The Memphis Showboats’ second season is officially over. Although none of the team’s talented athletes were named to the All-UFL Team, one remaining prestigious honor is yet to be announced.
Memphis DE Jaylon Allen is the Showboats’ nominee for the 2025 UFL Sportsman of the Year. The award is given to the athlete who most exemplifies a passion for giving back to his community. Like the NFL Walter Payton Man of The Year award, given to an NFL player in recognition of his excellence on and off the field, the UFL honor exemplifies someone whose contribution goes beyond the game of football.
The “UFL Sportsman of the Year” is perhaps the most important honor of all, signifying an athlete’s lasting impact and contribution. By providing a positive role model, and leading by example, Allen addresses a gap in our society that is needed more today than ever before.
For a young person, spending quality time with a successful athlete who expresses interest and shows that he cares about them, can leave a lasting impact. Allen provides that reliable and caring presence. He has a passion for giving back to his adopted community of Memphis and wants to make a difference.
A Standout College Athlete
Allen isn’t a Memphis native. Originally from Humble, Texas, a Houston suburb with a population of 16,000, he attended the University of Memphis where he became a standout athlete.
As a 6’3” 240 lb. defensive lineman, Allen consistently received All-ACC honors throughout his collegiate career. In addition to being nominated for the All-ACC Academic team, Allen led his team in sacks and TFLs in his redshirt senior year.
Recording 40 tackles, seven TFLs, 2.0 sacks, two pass breakups, one fumble recovery, and one forced fumble as a fifth-year senior, Allen closed out his college career. Making the postseason with a 10-3 season, the Memphis Tigers defeated the Iowa State Cyclones 36-26 in the 2023 Liberty Bowl.
Allen’s Professional Football Career
Allen signed with the Denver Broncos in 2024 as a UFDA but was later waived with an injury settlement. He signed with the Memphis Showboats in December 2024. In his UFL debut appearance, Allen had a huge sack on Michigan Panthers’ quarterback Danny Etling, forcing a third and long that resulted in a punt.
Allen and fellow Showboats’ defender Andrew Dowell led the team in sacks this season. In addition, he finished the season with 23 tackles and a forced fumble.
Discovering A Passion For Volunteer Work
During his time at the University of Memphis, Allen was introduced to the Memphis Athletic Ministries (M.A.M.) at a volunteer event. The M.A.M. is a faith-based organization that seeks to instill identity, hope, and change in the lives of young people. A resource for youth who struggle with emotional, mental, and behavioral challenges, the group works with families to strengthen bonds and focus on building long-term success.
Hoping to make a difference and provide the positive, caring role model he lacked growing up, Allen became a familiar presence at community youth events. He knew that what mattered most was being a consistent reliable adult. However, Allen doesn’t simply show up. He takes the time to listen to the kids and get to know them. He encourages them to follow their passions and achieve their dreams. Allen is a beacon of hope and inspiration, demonstrating what might be possible if they are willing to put in the work.
During his end-of-season press conference, Memphis HC Jim Turner introduced Allen as, “One of the best players in our league. The biggest hustler. Nobody works harder… nobody has better character than him, that I know. He is an absolute man and I appreciate his efforts this year.”
While the Showboats season may have ended with disappointment, one player is already a winner. He left an indelible mark on the kids he’s met. In their eyes, he is a hero; someone they can look up to and emulate. Allen doesn’t volunteer or show up for the publicity. He does it for the kids.
Allen explains it best, “I just see, especially in Memphis, just helping the kids out and being like the big brother for those guys, just having that older guy they can look up to, can make a difference,” he said. “I know there’s a really big impact that they need and that they gravitate towards.”
After the UFL team claims the Championship trophy next weekend, and the MVP trophy is awarded, sometimes it’s an athlete’s off-field contributions that can have the most profound and lasting impact.
