Keenan Allen has a chance to make history by doing what he does on a typical day.
The Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver could become the second receiver in franchise history to hit the 10,000-yard mark on Monday night against the New York Jets.
The NFL world is already talking about the feat.
Chargers WR Keenan Allen is closing in on 10,000 career receiving yards. Quite the milestone for one of the game's top receivers! 🏈👏 #Chargers #KeenanAllen #NFL
— PFD Sports (@PFDSports) November 3, 2023
So, how many yards does Allen need Monday night? Glad you asked.
The 31-year-old veteran needs just 70 yards to his 10K, while averaging 74.7 yards per game for his career — and don’t let that age factor deter you. He’s like actress Diane Lane, or wine — for those of you who partake. He just gets better with age. He’s averaging 92 yards per game this season.
“You know, he really plays the receiver position as an art form, and I think that when you play it like him, what makes Keenan special ages well the older you get,” Chargers head coach Brandon Staley told The Washington Times’ Dan Greenspan on Thursday.
It also hasn’t escaped Allen what he’s about to do.
One of Keenan Allen's earliest football memories was watching Cris Carter hit 10K receiving yards.
The #Chargers WR can get to that milestone himself Monday night.
"It was a big deal then, I think it's still a big deal now."https://t.co/ROe1kJfL3h pic.twitter.com/xCNplH3Aoz
— Eric Smith (@Eric_L_Smith) November 2, 2023
Allen knows it’s a big deal. He looks to become the 54th 10,000-yard pass catcher in the league’s history while becoming just the sixth active player to reach that total. He’ll also be able to do that with the only game going on during the night.
Brandon Staley says he's gained a deeper appreciation for Keenan Allen in each of the three years he's been here.
"He's got stuff that's intangible that's hard to find…But his commitment to the craft, that part's all Keenan."
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) November 2, 2023
Teammate Justin Herbert also gave Allen props on the 10K.
“He’s a pro. He’s done such a great job of watching film, taking care of his body, being available … we’re not surprised at all by the success he’s had.”
Justin Herbert on Keenan Allen near the 10k yard mark: "He's a pro. He's done such a great job of watching film, taking care of his body, being available…we're not surprised at all by the success he's had."
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) November 2, 2023
Could this solidify him in the Hall of Fame?
Well, possibly.
Hof wr
— CB (@ChrisLoHeadBrwn) November 3, 2023
And it’s not only fans who appreciate it, either.
Chargers safety Derwin James believes his teammate is headed to Canton.
“Get his jacket ready,” he said.
Derwin James on Keenan Allen being 70 yards away from 10k: "Get his jacket ready."
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) November 2, 2023
After 11 seasons, Allen’s managed to be a mainstay in a sport that has a very short shelf life. He plans to play as long as he can, saying there’s not much of a Plan B.
