In an interview with The News-Gazette, Allison said his mother, Melissa Glover, gave him his first name because she wanted to give him "a unique name".[2] Allison credits his mother with instilling his religious faith, which he expresses in post-game prayers with opponents and teammates at midfield.[3]
Allison attended Spoto High School in Riverview, Florida.[4] He was academically ineligible his sophomore and junior years but worked in private classes with the coach's wife Anne Caparaso to improve his grades and had a successful senior season.[3]
College career
Due to his academic struggles in high school, Allison began college at Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He proved to be a bright student, finishing an associate degree in just three semesters. Allison also led the team to a 22–1 record in two seasons, an NJCAA title, and led the conference in receptions, yards, and touchdowns in his second year.[3]
Allison transferred to the University of Illinois, where he played for the Fighting Illini in 2014 and 2015.[5] During his junior year, Allison was usually the second option to freshman star Mike Dudek, though Allison caught five touchdowns to Dudek's six for the 6–7 Illini. In Week 3, Allison had a career-high six receptions for 160 yards and two touchdowns in a lopsided loss to Washington.[6] Allison took over the top spot his senior year, replacing the injured Dudek for 882 yards but only three touchdowns during the 5–7 campaign. Allison had over 90 yards receiving in five of the first seven games, but five or fewer receptions in the final five games of the season.[7] He was an All-Big Ten Conference honorable mention, and won the team's Service Above Self award.[3]
On September 3, 2016, Allison was released by the Packers during final team cuts,[12] but re-signed to the Packers' practice squad two days later.[13] On October 24, 2016, he was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster.[14] Allison made his NFL debut against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8. His first career NFL reception came as a four-yard touchdown from Aaron Rodgers in the second quarter. Allison finished the narrow 33–32 road loss with two receptions for 21 yards and the aforementioned touchdown.[15]
Allison finished his rookie year with 12 receptions for 202 yards and two touchdowns in ten games and two starts. In the postseason, Allison had five receptions for 65 yards before the Packers lost on the road to the Falcons in the NFC Championship Game by a score of 44–21.[16]
2017 season
On July 19, 2017, Allison was suspended for the first game of the 2017 season for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.[17] During a Week 3 27–24 overtime victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, he had career-highs with six receptions and 122 yards.[18]
Allison finished his second professional season with 23 receptions for 253 yards in 15 games and two starts.[19] Allison's 23 receptions finished fourth among Packers receivers on the season.[20]
2018 season
Allison was re-signed by the Packers on March 14, 2018.[21] He started the season well, with 19 receptions for 289 yards and two touchdowns before suffering a concussion during a Week 3 31–17 road loss to the Washington Redskins.[22] On November 6, 2018, Allison was placed on injured reserve after undergoing groin surgery.[23][24]
Allison finished the 2018 season with 20 receptions for 303 yards and two touchdowns in five games and four starts.[25]
2019 season
On March 13, 2019, Allison was re-signed by the Packers.[26] He finished the 2019 season with 34 receptions for 287 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games and six starts. In the postseason, Allison had three receptions for 19 yards before the Packers lost on the road to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game by a score of 37–20.[27]
Detroit Lions
On April 6, 2020, Allison signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions.[28] On August 2, 2020, Allison announced that he would opt out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[29]
On August 31, 2021, Allison was released by the Lions.[30] He was re-signed to the practice squad on September 15.[31] Allison was promoted to the active roster on October 20. He was released on November 16 and re-signed to the practice squad.[32]
Atlanta Falcons
On May 16, 2022, Allison signed with the Falcons.[33] He was released on August 23, 2022.[34]
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