After previously trying out for the New England Patriots early last month, Memphis Showboats DE Jaylon Allen has drawn interest from another NFL team, the Arizona Cardinals.
Following the close of the UFL season, Allen was one of the first Memphis players to earn an NFL tryout. A dominant player for the Showboats’ defense this past season, he recorded 23 tackles, 21 quarterback pressures, and a forced fumble.
Along with mid-season replacement Andrew Dowell, Allen led the team in sacks. During his debut appearance with the Showboats, Allen launched a memorable hit on Michigan Panthers’ Danny Etling that resulted in a punt.
As a standout collegiate athlete at the University of Memphis, the 6’3” 240 lb. Houston, Texas native received All-ACC Honors after leading his team in sacks and recording 40 tackles (7 TFLs), two PBRs, one fumble recovery, and one forced fumble in his senior year.
Allen signed with the Denver Broncos in 2024 as a UDFA but was later waived with an injury settlement. He signed with the Memphis Showboats in December 2024.
In addition to making an impact on the defense, Allen’s charitable work and off-field endeavors led to a nomination from the Showboats as their 2025 UFL Sportsman of the Year candidate. The award is given to an athlete who most exemplifies a passion for giving back to his community. Like the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year award, given to an NFL player in recognition of his excellence both on and off the field, the UFL honor exemplifies someone whose contributions extend beyond the game of football.
While Travis Feeney of the St. Louis Battlehawks won the UFL award this season, Allen’s work with the Memphis Athletic Ministries (M.A.M.) organization made a tremendous difference in the lives of local young people that he mentored. As a caring, reliable, and successful adult role model, he provides a beacon of hope and inspiration to at-risk youth.
Allen’s passion for volunteer work began in college. He explains it best, “I just see, especially in Memphis, just helping the kids out and being like the big brother for those guys, just having that older guy they can look up to, can make a difference,” he said. “I know there’s a really big impact that they need and that they gravitate towards.”
During his end-of-season press conference, Memphis Interim HC Jim Turner introduced Allen as “One of the best players in our league. The biggest hustler. Nobody works harder… nobody has better character than him, that I know. He is an absolute man, and I appreciate his efforts this year.”
Although Allen faces some stiff competition to make the 53-man roster in Arizona. In addition to B.J. Ojulari and Xavier Thomas, the team acquired former Philadelphia Eagles standout Josh Sweat, along with third-round draft pick Jordan Burch (Oregon), during the offseason. However, Allen is used to working hard and overcoming obstacles. This is just another opportunity to show his young mentees what might be possible with hard work, determination, and the right opportunity.
