Zachary William-Jacob Allen, born on August 20, 1997, in New Canaan, Connecticut, is a professional American football defensive end for the Denver Broncos of the NFL. Known for his athleticism, versatility, and relentless pass-rushing ability, Allen has emerged as one of the league’s premier defensive players.
Quick Facts of Zach Allen
| Full Name | Zachary William-Jacob Allen |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 20, 1997 |
| Place of Birth | New Canaan, Connecticut, USA |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Weight | 285 lb (129 kg) |
| College | Boston College (2015–2018) |
| NFL Draft | 2019 / Round: 3 / Pick: 65 |
| Teams | Arizona Cardinals (2019–2022), Denver Broncos (2023–present) |
| Position | Defensive End |
| Net Worth | Estimated $20–25 million |
| Awards | Second-team All-Pro (2024), Nils V. “Swede” Nelson Award (2018) |
Early Life and High School
Allen grew up in New Canaan, Connecticut, and attended New Canaan High School, where he excelled in football. His size, speed, and strength helped him stand out as a defensive lineman. From an early age, Allen displayed a work ethic and discipline that would define his career.
College Career at Boston College
Allen played for the Boston College Eagles from 2015 to 2018. As a freshman, he contributed primarily on special teams while gaining experience at defensive end. By his sophomore season, Allen had become a key defensive player, recording 36 tackles and 6 sacks, including a standout performance in the Quick Lane Bowl with 2 sacks for a loss of 15 yards.
In 2017, Allen earned a full-time starting role and had a breakout season with 100 combined tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks, earning Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Lineman of the Week honors after a 14-tackle game against Virginia Tech. He won the Bulger Love Award, recognizing New England’s best college football players.
During his senior year in 2018, Allen recorded 6.5 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and 7 pass deflections, demonstrating his growth as a disruptive force on the line. He also had 2 fumble recoveries and his first forced fumble, finishing college with a total of 199 combined tackles, 16.5 sacks, and 15 passes defended.
Professional Career
Arizona Cardinals (2019–2022)
Allen was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round, 65th overall, of the 2019 NFL Draft. He immediately earned a starting role but suffered a neck injury in Week 4, limiting his rookie season.
In 2020, Allen recorded his first career sack against Jimmy Garoppolo and finished the season strong with notable performances, including 11 tackles and a sack against the Philadelphia Eagles. Over the next two seasons, Allen improved steadily, logging 48 tackles, 4 sacks, and 3 fumble recoveries in 2021, followed by 47 tackles and 5.5 sacks in 2022. He credited his growth to mentorship from J.J. Watt, one of the NFL’s premier defensive players.
Denver Broncos (2023–Present)
In 2023, Allen signed a three-year, $45.75 million contract with the Denver Broncos, reuniting with former defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. Allen replaced Dre’Mont Jones as the Broncos’ starting left defensive end and posted 60 tackles, 5 sacks, 8 tackles-for-loss, and 1 forced fumble in his first season.
The 2024 season marked Allen’s career peak. He recorded 8.5 sacks, 15 tackles-for-loss, 40 quarterback hits, and a safety, earning Second-team All-Pro honors. He also led all defensive linemen in snaps played, highlighting his durability and consistency.
On August 2, 2025, Allen signed a four-year, $102 million contract extension, including $69.5 million guaranteed, keeping him with the Broncos well into the decade. His peers ranked him 90th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2025, reflecting his rising influence in the league.
Playing Style and Strengths
Allen excels as a versatile edge rusher, combining size, speed, and technique to pressure quarterbacks and disrupt offenses. He also contributes significantly in run defense and pass coverage, making him a complete defensive end. His leadership, endurance, and consistent improvement have made him a cornerstone of Denver’s defensive line.
Personal Life
Zach Allen maintains a low-profile personal life, focusing on football and professional development. He is widely respected by teammates and coaches for his discipline, work ethic, and team-first mentality.
Legacy and Future Outlook
Allen has quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s elite defensive ends, with multiple seasons of high-impact play and a record of continuous improvement. With his new long-term contract, he is poised to lead Denver’s defensive front for years, contributing to playoff aspirations and further cementing his NFL legacy.
