- The Jacksonville edge rusher comes from a long line of elite athletes
- Allen said in a video announcing the change that “the legacy is forever”
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 his sisters and other family members also use.
“This legacy is forever and I am 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 so much pride and joy,” he wrote.
He continued in the video: “Family is important to me because when your family has a rich history of sports, and I’m the youngest, and I go to all my sister’s games and know what my uncles did in college and in the NBA, it means a little bit more.”
“It was almost destined that I would follow in their footsteps.”
Josh Hines-Allen explained 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 his uncle Gregory Hines was drafted by the Warriors in 1983 after starring at Hampton University.
His sisters LaTorri and Kyra also played DI and DII college basketball respectively, while his uncle Keith also played for Montclair State.
“My last name has changed, but I’m still that person and I’m going to keep going, play even better,” he added in the video.
Allen had a hugely impressive season in 2023, as the edge rusher led the Jaguars in sacks
“Now it’s like I have the attention of people who are interested, they’ve seen 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 this is the perfect time.”
Allen had a banner year for Jacksonville in 2023, recording 17.5 sacks and earning his second career Pro Bowl selection.
His contract was then extended for five years worth $141.25 million.
Allen and the Jags will open their 2024 season at the Dolphins on September 8.