To no one’s surprise, the Wyoming Cowboys will officially retire Josh Allen’s No. 17 jersey on November 22 during halftime of the team’s game against Nevada, making him the first player in school history to receive such an honor.
Allen, the reigning NFL MVP and former Wyoming quarterback, will attend the ceremony during a short week, celebrating a milestone year with the team.
Josh Allen Reacts to Wyoming Instagram Video Dedicating His Success
Allen’s reaction to the news was simple, yet telling. Under a highlight video of his Wyoming career on Instagram, he posted, “😎🤎💛.”
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This is a reminder of what Allen faced in his journey to Wyoming: believing in his abilities to play quarterback.
“It is very exciting and a wonderful day for the State of Wyoming,” UW Director of Athletics Tom Burman said on the Wyoming website.
“It is going to be a big day in the history of Wyoming Football. Josh is the most high-profile ambassador the University of Wyoming has ever had. The National Football League is the most visible sports enterprise in history, and he is the best player in that league, and that is pretty amazing in itself.”
Who doesn’t love some Josh Allen Wyoming highlights #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/rxeb0YISqS
— SleeperBills (@SleeperBills) May 18, 2025
Allen’s time at Wyoming left an everlasting mark on the program. Over three seasons, he led the Cowboys to two eight-win campaigns, a Mountain West Championship game appearance in 2016, and two bowl games.
He totaled 5,833 yards of offense, including 5,066 passing yards and 767 rushing yards, while accounting for 57 touchdowns, comprised of 44 passing, 12 rushing, and one receiving. He also earned his bachelor’s degree in social science in 2017, balancing athletic achievement with academic success.
Allen’s Journey to the NFL, and Who Made it Possible
It was far from certain that Allen would make it to the NFL. After high school, he attended Reedley College in his native California after being passed over by major universities, where his performance attracted the coaching staff of Wyoming.
From there, Allen became an outstanding quarterback under head coach Craig Bohl and offensive coordinator Brent Vigen, and the Buffalo Bills selected him in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Allen’s tenacity is only highlighted by the recruiting story. Wyoming was one of just two universities that granted him a scholarship after he sent over a thousand emails to college coaches. Vigen’s faith in his undeveloped skill altered Allen’s career and the history of Wyoming football.
Allen’s journey is only beginning. From being the NFL MVP a season ago, he’s shown a glimpse of being the face of the league. Now, as the 2025 season kicks off, Allen has one goal in mind: Winning a championship for Buffalo.
