The Washington Redskins are having a tough season, but Jonathan Allen is thriving, and showing support for Dwayne Haskins and the nation’s best.
The Redskins are in flux. They need hope. Jonathan Allen has an idea where to look.
Speaking on FanSided’s Stacking The Box Podcast on Tuesday, the defensive tackle spoke on rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins and his upside. Haskins, who is yet to make his first start, is showcasing in practice why the Redskins took him 16th-overall.
“Very talented as far as his physical capabilities,” Allen said. “Just what he’s able to do on the run, some of the throws he makes are ridiculous. I’m super excited for him. Super excited.”
Unfortunately, Haskins isn’t the main topic of conversation around Washington’s football team. It’s Jay Gruden, the embattled coach who was mercifully fired in the midst of his sixth season at the helm. Following a 33-7 loss against the New England Patriots on Sunday, Gruden was fired less than 24 hours later. While Gruden’s record is subpar, Allen feels his now-former head coach deserves a fond farewell.
“Coach Gruden was a great coach,” Allen said. “I thoroughly enjoyed playing for him and I have nothing but the utmost respect for him and to him. As for as the coaching change, I don’t have too much to say about that. There’s a business to it that I’m not a part of and I don’t understand, and I’m just trying to do my job and help my time win, so all my energy and all my focus is on the Miami Dolphins.”
Allen also spoke about his personal interests. A son of a military man, Allen is deeply invested in the American soldiers both overseas in abroad.
Allen joined FedEx and the USO last week at FedEx Field to recognize two D.C.-area military veterans who are participating in the FedEx Football Fellowship, a season-long career experience working within the Redskins organization.
The workshop is part of FedEx’s support for USO Pathfinder, which helps retiring service members and military families prepare for the transition back to civilian life.
“It’s important to me,” Allen said. “Growing up in a military household there are definitely challenges and sacrifices that the men and women of this country make that go unappreciated and unnoticed. I just want to do my part to recognize what they do for us, what they go through for us, and make them feel special for what they do for this country.”
For more football coverage, please check out our FanSided NFL hub.