Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen has been named AP Comeback Player of the Year, at the NFL Honors event in Minnesota.
The 5th year receiver out of California has struggled with injuries throughout his college and NFL career. His 2015 season ended after eight games, when he suffered a lacerated kidney. The following season, he managed just half a game before tearing his ACL.
However, 2017 was the year Allen brought it all together. He completed 102 receptions (4th in the NFL) and 1,393 yards (3rd), during the regular season. The number of receptions were good enough to beat LaDainian Tomlinson’s Chargers record of 100, and also the 2nd highest receiving yards in Chargers history. Additionally, he led the team in touchdown catches, with 6. Allen was a first down machine for Philip Rivers. 74 of his receptions, moved the chains, the highest in the league.
With those numbers, it’s no surprise that Allen earned his first pro bowl selection. He made two catches for 18 yards for AFC during their comeback win over the NFC.
Among the numbers, Allen did something no player has ever done in the history of the NFL. 100 yards, 10 receptions and a touchdown, in three straight games. Between weeks 12, 13 and 14, he had 32 catches, 436 yards and 4 TDs.
Allen is the 2nd Charger in five years to win the award. QB Philip Rivers won it, with the help of Allen, back in 2013.
