A. J. Allen

A. J. Allen (born April 14, 1998) is a Canadian professional football linebacker for the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played U Sports football at Guelph.

Early life Allen was born in Burlington, Ontario, and attended M. M. Robinson High School in Burlington. He was then selected by the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) in the fourth round, with the 35th overall pick, of the 2020 CFL draft. However, the 2020 CFL season was later cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He officially signed with the Roughriders on January 19, 2021. Allen did not make the team and was sent back to Guelph for another season. He was placed on injured reserve on June 17, 2022, and activated from injured reserve on July 28. He dressed in 12 games during the 2022 CFL season, recording six defensive tackles and six special teams tackles. Allen dressed in all 18 games in 2023, accumulating 19 defensive tackles, 19 special teams tackles, and one pass breakup. He dressed in all 18 games for the third straight year, starting 17, in 2025, posting 87 defensive tackles, four special teams tackles, four sacks, three forced fumbles, three interceptions for 10 yards, and five pass breakups. On November 16, 2025, Saskatchewan won the 112th Grey Cup against the Montreal Alouettes by a score of 25–17.

Allen became a free agent upon the expiry of his contract on February 10, 2026. On February 11, it was announced that he had signed a two-year contract with the Ottawa Redblacks.