Jonathan Allen (born January 16, 1995) is a professional American football defensive end currently playing for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Alabama, where he was a key player on the Crimson Tide team that won the national championship in 2015. During his collegiate career, Allen received several prestigious awards in 2016, including the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, Lombardi Award, and Ted Hendricks Award, all recognizing him as one of the nation’s top defensive players. Allen was selected in the first round (17th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins (later renamed the Washington Commanders). Over eight seasons with Washington, he recorded 401 total tackles, 60 tackles for loss, 42 sacks, and 118 quarterback hits, establishing himself as a powerful and skilled defensive lineman. He was named to the Pro Bowl twice, in 2021 and 2022. In March 2025, Allen signed a three-year, $60 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings, marking a significant move in his professional career. Known for his explosiveness and technical skill on the defensive line, Allen continues to be an impactful player in the NFL. Off the field, Allen is recognized for overcoming early career concerns about shoulder arthritis, having undergone surgeries prior to entering the league. He remains active in the NFL as of the 2025 season, contributing to the Vikings' defensive efforts. This summary focuses solely on Jonathan Allen the football player, distinguishing him from others with the same name, such as the journalist Jonathan Allen[2][3][5][6].