The Jacksonville Jaguars will have a new name to cheer for this upcoming season. Pro Bowl pass rusher Josh Allen has decided to change his last name to Hines-Allen in honor of his maternal family side. The team announced that the name change is a tribute to his relatives who have used ‘Hines’ and ‘Hines-Allen’ on their jerseys.
Josh Hines-Allen, formerly known as Josh Allen, wanted to differentiate himself from Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who shares the same name. This change will help fans recognize him more easily on the field. His decision was also influenced by his sisters, Myisha, Kyra, and LaTorri, who have been using the Hines-Allen surname in their respective sports careers.
In a social media video, the 27-year-old expressed his pride in carrying on the family tradition and legacy. He emphasized that while his last name has changed, he remains the same person and is committed to playing even better in the upcoming season. Josh credits his uncle Gregory Hines for his upbringing, who had a successful basketball career and played for the Golden State Warriors.
Fans of the Jaguars will have the opportunity to get their hands on a jersey with ‘Hines-Allen’ printed on the back during a merchandise exchange event in September. This change comes after a remarkable season for Hines-Allen, where he achieved a career-high 17.5 sacks, setting a new franchise record. His performance on the field led to a five-year contract extension from the Jaguars in April.
The NFL star’s decision to change his name reflects his deep connection to his family and the pride he takes in carrying on their legacy. The upcoming season will be an exciting one for Josh Hines-Allen and his fans, as they cheer for him under his new name and continue to witness his stellar performances on the field.