Brian Allen (offensive lineman)

Brian Allen (born October 11, 1995) is an American football center for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Michigan State. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

College career
After starring for Hinsdale Central High School, Allen was recruited to play college football for Michigan State University. Allen played with his older brother and his younger brother during his collegiate career. He was a three time all-Big Ten Conference selection as well as a Freshman All-American.

Los Angeles Rams
Allen was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round (111th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft, using the pick acquired in the Robert Quinn trade. He played in 13 games his rookie year as a backup.

In 2019, Allen was named the starting center following the departure of veteran John Sullivan. He started the first nine games before suffering an MCL injury in Week 10. He was placed on injured reserve on November 12, 2019. On April 15, 2020, the Rams announced that Allen was the first NFL player to test positive for COVID-19. Allen would ultimately miss the 2020 season due to injury.

In 2021, Allen had his best season to date, starting 16 out of 17 games during the regular season and all four playoff games, helping the Rams reach Super Bowl LVI where they would defeat the Cincinnati Bengals 23–20. He was also named as a Pro Bowl alternate following the regular season, but did not participate due to playing in the Super Bowl.

On March 14, 2022, Allen signed a three-year extension with the Rams worth $24 million. Allen struggled with knee and thumb injuries that limited him to only five games during the 2022 season.

Prior to the 2023 season, Allen was beaten out by teammate Coleman Shelton for the starting center position. He appeared in five games for the Rams during the season with no starts.

On February 21, 2024, Allen was released by the Rams.

Cleveland Browns
On May 6, 2024, Allen signed with the Cleveland Browns.

Personal life
His older brother Jack is also a center who signed a free agent deal with the New Orleans Saints in 2016. He also has a younger brother, Matt, who he also played with at Michigan State. All 3 brothers were Illinois high school HWT state wrestling champions.