David Allen
Born: February 9, 1978 (Euless, TX)
Graduated: Liberty (MO) H.S., 1997 / Kansas State University, 2001

Everyone strives to be remembered in some way no matter the level that they participated in their sport at. David Allen carved his name into the Kansas State record books and has created a legacy that will never be forgotten by Kansas State football fans.

Allen made a name for himself in just four short years at K-State, becoming one of the most dynamic return men in the history of college football. It wasn’t just his ten K-State records that he’s remembered for, however. Allen strived not only to be the best football player he could be, but also the best person he could be in every aspect of his life.

“I really tried to emphasize being a great role model, friend, teammate and helpful individual in the community,” Allen told K-State Athletics in 2008.

Allen’s mindset and attitude are something that all collegiate athletes can learn from and adapt. Collegiate athletes can be more than just athletes – they can leaders, role models and friends to everyone in their community.

Allen is proof that you can be remembered for more than just athletic accolades. Not only does K-State remember Allen for his accomplishments on the field, but how he impacted the university off the field.

The journey to becoming a consensus All-American in 1998 began in Euless, Texas, before moving north to Missouri, and becoming a standout player at Liberty High School.

Allen drew the attention of several Big 12 Conference schools in the area, including Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska and Kansas, but ultimately Kansas State was the place that felt the most like home and presented the most opportunity for growth and development as a team and as an individual.

During his four years with the Wildcats, Allen helped K-State to a 44-7 record with two Big 12 North titles, the first win against Nebraska since 1968, and the first number one national ranking in school history.

Not only did Allen help Kansas State to team success, but he experienced his own success as well, setting ten K-State records and becoming a three-time All-America selection. In addition to school records, Allen boasted a nation leading record in both punt return yards and touchdowns, while finishing his career tied for the NCAA record in punt-return touchdowns.

The 2008 K-State Ring of Honor inductee went on to play for the San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars and St. Louis Rams, in the NFL before joining the Calgary Stampeders in the Canadian Football League.

Allen was named to the K-State football ring of honor in 2008 and today adds his name among the all-time greats in Kansas history as an inductee of the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame.