Kris Rhim
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — As time dwindled within the Los Angeles Chargers' 25-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night time, large receiver Keenan Allen approached coach Jim Harbaugh with a proposition.
Allen got here into Sunday needing solely two receptions to interrupt Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame tight finish Antonio Gates' document for probably the most catches in Chargers' historical past, and late within the fourth quarter, Allen had just one catch. Harbaugh advised Allen they had been making an attempt onerous to get him the document.
Allen had a easy concept.
“Simply run the pace sweep, that is the simplest catch I can get,” Allen mentioned he advised Harbaugh. “It is like a assured catch.”
So, the Chargers did. With 2:56 remaining, Allen sprinted throughout the sector and behind the road of scrimmage because the ball was snapped. Quarterback Justin Herbert shoveled the ball to Allen, who sprinted for a 7-yard acquire and the 956th catch of his profession. When Allen stood up, teammates and coaches swarmed him in celebration.
“They really known as me a genius,” Allen mentioned with a smile, including that he was equally confused why offensive coordinator Greg Roman and Harbaugh hadn't considered it. “You imply to inform me you did not consider this,” Allen mentioned whereas laughing.
Allen holds many NFL and franchise data, however he mentioned Sunday night time's milestone is close to the highest of the record with when he grew to become the primary receiver in crew historical past to eclipse 10,000 yards in 2023. “These are milestones that not lots of people attain,” he mentioned, “even the greats.”
Allen thanked former quarterback Phillip Rivers, Herbert and Gates for his or her assist in reaching the milestone. Allen and Herbert have performed 5 seasons collectively, since Herbert's rookie yr in 2020.
“Simply very lucky to have him,” Herbert mentioned. “He is a real professional and he is taught me a lot in regards to the recreation.”
Only a yr in the past, it appeared Allen's profession with the Chargers was over.
After the 2023 season, the Chargers approached Allen with a pay lower, which he declined, and the crew traded him to the Chicago Bears for a fourth-round choose. It was one of many first strikes of the Harbaugh period and one which blindsided Allen, whom the Chargers drafted with the No. 76 choose within the 2013 draft out of the College of California.
He had grown up with the group, taking part in 11 seasons starting in San Diego after which in Los Angeles, rising as one of many biggest receivers in crew historical past. Nonetheless, Allen mentioned he at all times envisioned himself ending his profession with the Chargers.
Allen re-signed with the Chargers in August and has been one among Herbert's most trusted targets, main the crew in receptions with 52.
“I used to be going to do no matter I might to return again,” he mentioned.
