- The Jacksonville edge rusher comes from a long line of elite athletes
- Allen said that ‘legacy is forever’ in a video announcing the change
Jaguars star Josh Allen has changed his name, he revealed in a video posted to X on Tuesday.
The linebacker said that he would now go by Josh Hines-Allen, a last name that his sisters and others in his family share.
‘Legacy is forever, and I’m proud to carry that tradition on the back of my jersey, following in the footsteps of my family, who have donned the Hines-Allen last name with so much pride and joy,’ he wrote.
He continued in the video, ‘Family is important to me because when you come from a rich history of athletic people in your family, and myself being the youngest one, to go to all my sister’s games, to know what my uncles did in college and in the NBA, it just means something a little bit more.’
‘It was almost destined for me to follow their footsteps.’
Allen’s sister Myisha Hines-Allen plays for the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, while his uncle Gregory Hines was drafted by the Warriors in 1983 after starring at Hampton University.
His sisters LaTorri and Kyra also played DI and DII college basketball respectively, while his uncle Keith also played for Montclair State.
‘My last name is changed but I am still that person and I’m going to continue to play like it, play even better,’ he added in the video.
‘Now it’s like, I have the attention of people that are interested, they saw what I did last year, so now I can create my narrative on what I want to do. And that’s why I think right now is the perfect time.’
Allen had a career year in 2023 for Jacksonville as he registered 17.5 sacks and notched his second-career Pro Bowl selection.
He was rewarded with a five-year, $141.25 million contract extension afterwards.
Allen and the Jags will get their 2024 season going at the Dolphins on September 8.