Keenan Allen made his way into the Chargers’ new facility, The Bolt, for the first time last week, but entered a locker room that, metaphorically speaking, is the most familiar of his career.
The newest Charger is also the most seasoned, having spent more years with the franchise than anyone else on the current roster: seven in Los Angeles and four in San Diego. After only one season apart from the organization that drafted him, some might say he is not that guy anymore, but on day one of practice, Allen still had it.
“Just wearing the colors, being around the facility, the organization, and the people, it definitely feels like home,” said Allen. “I still have that elusiveness and quickness. I still can get open, and obviously, the knowledge of the game.”
The fans at the El Segundo practice facility cheered every time the six-time Pro Bowl receiver caught the ball, which was a common occurrence when Justin Herbert dropped back to pass.
The first time he lined up during individual drills, he ran an impressive corner route, showing off his elite footwork before making a sideline toe-dragging catch. After completing the play, Allen jumped over a high stack of equipment on the sideline. The hurdle may have been partially out of necessity, but it could have also been his way of letting the young wide receiver room know he is back.
Allen was great in his last season with the Chargers. Playing only 13 games, his 108 catches, 1,243, and 7 touchdowns in 2023-24 were on par with the other top pass catchers in the league. Even last year in Chicago, he caught 70 passes and scored 7 times, and that was in a new system with a rookie quarterback and two other receivers who also commanded over 100 targets.
“I thought I got a little downplayed, that is part of the chip,” said Allen. “Being able to prove it at this point in my career, in year 13, will be great. I still want to play, I still have a little hunger and chip on my shoulder, and I want to go out there and play ball.”
It might take a couple of weeks to get back into football shape and learn the new terminology within the offensive system, but that should be no problem for the veteran. By the start of the regular season, Allen will be ready to go.
He already has familiarity with his quarterback, but the players Allen will be lining up with out wide are almost all new faces. He spent one season with Quentin Johnston, but the other three receivers that appear set to play a role are all either rookies or second-year players.
Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith have been making noise during their first NFL Training Camp, and should be impact players, and second-year receiver Ladd McConkey has already established himself as one of the best young playmakers in the NFL.
“The young guys are much better than what I am used to seeing in Training Camp this early. The technique, the way they are getting downfield, the way they are pressuring coverages. I think they look great,” said Allen.
The four pass catchers, who are all 23 years of age, are going to benefit immensely from having Allen around. He is one of the savviest players in the league, possessing more knowledge and experience than anyone they have ever played with. The biggest win for Los Angeles during this reunion might be the leadership he brings to the room.
McConkey broke his franchise rookie receiving record last year by just over 100 yards, and Allen joked that “he had a little more games” to do so, but also acknowledged that “he is a great player” who is “elusive, fast, and can make a lot of plays”.
McConkey is just getting started and will be a star for years to come. While both players profile as guys who line up in the slot, it should not be much of a concern.
“You got two guys who know how to play football, and love to play football and compete. So I think you can put us anywhere. I am a guy who can be anywhere on the field, and obviously, last year (Ladd) showed that he can do it all too,” said Allen.
Allen is closing in on several records in the Chargers’ history book, and he can forget all about his rookie record if he sticks it out for another season or two. He is 1,311 yards and 51 receptions behind Antonio Gates for the most ever in franchise history. While the yards would likley take two years, he should be able to pass the receptions mark in 2025.
“This was meant to be. This is home. Obviously, you go somewhere else, the business is the business, but this is always home,” said Allen.
Featured Image: Mark Hammond/News4usOnline
Benjamin Verbrugge is a reporter for News4usonline who studied journalism at CSU Dominguez Hills. “Sports have brought me much joy throughout my life, and I want to give a little back to something that has meant so much to me.” Email Benjamin at benverbrugge8@gmail.com.
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