Damon Allen facts for kids
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Allen at an Argonauts game in 2019
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| Born: | July 29, 1963 San Diego, California, U.S. |
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| Career information | |
| CFL status | American |
| Position(s) | QB |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Weight | 180 lb (82 kg) |
| College | Cal State Fullerton |
| High school | Lincoln (San Diego, California) |
| Hand | Right |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1985–1988 | Edmonton Eskimos |
| 1989–1991 | Ottawa Rough Riders |
| 1992 | Hamilton Tiger-Cats |
| 1993–1994 | Edmonton Eskimos |
| 1995 | Memphis Mad Dogs |
| 1996–2002 | BC Lions |
| 2003–2007 | Toronto Argonauts |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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| CFL All-Star | 2005 |
| CFL East All-Star | 2005, 1991 |
| CFL West All-Star | 1999 |
| Awards | 1987 Grey Cup MVP (Offence) 1993 Grey Cup MVP 1993 Eddie James Memorial Trophy 2004 Grey Cup MVP 2005 CFL MOP |
| Career stats | |
| Passing Comp | 5,158 |
| Passing Att | 9,138 |
| Passing Yards | 72,381 |
| Passing TDs | 394 |
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Damon L. Allen (born July 29, 1963) is a famous American former football quarterback. He played for 23 years in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Damon Allen is known for being one of the best quarterbacks in professional football history. He holds records for passing yards and rushing yards.
Allen won four Grey Cup championships with three different teams. He was also named the Grey Cup's Most Valuable Player (MVP) three times. In 2005, at 42 years old, he was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Player. This made him one of the oldest MVPs in North American sports! He was great at both throwing the ball and running with it. In 2012, he was added to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. Damon is the younger brother of Pro Football Hall of Famer Marcus Allen.
Contents
Damon Allen's Early Life and High School Football
Damon Allen started playing football when he was just six years old in San Diego, California. He first played as a safety, which is a defensive position. But when he became a quarterback in the Junior Peewee league, his team won championships! They even had two perfect seasons in a row.
High School Sports Star
In high school, Damon was a fantastic athlete in two sports. He was the starting quarterback at Lincoln High School. His team had an amazing record of 22 wins and only 2 losses with him as quarterback. He helped his team win two football championships.
Damon was also a talented baseball player. He was a pitcher for his high school team, which was ranked number one in San Diego County. He even won an award as the "Tribune Athlete of the Year" for his skills in both sports.
College Career: A Dual-Sport Talent
Damon went on to play college football at California State University, Fullerton. He led his college team, the Titans, to win two championships. He set a new record by throwing only three interceptions in over 300 attempts, which is very impressive for a quarterback!
Damon was also an excellent baseball player in college. He helped the Titans baseball team win the 1984 College World Series. He was even drafted by a professional baseball team, the Detroit Tigers. But Damon decided to focus on football and play in the Canadian Football League instead.
Damon Allen's Professional Football Journey
Damon Allen joined the CFL in 1985 with the Edmonton Eskimos. He started as a backup quarterback.
Winning His First Grey Cup
In 1987, Damon got his chance to shine. The starting quarterback was injured during the Grey Cup championship game. Damon stepped in and led the Eskimos to a thrilling 38–36 victory! This was his first Grey Cup win, and he was named the Grey Cup Most Valuable Player.
Moving to Ottawa and Hamilton
In 1989, Damon signed with the Ottawa Rough Riders. In 1991, he had a fantastic season. He ran for over 1,000 yards and threw for over 4,000 yards. This showed he was a true dual-threat quarterback, good at both running and passing.
In 1992, Damon played for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He continued to put up great numbers, throwing for many yards and touchdowns. After one season in Hamilton, he was traded back to the Edmonton Eskimos.
More Grey Cup Glory with Edmonton
Back with the Eskimos in 1993, Damon helped them win another Grey Cup championship. This was his second Grey Cup title, and he was again named the Grey Cup Most Valuable Player.
Playing for the BC Lions
In 1996, Damon joined the BC Lions. He continued to be a top player in the league. In 1999, he was named a CFL All-Star.
In 2000, Damon made history. He became the CFL's all-time leading passer, breaking a record that had stood for a long time. He also led the BC Lions to win the Grey Cup, which was his third championship.
Becoming an Argonaut Legend
In 2003, Damon, at 39 years old, was traded to the Toronto Argonauts. He quickly became a leader for the team. He broke another record, becoming the quarterback with the most career touchdown passes in CFL history.
A Comeback Story
In 2004, Damon faced a tough injury, breaking his leg. Many people thought his career might be over because of his age. But Damon worked hard and made an amazing comeback! He returned to play later that season.
In the 2004 Grey Cup Championship, Damon led the Argonauts to victory against the BC Lions. He was named the Grey Cup Most Valuable Player for the third time! This was his fourth Grey Cup championship win.
Breaking More Records
Damon continued to set records in 2005. He threw for over 5,000 yards in a season for the first time in his long career. He also won his first "CFL's Most Outstanding Player Award" that year.
In 2006, Damon broke an even bigger record. He surpassed Warren Moon's record to become professional football's all-time passing leader! This means he had thrown for more yards than any other quarterback in professional football history. The game was even stopped briefly to celebrate this amazing achievement.
Damon officially retired from playing football on May 28, 2008, at the age of 44.
Life After Football
After retiring from playing, Damon Allen continued to be involved in football. In 2010, he started the Damon Allen Quarterback Academy, where he teaches young players how to be great quarterbacks.
In 2018, Damon Allen received the Order of Sport, which is a high honor in Canada. This marked his induction into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.
Images for kids
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Damon Allen as a Rider.
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Damon Allen and teammate Lui Passaglia with the Grey Cup in January 2001
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A banner hangs in the Rogers Centre to commemorate Allen breaking the All-Time Pro-Football Passing Record in 2006.
Personal Life
Damon Allen has three daughters and a son. They live in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Damon works as a special advisor for the Toronto Argonauts.
