20 Career Highlights From Josh Allen’s Rise
From a small-town kid to one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, here are 20 unforgettable milestones from Josh Allen’s journey to the top.
- Daisy Montero
- 5 min read
Josh Allen’s climb to NFL stardom is anything but ordinary. He went from overlooked high school prospect to a top-10 NFL draft pick and has since carved out a reputation as one of the most electric quarterbacks in the league. These 20 moments showcase the throws, wins, and turning points that shaped his career.
1. Getting Zero Offers Out of High School
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Josh Allen graduated from Firebaugh High without a single Division I offer. Coaches overlooked him, calling him too raw or too skinny. That early rejection helped shape his relentless drive to prove everyone wrong.
2. Lighting Up the JUCO Scene at Reedley
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At Reedley College, Allen threw for over 2,000 yards and 26 touchdowns in just one season. That year put him back on the radar. He finally had tape to show he belonged at the next level.
3. Finally Landing at Wyoming
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Only a handful of schools gave him a shot, but Wyoming believed in him. That offer changed everything. It was the D1 chance he had been chasing for years.
4. His First Start for the Cowboys
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Allen’s first full season as Wyoming’s starter in 2016 was explosive. He racked up 3,200+ yards and 28 touchdowns. It was the moment NFL scouts finally started paying attention.
5. Declaring for the NFL Draft
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Despite some scouts doubting his accuracy, Allen declared for the 2018 NFL Draft. The decision was bold but confident. He knew his time had come.
6. Being Drafted 7th Overall by Buffalo
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In 2018, the Bills took him at No. 7 overall. Fans were unsure, but Buffalo saw the raw talent. It was the beginning of a wild new chapter.
7. Scoring His First NFL Touchdown
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Allen’s first rushing touchdown came against the Chargers in his rookie year. It showed his dual-threat ability. He bulldozed his way into the endzone like he belonged there.
8. That Hurdle Against the Vikings
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His leap over Anthony Barr in 2018 became an instant viral moment. It was wild, unexpected, and pure Josh Allen. That play made fans believe the Bills had something special.
9. Breaking 3,000 Yards in 2019
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Allen’s sophomore season saw serious growth. He threw for over 3,000 yards and led the Bills to the playoffs. His arm and leadership were finally catching up to each other.
10. First Career Playoff Appearance
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In 2019, he led Buffalo to their first playoff berth in years. Though they lost, Allen showed grit and flashes of greatness. It was just the start.
11. Exploding in 2020
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Josh Allen took a massive leap in 2020, throwing for over 4,500 yards and 37 touchdowns. He became a legitimate MVP contender. That season silenced nearly every doubter.
12. Beating the Patriots in New England
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In 2020, Allen led the Bills to their first win at Foxborough in two decades. He threw for four touchdowns that night. It felt like a shift in AFC East power.
13. Making It to the AFC Championship
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Allen took the Bills all the way to the AFC title game against the Chiefs in 2021. It was Buffalo’s deepest playoff run in over 25 years. Even in the loss, Allen had officially arrived.
14. That Epic Duel with Mahomes
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The 2022 playoff game against Kansas City was a classic. Allen threw four touchdowns and still lost in overtime. It cemented him as one of the league’s elite QBs.
15. Becoming a Madden Cover Athlete
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In 2024, Allen made the cover of Madden NFL. It was a symbolic nod to his growing influence. Not every player gets that kind of spotlight.
16. Signing a $258 Million Contract
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Allen inked one of the richest deals in NFL history in 2021. The six-year extension showed Buffalo was all-in. It was proof he had become the franchise cornerstone.
17. Becoming a Team Captain
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Allen earned the title of captain early in his career. Teammates followed his energy and grit. He was no longer just talented — he was trusted.
18. Launching the Patricia Allen Fund
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Josh created a hospital fund in honor of his late grandmother, raising over a million dollars for Oishei Children’s Hospital. The community rallied behind it. His impact extended far beyond the field.
19. Becoming a Buffalo Icon
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Josh Allen is not just a quarterback; he is Buffalo’s identity now. From jumping through tables to snowball fights, he embraces the city’s spirit. Few athletes and cities fit this perfectly.
20. Still Chasing That First Super Bowl
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Despite all the records and big plays, Allen’s biggest goal is still ahead. He wants to bring Buffalo its first Super Bowl. And at this point, nobody’s counting him out.