INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — On Sunday night, Keenan Allen further etched his name into the Los Angeles Chargers’ history by making two receptions, becoming the franchise’s all-time reception leader.
He surpassed the legendary Antonio Gates, who was present for the 25-10 victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers at SoFi Stadium.
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Allen has achieved 956 receptions, one more than Gates, in his 13th year in the NFL. He returned to the Chargers this season following a year with the Chicago Bears in 2024.
“It’s an amazing achievement,” coach Jim Harbaugh stated.
Quarterback Justin Herbert remarked, “Very remarkable. He’s among the greatest to have ever played.»
Allen devised the play that secured him the record.
Herbert delivered a shovel pass to him just before the two-minute warning in the fourth quarter, with the wide receiver’s family and friends watching.
“I was reminded of my rookie year and seeing him for the first time, thinking, ‘Wow, I always knew he was exceptional,’” said Derwin James Jr. “Eight years later, he’s the all-time leading player in Charger history. Huge respect, man.”
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The team celebrated on the sideline, dousing Allen with water.
“That was the highlight,” he said. “Being with my teammates, witnessing their emotions, making it a memorable moment.”
It seemed that Allen might not achieve the record as time dwindled. Harbaugh informed Allen they were aimed at getting him the ball, and Allen proposed a simple catch play.
“He actually called me a genius, saying ‘wow, why didn’t I think of that?’” recalled Allen, who replied, “You’re telling me you didn’t come up with that?”
Allen intends to add the ball to his collection of memorabilia.
He ranks as one of the most prolific receivers in NFL history, setting career records for the most games with at least 16 catches (two), 15 catches (three), and 14 catches (six). He holds the record for the most games with 100 receiving yards (11) in the league’s history.
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“I’m always putting in the effort,” he mentioned. “We’re not overly vocal, we don’t share everything, but the effort is undoubtedly there, so when we find ourselves in those situations, it’s not new to us.”
The Chargers picked Allen with the 76th overall selection in the 2013 NFL draft. He established his reputation during his first 11 seasons with the franchise. After the 2023 season, the team requested a pay cut, and when he declined, they traded him to the Bears. He rejoined the Chargers in August.
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