Jaguars star officially changes name to Josh Hines-Allen ahead of 2024 season
Jacksonville Jaguars star Josh Allen is officially doing all NFL fans a favor ahead of the 2024 season. The former Kentucky standout has announced his name change to Josh Hines-Allen. Now, he’ll no longer be confused for Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, although that wasn’t the reason the defender decided to make the move.
The Jaguars first-rounder shared that he has wanted to add Hines to his last name for a while to give a nod to his extended family.
“It’s not a struggle to finally say that this is what I want to do, this is what we’re going to do, I am deciding to change my last name,” Hines-Allen said. “I’m Joshua Hines-Allen, defensive end, Jacksonville Jaguars. You know, I’ve always been a Hines and legacy is forever. Family is important because when you come from a rich history of athletic people in your family… it just means a little bit more. It was almost destined for me to follow in their footsteps.
“Last name has changed but I’m still that person, and I’m going to continue to play like it – or play even better.”
This offseason, Hines-Allen signed a brand new contract extension, netting him a deal for $150 million. He’ll make roughly $30 million a year on his new contract extension as the second-highest-paid edge rusher in the league behind only 49ers’ Nick Bosa.
Hines-Allen explains why name change was important before 2024 season
Last season, Hines-Allen earned his second Pro Bowl invitation while recording 66 tackles, 17.5 sacks and 33 QB hits in 2023. He set the Jaguars’ new franchise record for single-season sacks. His previous career-high of 10.5 sacks came as a rookie for Jacksonville in 2019.
His performance during the 2023 season made him that much more convinced that he should go ahead with the name change because he wants to begin establishing his legacy with the name his family members have worn on their backs.
“Now I have the attention from people, they’re interested because of what I did last year,” Allen said. “So now, I can create my narrative on what I want to do. That’s why this is the perfect time. Once I get to the Pride of the Jaguars, it’s going to say Joshua Hines-Allen. When I look there, that’s my legacy. That’s what I’ve always wanted and it’s going to say that.”
The Jaguars drafted their star edge rusher with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Kentucky. He became an immediate impact player for Jacksonville. After the first four years of his rookie contract ran out, the Jaguars opted to exercise his fifth-year option for $10.892 million.