Anthony Allen – Catching up with NFL Wide Receiver & Huskies Teammate

Multi-Sport Athletic Star

Anthony Allen and Mark Pattison were teammates at the University of Washington. Before that they were cross-town rivals. Anthony attended Garfield High School in Seattle. 

Twice his football team came in 3rd in state in Washington. Always a fantastic athlete, Anthony excelled at basketball, football, track. His on the field performance made him a highly sought after recruit.

Stays Home with UW

Anthony ultimately picked University of Washington, staying home in Seattle rather than playing for other powerhouse football universities. Though not his primary position, UW wanted wanted him to play defensive back.

Ultimately, Anthony made the right choice. Injuries to teammates forced Allen into service at Quarterback instead of corner. This exposure allowed Allen to develop into a better overall offensive player. After serving the teams’ needs at QB, he was given his choice and allowed to move to wideout.

USFL Draft

Anthony stood out on an athletic UW team as a draft worthy wide receiver. Allen was taken in the 3rd round by the Tampa Bay Bandits of the 1983 USFL draft. Anthony was also selected in the 6th round in the NFL in the same year–back in 1983 the USFL drafted before the NFL. The Los Angeles Express traded for Allen’s rights. Anthony signed and played the last eight games of season for the Express catching 37 balls and 3 touchdowns.

NFL Career

Anthony always had a nose for the end zone. While playing with the St. Louis Cardinals, he had 8 catches for 255 yards and 3 touchdowns in a single game; a record that remains for the Cardinals franchise.

Anthony also played for the Washington Redskins. During his time in DC he scored a touchdown on an 88-yard pass. Finally, in 1987, Anthony and the Redskins won Super Bowl XXII.

Anthony and Mark caught up on memories, kids and caring for family in this sweet episode, because sometimes, you got to slow down to catch up.

Be sure to visit the “e-learning” course at Finding Your Summit that Mark has designed. Get the free PDF and start climbing your own personal summits.

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