Despite getting tagged as an NFL joke, Josh Allen has become one of the most dynamic players in the league’s history. His rise from a little-known high school quarterback to the Buffalo Bills’ standout captain is a remarkable story of perseverance. Here are 15 valuable lessons you can learn from Allen’s journey to NFL success.
Embrace Adversity
Growing up in Firebaugh, a town with limited football exposure, Allen was overlooked by major colleges. After finishing high school in 2014, he received no scholarship offers, forcing him to attend Reedley Junior College. Yet, this only fueled his ambition, teaching that challenges are not roadblocks but stepping stones to greatness.
Hard Work Opens Doors
After his junior college stint, he took matters into his own hands. He sent over 1,000 emails to college coaches to secure a scholarship. His persistence finally paid off when the University of Wyoming gave him a chance. Hard work may not always guarantee success, but it significantly increases your chances of finding opportunities.
Be Open to Advice
When Allen threw over 3,200 yards with the Wyoming Cowboys in 2016, he considered skipping his senior year to declare for the 2017 NFL draft. This didn’t sit right with his father and coach, who believed waiting would improve his NFL prospects. Listening to this advice meant Allen was rightly positioned and prepared to join the Buffalo Bills in 2018.
Learn from Early Struggles
Allen’s rookie year in the NFL, 2018, was marked by inconsistencies. He started 11 games, throwing eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions with a 52.8% completion rate. Rather than let these early struggles define him, Allen treated them as learning experiences. His focus was obsessively on improving his mechanics during the 2019 lockdown.
Trust the Process
In his second season with the Bills, his completion percentage increased to 58.8%, but he was far from being considered elite. Still, the Bills trusted in his development, which paid off in 2020 when his throwing accuracy hit 69.2%! That percentage now stands at 75, debunking the notion that improving one’s throwing accuracy is impossible.
Surround Yourself with the Right People
The arrival of Stefon Diggs in 2020 was a turning point for Allen. Their friendship greatly enhanced Allen’s game, with Diggs leading the NFL with 5,372 receiving yards that year. Digg has since transferred to the Houston Texans, but in Allen’s words, his impact will be missed.
Use Criticism as Fuel
When Allen joined the 2018 NFL Draft, many experts doubted his accuracy, labeling him a risky pick. One even compared his throwing percentage to that of 76-year-old Roger Staubach. But by 2020, Allen had silenced many of his critics with his performance.
Stay Resilient Through Failure
Allen’s 2020 AFC East Division performance against the Kansas City Chiefs ended in a 38-24 loss, a disappointing outcome after a stellar season. Instead of wallowing in defeat, Allen returned the following season more determined, routing the Dolphins 35-0 in the second week.
Personal Development Beats Natural Talent
While negative public opinion about him soured, Allen Invested in his personal development by working with famous coach Jordan Palmer during the offseasons. In an interview, Palmer mentioned Allen had the potential to have a high throwing accuracy but just needed footwork practice.
Don’t Forget Your Roots
Even as a successful NFL star, Allen remains close to his roots in Firebaugh, so much so that general manager Brandon Beane said, “he’s still that kid from Firebaugh.” He has never forgotten the community that supported him, frequently visiting his home state and donating to charities like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Fresno, California.
Never Forget Your “Why”
For Allen, football is more than just personal success. During a video conference in 2020, the star said his fear is disappointing those who have expressed consistent faith in his abilities, and this drives him to perform excellently.
Be a Leader Both in Victories and in Losses
In the 2019 season, he was appointed team captain and, a year later, led the Bills to their first AFC East division title in 26 years. But even when they lost to the Chiefs 38-24 later that season, he took responsibility and encouraged his teammates to stay motivated.
Adapt to Changing Circumstances
The Bills swapped their former starting center Mitch Morse for Connor McGovern during the 2023 season, whom the star was not used to. Instead of panicking, Allen invested hours training with McGovern and adjusted his playing style to suit the new center.
Celebrate Team Successes Over Individual Achievements
During interviews, he often credits his teammates and coaches for their roles in his accomplishments. In the 31-10 victory over the Miami Dolphins on September 12, 2024, he focused on team unity, stating, “When you play together, you have good results.”
Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination
Josh Allen’s rise wasn’t overnight. Coming from a small town in California and playing college football at Wyoming, he had to work hard to prove his abilities. And upon joining the Bills, he faced excessive criticism he never expected. His story reminds us to be intentional with every decision we make as success is a journey.
15 Powerful Lessons from Josh Allen’s Journey to NFL Stardom