Josh Allen, born in 1996, is the star quarterback for the Buffalo Bills in the NFL. He played college football at Wyoming before being drafted by the Bills in 2018.
Standing at 6-5 and weighing 233 pounds, Allen has led the Bills to six playoff appearances, five division titles, and two conference championship games.
His standout year was 2020 when he helped the Bills secure their first division title and playoff win since 1995, earning him Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.
Known for his dual-threat capabilities, Allen has rushed for over 3,611 yards and set records for rushing touchdowns in a season by a quarterback.
Parents
Josh’s parents are Joel and LaVonne Allen. They raised him on their family farm in Firebaugh, California.
Joel is a third-generation farmer, while LaVonne ran a family restaurant named The Farmer’s Daughter.
Josh credits his parents for instilling a strong work ethic in him and supporting his path to the NFL.
Allen has three siblings, two sisters, Nicala and Makenna, and a brother named Jason. His family has Swedish roots; his great-grandfather emigrated from Sweden to the U.S. in 1924.
Allen’s father, Joel, along with his twin brother Todd, continues to farm on the family’s land.
LaVonne is considered the rock of the family, and Josh and his brother Jason would help her at the restaurant by washing dishes during lunch breaks.
Career
Allen’s career has been characterized by rapid growth and impressive achievements since he joined the NFL.
After being drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2018, he quickly became a pivotal figure for the franchise.
His unique combination of size, athleticism, and arm strength allows him to excel as both a passer and a runner, making him a dual-threat quarterback.
In his rookie season, Allen showcased his potential by becoming the first quarterback in Bills history to lead the team in both passing and rushing yards.
His ability to extend plays with his legs and make powerful throws downfield quickly caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.
Despite facing some challenges typical for rookie quarterbacks, including inconsistencies in his passing accuracy, Allen displayed resilience and determination, setting the stage for future success.
As he progressed through his career, Allen’s performance improved dramatically.
In 2020, he had a breakout season where he threw for over 4,500 yards and 37 touchdowns while completing 69.2% of his passes.
This remarkable performance earned him Pro Bowl honors and recognition as a second-team All-Pro.
His ability to connect with key receivers like Stefon Diggs transformed the Bills’ offense into one of the most dynamic in the league.
In 2021, Allen continued to solidify his status among elite quarterbacks by leading the Bills to their first playoff victory since 1995.
He threw for 308 yards and five touchdowns in a memorable playoff game against the New England Patriots, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
His leadership on and off the field has also been praised, as he has become a vocal advocate for his teammates and a respected figure in the locker room.
The pinnacle of Allen’s achievements came in February 2025 when he was awarded the NFL Most Valuable Player Award.
This honor recognized not only his individual excellence but also his impact on the Bills’ success as a team.
He became only the third quarterback in NFL history to win this award without being named First Team All-Pro, highlighting the unique circumstances of that season.
Throughout his time in the league, Allen has set numerous franchise records for the Buffalo Bills, including career passing touchdowns and playoff performance metrics.
Despite facing tough playoff losses against formidable opponents like the Kansas City Chiefs—where he had memorable but heartbreaking games—Allen’s tenacity and skill have kept him at the forefront of discussions about elite quarterbacks in the NFL.
