Josh Allen's Leadership Journey: From 0-Star Recruit to NFL Star

Josh Allen has always been a natural-born leader, but his journey to becoming an NFL star has been anything but easy. Coming out of high school in Firebaugh, California, Allen was a zero-star recruit with no offers. He ended up attending Reedley College, a community college near Fresno, California, with the hope of creating more game tape to get the attention of larger programs.

While at Reedley, Allen took on extra work with the offensive players to show them he knew what to do. He also made sure he supported players who weren't on the field, which earned him the respect of his teammates. In 2015, Allen transferred to the University of Wyoming, where he took his leadership skills to the next level. He made an effort to build relationships with his teammates, both on and off the field. He also made sure he supported players who weren't on the field, which earned him the respect of his teammates.

In 2018, Allen was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round. He joined a team of veteran leaders who had just broken a historic playoff drought. But Allen's role would expand as his numbers improved. His presence in the locker room became more established in a 2020 season when his completion percentage jumped from 58.8% to 69.2%.

In 2024, Allen took his leadership to another level. Without several veterans including former No. 1 receiver Stefon Diggs, Allen had to be 'that guy' for the Bills. Hyde said that the biggest difference is how Allen presents himself. Just his demeanor, the way he prepares... on the TV you can see when Josh is really like, he's flexing on people,' Hyde said. 'He's out there talking junk, that's when he's in his zone, that's when he's doing his best and just a hell of a football player.'

Allen's voice can be heard in the locker room, and also in offensive meetings on Fridays in which he has been'very adamant,' as tight end Dawson Knox described, about hearing which plays the players would like to run. Allen had previously given an occasional pregame speech, but he has been doing them every week this season. He also gives separate speeches for the offense and to the skill position players. They have certainly resonated.

Allen's leadership has allowed this Bills team to take on his qualities: being themselves and locking in on the field in pursuit of their first Super Bowl in more than 30 years. 'His competitiveness and then his drive to really bring everyone along with him,' Bills co-captain and linebacker Terrel Bernard said. '... He's still light and funny and all that stuff, but when it's time to go, it's time to go and you can see that with him... his leadership and his mentality is kind of infectious for the whole team.'