Jonathan Allen
A defensive force who anchored the line for Washington with a blend of power and technical brilliance forged at Alabama.
Born 1995 (age 31)·American football player·Birthday: January 16·Millennials
Biography
Jonathan Allen emerged from a powerhouse Alabama program, where his disciplined, explosive play helped secure a national championship and established him as one of college football's most dominant defensive linemen. Drafted in the first round by Washington, he quickly became the reliable, high-motor cornerstone of their defensive front. His game isn't about flashy numbers but about consistent disruption, commanding double teams, and setting a tone of relentless effort. Over eight seasons in Washington, his leadership and production earned him recognition as a Pro Bowl-caliber player, respected as much for his football IQ as his physicality. His move to Cincinnati marks a new chapter for a veteran whose presence fundamentally alters an offensive line's game plan.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jonathan was born in 1995, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jonathan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1995
#1 Movie
Toy Story
Best Picture
Braveheart
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Jonathan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1995Born
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2000Started school
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2008Became a teenager
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Could drive
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2013Could vote
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Turned 21
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2025Turned 30
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 31 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won a College Football National Championship with the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2015.
- Selected in the first round (17th overall) by the Washington franchise in the 2017 NFL Draft.
- Earned Pro Bowl selections following the 2021 and 2022 NFL seasons.
- Named the Chuck Bednarik Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner as the nation's top defensive player in 2016.
Did You Know?
He played high school football at Stone Bridge in Ashburn, Virginia, the same state where he began his professional career.
Allen majored in consumer sciences while at the University of Alabama.
He and his Alabama teammate Daron Payne were later reunited as professional teammates on the Washington defensive line.
“Winning the line of scrimmage is where every game starts.”
