Some things never change. Josh Allen is still sacking quarterbacks, and Mark Stoops is still beaming like a proud father.
After the former Kentucky superstar officially broke the Jacksonville Jaguars’ all-time
sack record, Stoops took a moment during his Monday press conference to gush about the player who helped build the foundation of the modern Kentucky era.
“I shot a video for him,” Stoops said, smiling. “It does not surprise me. We anticipated that.”
‘A franchise player’
For Kentucky fans, 2018 feels like yesterday. And for Stoops, the impact Allen had on the culture in Lexington is still being felt today.
“Unbelievable human being,” Stoops said. “The way he kind of came in here and set the tone… not only being a great player, but doing things right.”
Stoops recalled the pre-draft process, where he told every NFL scout who would listen exactly what they were getting.
“I said it when he was coming out of the draft. He’s a franchise player. He’s a guy that you want on your franchise.” He wasn’t wrong.
Still impacting Kentucky today
The best part? Allen hasn’t forgotten where he came from.
Stoops revealed that the NFL star is still a frequent visitor to the Kentucky facility, actively mentoring the next generation of pass rushers.
“Whenever Josh is around, he’s always wanting to give help… talking to the team, talking to the group,” Stoops said. “He’s always willing and always has time.”
From a recruit to a record-breaker, Josh Allen is the ultimate Mark Stoops success story.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion
