- The Jacksonville defender comes from a long line of elite athletes.
- Allen said “the legacy is forever” in a video announcing the change.
Jaguars star Josh Allen has changed his name, he revealed in a Video posted on X on Tuesday.
The linebacker said he will now go by Josh Hines-Allen, a surname shared by his sisters and other family members.
“The legacy is forever and I’m proud to wear that tradition on the back of my jersey, following in the footsteps of my family who have carried the Hines-Allen name with such 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 me being the youngest, going to all of my sister’s games, knowing what my uncles did in college and in the NBA, it just means something a little bit more.”
“I was almost destined to follow in his footsteps.”
Josh Hines-Allen detailed his decision to change his name in a video posted to X on Tuesday
Part of the video shows him proudly looking at a new nameplate in the Jaguars’ locker room.
Allen’s sister, Myisha Hines-Allen, plays for the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, while her uncle Gregory Hines was drafted by the Warriors in 1983 after starring at Hampton University.
Her sisters LaTorri and Kyra also played college basketball in DI and DII respectively, while her uncle Keith also played for Montclair State.
“My last name has changed, but I’m still that person and I’m going to keep playing as that person, playing even better,” he added in the video.
Allen had a very impressive 2023 season, as the defender led the Jaguars in sacks.
“Now I have the attention of people who are interested, they saw what I did last year, so now I can create my own story about what I want to do. And that’s why I think now is the perfect time.”
Allen had a career year in 2023 for Jacksonville, as he recorded 17.5 sacks and earned his second career Pro Bowl selection.
He was then rewarded with a five-year contract extension worth $141.25 million.
Allen and the Jags will begin their 2024 season against the Dolphins on Sept. 8.