Josh Allen
NFL
Second-team All-Pro (2020)
2× Pro Bowl (2020, 2022)
Second-team All-MWC (2016)
Most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in a single season (tied): 15 (2023)
Highest passer rating in a single postseason: 149.0 (2021)
About Josh Allen
Josh Allen: Buffalo’s Star Quarterback and Hometown Hero
Born on May 21, 1996, Josh Allen has risen to become one of the NFL’s brightest stars and a deeply loved icon in Buffalo, New York. Since joining the Buffalo Bills in 2018, Allen has not only electrified fans with his powerful arm and grit but has also embraced the Buffalo community with unparalleled dedication. His story is one of hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering bond with the city he now calls home.
A Humble Beginning
Josh Patrick Allen grew up in Firebaugh, California, a rural farming town where he learned the value of hard work on his family’s farm. Raised by parents LaVonne and Joel Allen, Josh’s upbringing was steeped in community values and discipline. Firebaugh might be far from Buffalo, but the work ethic he developed during his early years made him a perfect match for the city whose motto could easily be “hard work pays off.”
Josh played multiple sports in high school, but football remained his passion. Despite his talent, major college football programs overlooked him. Undeterred, he attended Reedley College, a junior college, before transferring to the University of Wyoming. At Wyoming, Allen shined, amassing 3,203 passing yards and 28 touchdowns in his junior year. He led his team to a Potato Bowl victory in 2017, an achievement that earned him MVP honors.
Joining the Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen’s NFL dreams became a reality in 2018 when the Buffalo Bills selected him as the 7th overall pick in the draft. Although his rookie season had its challenges, Allen’s athleticism, leadership, and drive quickly stood out. By his third season, he had silenced critics, recording nearly 4,544 passing yards in 2020 and leading the Bills to their first AFC Championship game since 1993.
Under Josh’s leadership, the Bills have consistently dominated the AFC East, securing four consecutive division titles from 2020 onward. His on-field exploits—game-winning drives, record-breaking rushing touchdowns for a quarterback, and explosive passing plays—have brought Buffalo football back to the forefront of the NFL.
More Than Football
While Allen’s heroics on the field have garnered national attention, it’s the way he engages with Buffalo that makes him a true icon. He has embraced local favorites, cheered for the Buffalo Sabres, and connected deeply with the city’s passionate fanbase—famously known as the “Bills Mafia.”
When Josh’s grandmother, Patricia Allen, passed away in 2020, the Bills Mafia united to honor her memory by donating over $1 million to the John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital in increments of $17, his jersey number. Moved by the remarkable gesture, the hospital named their 10th-floor pediatric wing the “Patricia Allen Pediatric Recovery Wing.” Josh continues to partner with the hospital through his Patricia Allen Fund, helping enhance children’s healthcare in Buffalo.
Beyond his philanthropy, Allen’s humility and approachability have made him relatable to fans of all ages. From local events to sharing laughs at tailgates, he embodies the best of what it means to represent Buffalo.
The Heart of Buffalo
Josh Allen is more than just Buffalo’s quarterback—he’s become family. His powerful performances every Sunday fuel the city’s pride, while his sincere connection to fans strengthens that bond. Whether hurdling a defender or visiting patients in a local hospital, Josh embodies the spirit of Buffalo: tough, loyal, and full of heart.
Today, Josh Allen isn’t just a California-born athlete playing in Buffalo; he is a true Buffaloian. The city’s fans, who weather snow, struggles, and setbacks, see a bit of themselves in him. Through his passion, dedication, and love for the game, Josh Allen has cemented himself as one of Buffalo’s greatest icons. His story continues to inspire not just football fans, but everyone who believes in rising to meet life’s challenges.
Buffalo couldn’t ask for a better leader both on and off the field. Josh Allen is, and always will be, Buffalo’s quarterback.