Jaguars' Pro Bowler changing name to pay tribute to 'maternal side of the family'
The jersey for one of the Jacksonville Jaguars star players will look a little different this fall.
Pass rusher Josh Allen will now be referred to as Josh Hines-Allen. The team said the name change was made in "tribute to Joshua's maternal side of the family and the other relatives who have worn 'Hines' and 'Hines-Allen' on their jerseys."
Hines-Allen was sometimes confused with his former namesake, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. The Bills signal caller will not be making any alterations to his name.
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Josh Hines-Allen, #41 of the Jacksonville Jaguars, runs out of the tunnel prior to an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on Nov. 26, 2023 in Houston. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
The Jaguars edge rusher's sister, WNBA player Myisha, has used the Hines-Allen surname for years.
His other sisters, Kyra and LaTorri, both played college basketball and also used the Hines-Allen last name.
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"Legacy is forever, and I’m proud to carry that tradition on the back of my jersey, following in the footsteps of my family, who have donned the Hines-Allen last name with so much pride and joy," the 27-year-old said in a social media video. "My last name has been changed, but I’m still that person. And I will continue to play like it, play even better."
Josh Hines-Allen, #41 of the Jacksonville Jaguars, celebrates after defeating the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on Nov. 26, 2023 in Houston. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
The NFL star credits his uncle Gregory Hines for helping raise him. Gregory was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 1983 following a standout career at Hampton University. Hines-Allen's other uncle, Keith Hines, played basketball at Montclair State.
The Jaguars said fans will have the opportunity to receive a jersey with "Hines-Allen" on the back during a merchandise exchange event in September.
Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Josh Hines-Allen, #41, returns a fumble for a touchdown in the second half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Hines-Allen is coming off a strong season. He recorded a career-high 17.5 sacks in 2023, which also marked the most sacks in franchise history.
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He was the No. 7 overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft. The Jaguars rewarded Hines-Allen in April with a five-year contract extension.
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