NFL HOF Spotlight: Marcus Allen

This NFL Hall of Fame spotlight focuses on Marcus Allen, the legendary running back for the Los Angeles Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs. Known for his versatility in running, blocking, and catching, Allen was a triple threat on the gridiron. 

Let’s take a look at what made Allen impossible to forget.

A Star in the Making

Born in San Diego, Allen started playing football at Abraham Lincoln High School. He began as a quarterback and a safety and made a big statement in those positions at the high school level.

Moving to the University of Southern California, Allen became a running back, thanks to head coach John Robinson’s intervention. Although Allen had to start as a backup, he eventually got his moment at both fullback and tailback roles.

Allen won the Heisman Trophy, the Maxwell Award, and the Walter Camp Award. He also received recognition as the Pac-10 Player of the Year in 1981. During Allen’s four college football seasons, he accumulated 4,682 rushing yards and scored 47 total touchdowns, with an average of 5.2 yards per carry.

The Raiders selected Allen in the first round of the 1982 NFL Draft, making him the 10th overall pick that year.

Professional Football Career

After a successful college football career, expectations were high for Allen. But he proved to be more than equal to the task. He got off to a flying start to life in the NFL and stayed at the top for most of his sixteen-season professional football career.

Making the Difference for the Raiders

In the 1981 season, the Raiders recorded a disappointing 7-9 record, finishing fourth in the AFC West division. After drafting Allen, their fortunes took an upward spin. In Allen’s rookie season, he helped the Raiders to climb up the AFC West division with an impressive 8-1 record. Allen’s 697 rushing yards drew much attention. But his scoring record was most eye-catching. He ended the season as the NFL rushing touchdowns leader and the scoring leader. He was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. It was just the start Allen needed. And he was ready to shake things up as often as he could.

In the next season, Allen added another layer of block to his skyscraper of a career by breaking the 1000-yard mark with 1,014 rushing yards.

Super Bowl Exploits

In the 1983 season, Allen contributed to the Raiders’ 12-4 record. Their performance that year guided them into postseason brilliance, and they eventually made it to Super Bowl XVIII. On January 22, 1984, Allen gave his all—kitchen sink included in the Super Bowl battle with the Washington Redskins.

Allen delivered one of the most spectacular displays of his career—and indeed of any running back in NFL history. His 74-yard run for a touchdown took everyone off their seats. That breathtaking moment came in the final play of the third quarter. After receiving a handoff from quarterback Jim Plunkett, Allen moved toward the left end. Despite being faced with a sea of Redskins, Allen improvised. He reversed field and weaved gracefully past all the tacklers in front of him and headed to the endzone for a touchdown. That phenomenal 74-yard touchdown broke Tom Matte‘s Super Bowl record of 58 yards. The Raiders went on to win the game by a dominant 38-9 scoreline.

Much deservedly, Allen was named the Super Bowl XVIII MVP.

NFL MVP

The following year, Allen took the football world by storm yet again. He recorded his best career finish to a season. His 1,759 yards was enough to emerge as the NFL rushing leader that year. Aside from personal records in the 1985 season, Allen guided his team to another remarkable 12-4 season. His performances earned him the NFL MVP—an award he very much merited.

Allen made two more Pro Bowls in 1986 and 1987 to add to his previous three. But in his later years in Los Angeles, he battled with a knee injury and problems with general manager Al Davis. He eventually left the Raiders and signed with the Chiefs before the start of the 1993 season.

Road to Redemption

In Allen’s first season with the Chiefs, he scored a career-high 12 rushing touchdowns. This helped him finish as the 1993 season NFL rushing touchdowns leader, the first time since after his rookie season. He also earned his first Pro Bowl selection since 1987. The PFWA recognized his remarkable return to form by awarding him the NFL Comeback Player of the Year. Allen’s combination with quarterback Joe Montana was special. They both led the Chiefs to the AFC Championship Game.

Allen continued to do what he knew how to do best. He led the team in rushing in his next three seasons.

Allen retired in 1997 after accumulating 12,243 rushing yards, averaging 4.1 yards per carry, and scoring 123 rushing touchdowns. In the receiving department, he was a bright spark, making 587 receptions for 5,411 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Career Accolades

Allen’s career was indeed one of determination as he managed to rise above all odds to prove himself again and again. His dedication, work ethic, and leadership made him a respected figure on and off the field. He won the Super Bowl XVIII. His performance in the game earned him the Super Bowl MVP award. To add to his award cabinet, he won the NFL MVP and NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1985. He also won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 1993.

According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Allen was a six-time Pro Bowler. He made the First-team All-Pro twice and the Second-team All-Pro once.

To date, Allen is the only player to have achieved the rare combination of winning the Heisman Trophy, being named Unanimous All-American, winning an AFCA National Championship Trophy and the Super Bowl, and being named both NFL MVP and Super Bowl MVP.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame inducted Allen in 2003.

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