Allen was signed by the National Football League team in April as a wide receiver. The University of Oregon-alum played the position in college before deciding to pursue a professional track and field career. The choice paid off for Allen—he won three U.S. outdoor 110-meter hurdle titles and qualified for two Olympic teams—but he still wanted to play professional football.. “I don’t want to turn 30, 31, and then try and get into the NFL.
“Track and field is so difficult, because you train all year for one competition that lasts 12, 13 seconds,” Allen said after the race on July 17. “And that’s that. Your identity is based all on that one competition which is frustrating. It happens. I’ll learn from it. Make sure I react not as fast next time.”report that Allen will have a good chance of making the Eagles’ practice squad even though he didn’t make the 53-player roster.