Marcus Allen was born on March 26, 1960, in San Diego, California. He attended Lincoln High School. There, he played quarterback and safety. In 1977, he led his team to a championship win. He rushed for 195 yards and scored five touchdowns. That same year, he was named California’s top high school football player.
Allen played college football at USC from 1978 to 1981. He started as a backup but became the lead running back. In 1981, he rushed for 2,342 yards. He won the Heisman Trophy, the Maxwell Award, and the Walter Camp Award. He also earned Pac-10 Player of the Year.
In 1982, the Los Angeles Raiders drafted him. He played 11 seasons with the Raiders. He helped them win Super Bowl XVIII. He was named the game’s MVP. He spent his final five seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Allen ran for 12,243 career yards and scored 145 touchdowns. He became the first NFL player with over 10,000 rushing yards and 5,000 receiving yards. He played in six Pro Bowls. He was named NFL MVP and Super Bowl MVP.
Allen was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000. He entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003. He joined the International Sports Hall of Fame in 2021.
His football journey began in San Diego. He brought attention to the city’s sports talent. His high school performances gained statewide recognition. San Diego remains a key part of his story.
The Los Angeles Raiders selected Marcus Allen with the 10th overall pick in the 1st round of the 1982 NFL Draft.
Allen won the Heisman in 1981 playing for the USC Trojans.
