A.J. Allen has a seemingly infinite capacity for versatility.
In 2024, he was the CFL’s co-leader in special teams tackles in addition to registering a highlight-reel interception-return touchdown that ranked 10th in a league-issued plays-of-the-year compilation.
An established multi-tasker on the field, the inexhaustible Allen recently expanded his repertoire by beginning work as a legal assistant with Agueci & Calabreta, based in the Toronto suburb of North York.
“I decided to start working and not work on my Plan B when I’m 37, so this opportunity came to be,” Allen, who turns 27 on April 14, says from his off-season home in Burlington, Ont.
There isn’t any sign of Plan A disappearing from the equation.
Allen, a member of the Roughriders since 2022, recently signed a contract extension. He had been eligible to test free agency on Feb. 11.
“It was so cool, because it showed that we’re on the same page and we both wanted me to be here,” the 6-foot-0, 210-pound linebacker says.
Allen was a fourth-round selection (35th overall) in the 2020 CFL Draft.
After COVID-19 resulted in the cancellation of football seasons across Canada, he returned to the gridiron with the University of Guelph Gryphons in 2021.
As a CFL rookie in 2022, he registered six special teams tackles in six games. He has dressed for all 18 regular-season games in 2023 and 2024, amassing 41 stops on coverage teams over that span.
With 47 career special teams tackles, Allen has quickly ascended to 16th on the Roughriders’ career list. Another season that is comparable to 2023 and 2024 would vault him into seventh.
A couple of firsts also enter into the conversation.
On Oct. 12, Allen celebrated his introductory CFL start by returning an interception 48 yards for a touchdown against the visiting B.C. Lions. The pick-six, on the game’s second play from scrimmage, set the tone as the Roughriders won 39-8 to secure a home playoff game.
The pass was tipped by three different players before landing in the hands of Allen, who sped down the right sideline to complete an eye-catching play that ended up being ranked 10th on cfl.ca.
It almost seemed scripted, but it was very real.
“You couldn’t make it up any better,” the easygoing Allen says. “I can’t lie to you. I didn’t know I was starting that game (until an injury necessitated a lineup change shortly before kickoff).
“Some people get 18 chances. That was chance Number 1. That’s huge. I was able to prove myself right and show that I can do this and do it at a high level. It was so cool.
“Some people get more chances, for sure. I was just one of the lucky ones who was able to do it on my first chance.”
Subsequently, Allen ended up being tied for first in the league in special teams tackles. He shared top spot with the Toronto Argonauts’ Jack Cassar after finishing in a fifth-place tie the year before.
“I’m a guy who sets personal goals,” Allen says. “Last year, I was aiming for 20 special teams tackles and I was off by one, so this past year that was the same goal. I was up by two, so it’s always cool to achieve your goals. That shows that I’m working toward the right things and that I’m putting in the right work to achieving those goals.
“Not all the goals are personal. They’re also team goals. Achieving that personal goal will help us become a better special teams unit as a whole, which we were.”
Considering his life as a whole, Allen is quick to acknowledge and thank the people who are closest to him — such as his mother, Karleen Wallace.
“That is my superhero, right there,” Allen marvels. “She worked so hard for me to be able to have this opportunity in the first place.
“It wasn’t always so peachy and it wasn’t always so smooth, but she has done her absolute best for the 26 years of my life. I owe so much to her. I wouldn’t be where I am without her.”
The heartfelt gratitude extends to his sister.
“She’s also a huge supporter,” Danielle Allen’s proud brother says. “She has been there throughout all of it.
“It wasn’t always easy for us but, as a family, we’ve done the best we can. We all support each other. We all love each other. It keeps us all going.”
The “Big 3” of Allen’s support system also includes his girlfriend, Nicole Kwiatkowski.
“We’ve been dating for a year and a half and she has been extremely supportive with my goals and with me trying to reach all these things,” Allen says.
“In the off-season, she’s like, ‘You want to lose weight? Here’s what you need to eat.’ She’ll help cook for me.
“She comes to every game she can, from Ontario. She has driven to Montreal twice. She has driven to Ottawa twice.
“She is one of my whys as well. She’s extremely supportive. She’s lovely. She’s hilarious. Without her, this wouldn’t be easy, either.
“I rely heavily upon my Big 3 for love and support.”
Allen is also delighted to discuss the Big 2 — his pair of university degrees: (1) Criminal justice and public policy; (2) Political science.
He is now putting (1) to extremely good use as a legal assistant.
In that capacity, his intellect, time management and stamina are put to the test.
Working from 9 to 5 in Toronto necessitates waking up at 6 a.m. in Burlington.
After work, he trains at a fitness centre in Toronto before returning to Burlington, enjoying perhaps an hour or two of leisure time, putting head to pillow, and beginning the cycle all over again early the following morning.
“My New Year’s resolution was discipline and this job is going to teach me a ton of that,” Allen says. “I have no choice but to manage my time well with my friends and my family and my girlfriend.
“I have to utilize my time well in terms of my workouts because I’m trying to improve every single year. That doesn’t come with skipping workouts because I’m tired from work. It’s not an option.”
Jokingly, it was pointed out to Allen that the arrival of training camp in May might provide him with an opportunity to relax. That, too, prompted an expression of gratitude.
“I just want to say thanks to Rider Nation,” he concludes. “Let’s go!”
