Josh Allen told reporters that he does not feel capable of playing quarterback as he has been for the duration of his NFL career. The mobile Buffalo Bills passer has become well known for his scrambling ability, as well as his arm and penchant for risk-taking in and out of the pocket.
“It sounds crazy, but I’m getting older,” Allen said on Tuesday. “I can’t continue to do this. I know when I’m using my youth, I feel like I can, but over the course of my career I’m going to have to learn to adapt and change.”
In five seasons with the Bills, Allen has thrown 18,397 yards and 138 touchdowns while also rushing for over 3,087 yards and another 38 touchdowns. His production on the ground has become an integral part of his game, one that allows him more time to throw as defenders struggle to contain him.
For many fans, thinking of Allen as a pure pocket passer may seem unnatural after so many memorably dynamic moments. While it’s unlikely that this change will happen all at once, it is nevertheless inevitable that the quarterback will have to adjust as his career wears on.
“I’ve always had the mindset of, I’ve been a football player first and a quarterback second, and at some point, that is going to have to switch,” Allen said. “When that point is, I don’t know. I guess I’ll let my body tell me.”
In a modern NFL era placing a premium on multi-faceted quarterbacks, Allen stands out as one of the more durable stars of the game. This makes his doubts about longevity even more concerning. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who shares a similar risk-taking mindset, was at the center of this debate last season after sustaining multiple head injuries and missing much of Miami’s season.
Others, like Lamar Jackson, have received even more criticism for their play style, which some say leaves them to vulnerable to injury. Improvisational passers like Patrick Mahomes and Kyler Murray have also been subjects of concern as fans and analysts alike question their ability to maintain their playstyles over the course of their careers.
