Josh Allen: Among the NFL Elite
Josh Allen has firmly established himself as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks. The dual-threat signal caller has become the centerpiece of the Buffalo Bills, leading them to numerous victories with his arm and legs. The two-time Pro Bowler's impressive play continues to captivate fans and analysts alike.
Kyle Allen: The Journeyman Quarterback
Kyle Allen's path in professional football has been quite different. An undrafted quarterback out of Houston in 2018, Kyle has found opportunities across various teams in the league. He has started games for the Houston Texans, Washington Commanders, and Carolina Panthers. Last season, he was with the Buffalo Bills but did not see any in-game action.
As Kyle attempts to secure a roster spot with the Pittsburgh Steelers, one might wonder about the challenges and resilience required to continue pursuing a career in such a competitive environment. Josh Allen, who once shared the quarterback room with Kyle, fondly refers to him as a "vibe guy," someone who brings positive energy to the locker room.
Sam Darnold: The Former Top Pick
Another name worth noting from the 2018 draft class is Sam Darnold, who was the No. 3 overall pick. Darnold's journey hasn’t been as smooth as many anticipated for a player picked so high. He has spent time backing up Brock Purdy in San Francisco, a role that has given him perspective and perhaps renewed his hunger to compete.
Currently, Sam Darnold is in competition with J.J. McCarthy for the starting quarterback job in Minnesota. Josh Allen offered insights into Darnold’s demeanor, describing him as a "chill, relax guy" who "isn't going to get rattled," a testament to his composure under pressure and potential value as a reliable starter.
Christian Kirk: Rising Star
Christian Kirk, a second-round pick out of Texas A&M, is another standout player making waves in the NFL. Kirk had a breakout season in 2022 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, recording his first career 1,000-yard season. In just 12 games last season, Kirk caught 57 passes for 787 yards and three touchdowns, averaging a career-high 65.6 receiving yards per game.
Josh Allen added a humorous anecdote about Kirk's versatility, mentioning that Kirk almost won Allen's golf group a tournament at Kyle Allen’s bachelor party, calling him a "sandbagger" for his golfing prowess. This light-hearted interaction highlights the camaraderie and diverse talents these athletes often showcase off the field.
Together, these narratives paint a vivid picture of the diverse paths and personalities that define today’s NFL. From Josh Allen's rise to stardom, Kyle Allen's relentless pursuit of his dream, Sam Darnold's battle for redemption, to Christian Kirk's emergence as a premier receiver, each story underscores the determination, resilience, and unique traits that drive these athletes. Their journeys, filled with highs and lows, offer rich storylines that continue to capture the essence of professional football.