Births on January 22

Asher Allen

Born on January 22, 1988

Asher Allen, American football player

Asher Allen: A Look Back at the Former NFL Cornerback's Career

Asher Allen, born on January 22, 1988, is a distinguished former American football cornerback whose professional journey, though concise, left a mark in the National Football League (NFL). Known for his athleticism and defensive prowess, Allen dedicated three seasons to the Minnesota Vikings, showcasing his skills at the highest level of professional football.

Collegiate Foundations at the University of Georgia

Before making his mark in the NFL, Asher Allen honed his considerable talents at the University of Georgia, where he was a prominent figure in the Georgia Bulldogs' defensive backfield. During his collegiate career, Allen distinguished himself as a dynamic cornerback, contributing significantly to the team's defensive efforts in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). His impressive performances against top-tier collegiate competition solidified his reputation as an athlete with high potential, drawing the attention of NFL scouts. His time in Athens was instrumental in developing the foundational skills, including coverage techniques and tackling proficiency, that would propel him into professional ranks.

The 2009 NFL Draft: A Third-Round Selection

Allen's exceptional collegiate career culminated in his selection during the 2009 NFL Draft. On April 25, 2009, he was chosen by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round, with the 86th overall pick. Being a third-round selection signifies a player with strong potential to contribute immediately and grow into a significant role, often expected to become a starter or a key rotational player. The Vikings, recognizing his speed, coverage skills, and tackling ability, envisioned him as a key component of their defensive strategy, particularly in their secondary, which is crucial for defending against potent passing attacks in the NFL. This draft position placed him among a cohort of promising defensive talents.

NFL Career with the Minnesota Vikings (2009-2011)

Asher Allen's NFL career spanned three seasons, exclusively with the Minnesota Vikings, from 2009 to 2011. As a cornerback, his primary role involved covering opposing wide receivers, defending against passes (preventing completions and breaking up throws), and contributing to run support by tackling ball carriers. Over his tenure, Allen demonstrated his versatility and commitment, consistently adapting to the rigorous demands of professional football:

2009 Season: As a rookie, Allen quickly integrated into the team, playing in all 16 regular-season games and making two starts. He began to adapt to the immense speed and complexity of the professional game, registering 24 total tackles.
2010 Season: Allen continued to develop, appearing in 14 games with nine starts. He significantly increased his production, accumulating 46 total tackles and securing his sole career interception, a memorable pick against the Green Bay Packers.
2011 Season: In what would be his final professional season, Allen showcased his growing importance to the Vikings' defense by starting 13 of the 13 games he played. He recorded a career-high 68 total tackles, demonstrating his enhanced ability to impact plays consistently.

Throughout his 43 NFL games played, including 24 starts, Asher Allen amassed a total of 138 tackles, one interception, and 15 passes defensed, proving himself to be a diligent and often impactful player in the Vikings' defensive backfield.

Early Retirement Due to Injuries

Despite his consistent contributions and progression, Asher Allen's promising NFL career was unfortunately cut short. In July 2012, prior to the start of what would have been his fourth professional season, Allen announced his retirement from professional football. This decision was primarily driven by chronic hip injuries that significantly impacted his ability to perform at the elite physical level required by the NFL. His early retirement underscored the immense physical toll that professional football can take on athletes' bodies, even those with significant potential and a strong commitment to the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions About Asher Allen

When was Asher Allen born?: Asher Allen was born on January 22, 1988.
Which college did Asher Allen attend for football?: Asher Allen played college football for the University of Georgia, representing the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC.
Which NFL team drafted Asher Allen and in what round?: Asher Allen was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft, as the 86th overall pick.
How many seasons did Asher Allen play in the NFL?: Asher Allen played for three seasons in the National Football League, all with the Minnesota Vikings (from 2009 through 2011).
Why did Asher Allen retire from the NFL early?: Asher Allen's professional football career was concluded early due to chronic hip injuries that prevented him from continuing to play at the required NFL level.

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Events on 1988

14 Apr

Soviet Union
In a United Nations ceremony in Geneva, Switzerland, the Soviet Union signs an agreement pledging to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan.
29 May

Ronald Reagan
The U.S. President Ronald Reagan begins his first visit to the Soviet Union when he arrives in Moscow for a superpower summit with the Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.
15 Nov

State of Palestine
Israeli-Palestinian conflict: An independent State of Palestine is proclaimed by the Palestinian National Council.
16 Nov

Benazir Bhutto
In the first open election in more than a decade, voters in Pakistan elect populist candidate Benazir Bhutto to be Prime Minister of Pakistan.
19 Nov

Slobodan Milošević
Serbian communist representative and future Serbian and Yugoslav president Slobodan Milošević publicly declares that Serbia is under attack from Albanian separatists in Kosovo as well as internal treachery within Yugoslavia and a foreign conspiracy to destroy Serbia and Yugoslavia.