This week is undoubtedly a momentous one for Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, as it’s been packed with personal and professional triumphs. Not only did he announce his engagement to Arcane star Hailee Steinfeld, but he also made NFL history in a way that no other quarterback ever has. With his stellar performance on the field, Allen put his critics to rest while steering the Bills toward another AFC East Division Championship—a significant step in his already impressive career.
When Allen entered the league, things didn’t go as smoothly as he might have hoped. His rookie season was far from ideal, with the young quarterback tossing more interceptions than touchdowns. The Bills, in turn, finished with a disappointing 6-10 record. Yet, despite the rocky start, Allen proved he wasn’t ready to be written off. By 2019, he showed undeniable growth, making it clear that he had what it took to thrive in the NFL. With his powerful arm and dynamic playmaking ability, he quickly ascended to the ranks of a Pro Bowl-level quarterback. Over the years, his development continued at a rapid pace, and he eventually became one of the top five quarterbacks in the league.
However, Allen’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. One major hurdle has been competing in the same conference as the formidable Kansas City Chiefs and their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. Despite his progress, Allen’s playoff record has remained a point of contention for some. Critics have compared him to Philip Rivers—an excellent quarterback whose career fell short of the ultimate prize—rather than to someone like Peyton Manning, who was able to win multiple Super Bowls. Ahead of the 2024 season, Allen was even named the most overrated player in the league by ESPN’s anonymous players survey, which only fueled the doubters. But Allen, ever the competitor, took the jab in stride. He dismissed the negativity, remarking that he must be doing something right if players from other teams were taking shots at him.
This ability to ignore the noise and focus on his craft is what defines the truly great athletes. And Allen has certainly shown that he’s one of them. Rather than letting the criticism derail him, he has continued to improve, leading his team to a 9-2 record this season while also ending the Chiefs’ perfect run. But it was his performance on December 1st against the San Francisco 49ers that truly silenced any remaining doubts about his place among the NFL’s elite.
The conditions leading up to the game in Orchard Park, New York—home of the Bills—were less than ideal, with heavy snow blanketing the area. This created a challenge for both teams, but it also played into Allen’s hands. Early in the game, both teams relied heavily on their running backs, with each rushing for over 100 yards. However, as the game progressed, Allen took matters into his own hands. In the second half, he rushed for a touchdown and even caught one himself. After a spectacular play in which wide receiver Amari Cooper tossed him the ball while being tackled near the goal line, Allen became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw, run, and catch a touchdown in a single game.
His performance was nothing short of historic, and Allen humbly acknowledged the accomplishment after the game. When asked about his big night, he simply said, “Pretty cool,” showing his usual laid-back attitude. However, he was quick to give credit where credit was due, praising teammate Mack Hollins for making a key play on his first touchdown pass of the game. Allen’s selflessness and recognition of his teammates only further solidified his standing as a leader both on and off the field.
Looking ahead, Allen’s focus remains firmly on finishing the season strong and potentially earning his first NFL MVP award. The competition is fierce, with Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson gunning for his third MVP title and Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley on pace to rush for over 2,000 yards. Despite the stiff competition, Allen’s incredible performance against the 49ers has positioned him as a frontrunner for the prestigious award, especially if the Bills can secure the top seed in the AFC. As of now, it seems that Allen’s MVP bid is his to lose, and with the way he’s been playing, the sky is the limit for this rising superstar.