ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Throughout the past year, Josh Allen has achieved numerous significant milestones, including being named NFL MVP, getting engaged to actress Hailee Steinfeld, and securing a lucrative contract that solidified his status as one of the league’s highest-paid players. However, one goal remains on the Buffalo Bills quarterback’s list: winning a Super Bowl.
“Anyone I meet, whether a friend or not, always congratulates me on having an outstanding year,” Allen shared with reporters on Wednesday. “But looking back, the only thing missing is ending our season with a championship victory,” he added. “That’s all that’s on my mind—continuing to improve and finding a way to bring the Lombardi Trophy to western New York.”
While Allen’s attention remains on the future, he took a moment to reflect on recent successes, just days after signing a six-year, $330 million contract extension, including an NFL-record $250 million guaranteed. “It’s pretty surreal,” Allen said during a Zoom call from his offseason home in Southern California. “My 8-year-old self would be just as thrilled as my 28-year-old self.”
Despite his successes, Allen humbly remembered the challenges he faced from starting at Reedley Community College in Central California to transferring to Wyoming, where he was criticized for his raw style and inaccuracy. Even after proving doubters wrong, he said with a laugh about being called overrated: “Maybe, we’ll see.”
Though the Bills have yet to reach the Super Bowl under Allen’s leadership, they have made it to the AFC Championship game twice, losing to Kansas City in 2020 and the recent season. Allen’s impact on the Buffalo community and team is unquestioned, especially since he was drafted seventh overall in 2018. He has broken nearly every single-season franchise record for his position and led the team to five consecutive AFC East titles.
Last year was particularly memorable for Allen on and off the field. He became the third Bills player to win MVP honors, achieving significant feats despite the trade of Stefon Diggs to Houston and losing Gabe Davis to free agency. Allen managed 41 touchdowns, including one receiving, with only six interceptions during a 13-win season. Off the field, Allen got engaged to Steinfeld in November. “I’m so grateful for what’s happening in my life and finding the person I want to share it with,” Allen said. “Having that figured out makes everything else seem a bit easier.”
Allen’s new contract keeps him with the Bills through 2030. Although the numbers are dazzling, he ensured the deal was team-friendly to help maintain a competitive roster. This approach was evident leading up to free agency, as the Bills strengthened their defense by signing edge rusher Joey Bosa and tackle Larry Ogunjobi and secured Joshua Palmer as a receiver. “Honestly, what is an extra $5 million going to add to my life that I can’t already do?” Allen said. “If it impacts the cap, let’s work it out differently.”
Although Allen’s contract ranks second in average annual salary at $55 million, it only occupies 19.7% of the team’s salary cap, ranking 13th in cap percentage. Having already signed a six-year, $258 million contract in August 2021, Buffalo is where Allen wants to spend his entire career. “I don’t want to play anywhere else,” he declared. “When it’s time to retire, hopefully, it’ll be in Buffalo.”
Allen joked about being far from retirement while expressing how quickly time has flown. “It feels like ages ago, but I remember sitting on the sidelines in junior college waiting for my chance,” Allen recalled. “I’m not really nostalgic. I focus on the present, staying grounded, and taking it one day at a time.”
