Josh Allen by the Numbers
Shelbey G.
Published November 18, 2025
4 Minute Read
A Number-by-Number Look at Allen's Cowboy Legacy
Before Josh Allen took the field in Buffalo and became an MVP, his journey began at the University of Wyoming. While this might be surprising to the many people on TikTok calling us “Josh Allen University,” UW did in fact exist before Allen became a Poke. Does Larry Nance Jr. ring a bell? Casey Bramlet still holds the passing record at UW? Kenny Sailors inventing the jump shot coming to anyone? No? Okay.
No, I’m not dogging on Josh! I think Josh is great. I think Josh is so great that I’m going to write approximately 700 words about him and why he does, in fact, deserves to get his jersey retired and be acknowledged for his legacy.
2014 - the start of the josh allen era at uw
While Josh Allen ultimately joined the Cowboy family in the 2015 spring semester, his journey with the University of Wyoming actually started in 2014. During his time playing for Reedley College in Reedley, CA, in 2014, Allen began having conversations with former head coach Craig Bohl and former Offensive Coordinator/QBs Coach Brent Vigen, where he committed to playing for the University of Wyoming in December 2014.
2 - DOuble the Bowls, Double the records, Double the Hype
It’s worth noting that Josh Allen helped bring the Pokes to two consecutive bowl games during his career at Wyoming. In 2016, the Cowboys traveled to San Diego to face BYU in the Poinsettia Bowl. While Allen and the Pokes lost by a heartbreaking three points, 21-24, the Cowboys ended their season 8-6. The number two stays relevant for this year as the Cowboy’s offense ranked No. 2 in the Mountain West, they converted 90.6 percent of their red-zone opportunities into points to rank No. 2 in the league, Allen was also No. 2 in conference in total offense (266.1 yards per game) and his 36 touchdowns responsible for -- passing (28), rushing (7) and receiving (1) -- rank No. 2 in Wyoming history.
The second bowl game Josh Allen attended as a Poke was the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, where the Cowboys defeated Central Michigan 37-14 in 2017. The Pokes also finished second in the conference behind Boise State. However, one of the most important “two” stats that Josh received is being voted Team Captain by his teammates two years in a row.
17 - the number that took over Wyoming (and Buffalo)
It’s hard not to see the number 17 and associate it with Josh Allen. As we associate 23 with Michael Jordan, 42 with Jackie Robinson or 7 with Cristiano Ronaldo, people across Wyoming, Buffalo, NY and a good chunk of the country have fallen for Josh’s story, athletic ability and loyalty. It’s common to still see people sporting a Wyoming Josh Allen Jersey every home game in Laramie as well as a blue Bills jersey with number 17 front and center.
When we announced Josh Allen’s jersey retirement, I don’t think it came as a surprise to anyone. Josh Allen has truly been one of the faces of Wyoming and has connected a state with a whole community on the East Coast. Allen’s jersey is just one of three University of Wyoming numbers to be retired and the first football number to be retired. The only other two retired jerseys are for basketball players. #34 for Fennis Dembo and #4 for Kenny Sailors.
2025 - the year josh allen just kept winning
2025 has been a big year for Josh, and in turn, a big year for all his fans and supporters. Just to highlight a few things, I’ve put it in a nice timeline for you. None of the items on the list are false:
Feb. 6: Josh wins MVP.
Feb. 9: UW puts out Super Bowl commercial about Josh.
May 31: Josh marries Hailee Steinfield.
Nov. 22: Josh gets his jersey retired at the University of Wyoming.
Feb. 8, 2026: Josh Allen and the Bills win Super Bowl LX.
I could go on and on about Josh and his accomplishments at UW, with the Bills and probably even as a 10-year-old on his peewee football team. I think I speak for all of us Wyomingites when I say we are truly so excited to have Josh back at his alma mater. It’s going to be a cold game against Nevada on Nov. 22, but we’re all thrilled to put on our snowpants, stuff our boots full of hand warmers and have our quarterback there to honor.
Welcome back, Josh! We missed you!
