Jaguars' Josh Allen motivated by personal goals after earning new contract: 'I'm a legacy guy'

Just because pass rusher Josh Allen received a major payday from the Jacksonville Jaguars doesn’t mean his motivation is sapped. In fact, he’s setting the bar higher.

Allen, who signed a new five-year, $150 million contract this week, said his sights have turned to his future legacy in Jacksonville and how he can help raise the franchise to greater heights.

“I’m extremely blessed and honored to get this paycheck — or to get these checks — but I still set goals for myself,” Allen said on Wednesday, via the team’s official site. “Defensive Player of the Year is my next goal — winning in the Super Bowl, being the MVP of it. I’m a legacy guy.

My goal is to secure a Super Bowl victory and earn the MVP title. I will not rest until I achieve this. This ambition is my driving force, surpassing even the allure of financial gain.

The 2023 season was Allen’s best individually, logging 17.5 sacks, which broke the single-season franchise record of 14.5 set by defensive lineman Calais Campbell in 2017 and was tied for second in the NFL last season behind the Steelers’ T.J. Watt. Allen also was named to his second Pro Bowl, earning his first as a rookie in 2019.

But Allen tried to set the record straight on his sack flourish. Yes, it was a contract year, and the breakout forced the Jaguars to place the franchise tag on Allen, which restricted his movement in the free-agent market. Yet, Allen’s pre-extension motivation wasn’t what many might have assumed.

“Last year was a period of discovery for me,” stated Allen. “People often say, ‘It was a contract year, he must have been more driven.’ Yet, for me, it was about understanding life. No one hands you a manual saying, ‘Here’s life, this is your path. This is how you should navigate it.'”

My wife and I have experienced significant growth over the years. We express gratitude daily for not remaining stagnant, recognizing our continual need for growth. We understand the importance of building something valuable for our children – a legacy. It’s truly special.

If we are to believe what he says, Allen appears to be a man determined to create a legacy for as long as he remains in Jacksonville.