Jon Allen Gives Back

Kate Harwood, Features Editor

As Jonathan Allen rises in fame since being drafted by the Washington Redskins, his contributions live on at Stone Bridge.

Stone Bridge Student

Jonathan Allen attended Stone Bridge from 2009-2013. In his senior year, he was named the Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year. He was recruited to play at the University of Alabama.

“He was a great player and a great person, he was always respectful to teachers,” Head Varsity Football Coach Mickey Thompson said.

Rolltide

Allen attended the University of Alabama from 2013-2017. He passed the opportunity to play in the NFL early and was a captain his senior year. He won the winner of the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award and Ted Hendricks Award. He was also named the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year and earned first team All-SEC honors by both the coaches and the Associated Press. He finished his career ranked second in Alabama history for career sacks and was one of the nation’s most feared defensive players. Allen was drafted first round by the Washington Redskins in the 2017 NFL Draft and was ranked 17th overall.

Washington Redskin

Jonathan Allen is currently a Defensive Lineman for the Washington Redskins. In the first game of the season against the Philadelphia Eagles, Allen had 3 solo tackles and and he assisted with the 7 tackles that the Redskins have made this season so far.

Contributions and Impressions as an Alumni

For this season, Allen gave two jerseys (home and away), a pair of pants, and a set of gloves for each of the players. According to Coach Thompson, Allen has made appearances at Football Camp during the summer and has come to the game at John Champe High School.

His impressive athletic career and his donations had an effect on the players currently on the team.

“I think it’s great that alumni give back to the program, it shows a lot for him to remember Stone Bridge from where he is now,” senior Joe Nameth said.

His generosity was greatly appreciated by the players.

“I thought it was really kind of him going back to his past, still connecting with Coach Thompson and the Stone Bridge Community,” junior Mason Tatum said.

The boys are very appreciative for the new gear and the effect he has on the team.

“I think it’s pretty incredible, the generosity he shows to give back to a program that he loves and appreciates, it shows how great of a character he is and we really appreciate it,” junior Chase Talbott said.

Allen gave the team new jerseys, a pair of pants, and new gloves for the boys to wear.

“I love the new gear we look like a college team when we walk out on the field and it’s awesome!” Nameth said.

The players were impressed with Allen’s generosity and the continued connection he has kept with Stone Bridge.

“I feel like it’s a huge compliment to the players and to Stone Bridge. Most high schools don’t have players that make it that far, that’s a huge compliment for both Stone Bridge and Jonathan Allen,” Tatum said.

The boys are impresses with Allen’s generosity as well as his athletic career.

“I think it shows the success of the program and how lucky we are to be here and how lucky our program is to have the coaching staff that can mold an athlete into a professional,” Talbott said.

Jonathan Allen’s career at Stone Bridge is remembered by his superior athleticism, but as well as his well as his kindness and generosity towards his alumni.