues to excel on the field, fans and teammates alike will now proudly call him by a name that reflects his heritage and achievements.