The Raiders

Background:

Former American football player Marcus Allen spent his 16 seasons professional career with the Los Angeles Raiders (from 1982 to 1992) and the Kansas City Chiefs (1993 to his retirement in 1997), during which time he acquired 12,243 yards rushing, 5,411 yards receiving, and scored 145 touchdowns. He was the 1982 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, the 1983 Super Bowl XVIII MVP, the 1985 NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year as well as the 1993 NFL Comeback Player of the Year. Besides, the running back was chosen Pro Bowls six times (1982, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1993) and All-Pro five times (1982, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1993). As a colleague, Allen played for University of Southern California from 1978 to 1981 and won the Heisman Trophy in 1981.

One of the greatest goal line and short-yardage runners in NFL history, Allen was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003. Previously, he was named one of The Sporting News' “100 Greatest Football Players” (1999).

Following his retirement, Allen started a broadcasting career with CBS. He now works for the NFL Network.

Allen is close friends with Rob Lowe and his wife, Sheryl Lowe. More recently, in 2008, the Lowe family was sued by their former nanny for making racist remarks. In her statement, Sheryl mentioned Allen, “The charges against me are lies meant to embarrass and humiliate. I find it deeply offensive the false allegation that I would use racially insensitive comments. I’m certain that my dearest and longtime friend, and godfather to my children, Marcus Allen would beg to differ with their charges.”

In response to the statement, Allen said, “I don't know anything about the case, but I have known the Lowes for over 20 years. They are like family to me. They are absolutely, positively, undoubtedly NOT racist!”

The ex-football legend has been married to wife Kathryn Eickstaedt since 1993.

San Diego Boy

Childhood and Family:

Marcus LeMarr Allen was born on March 26, 1960, in San Diego, California. His parents got his first name from the phone book. Marcus attended high school at Abraham Lincoln High School in San Diego, California and college at the University of Southern California.

On June 26, 1993, Marcus married Kathryn Eickstaedt, who guested as Lola in a 1989 episode of the long-running comedy series “Married with Children.” He has a younger brother named Damon Allen.

Kansas City Chiefs

Career:

San Diego native Marcus Allen started playing football at the Abraham Lincoln High school, in which he was in the quarterback and defensive back positions. In 1977, he was named High School Player of the Year after accounting five touchdowns in the state championship game. Allen carried on his sports passion to college and spent 1978 to 1981 playing running back at the University of Southern California. Among his duties during his first two seasons at USC was backing the 1979 Heisman Trophy winner Charles White. He proved outstanding in the following two seasons. After rushing for 1,563 yards, the second most in the nation in 1980, the starter created a history for being the first NCAA player to rush for more than 2,000 yards in one season and led the nation in scoring with 12.5 points per game. Eventually, he won the 1981 Heisman Trophy. Other awards he won include the Maxwell Award and the Walter Camp Award.

Dubbed by coach John Robinson “The greatest player I ever saw,” Allen turned professional in 1982 when he became the tenth player selected in that year's National Football League Draft. He played the runner back position for Los Angeles Raiders from 1982 to 1992.

A talented player, Allen was voted NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1982 after rushing for 697 yards and leading the league in touchdowns with 14. He went on to show his ability in the next season by scoring more than 1,000 yards, an achievement he would repeat for the next two seasons in 1984 and 1985. One of his best moments also arrived in that same year when he led the Raiders to win the Super Bowl XVIII after beating the Washington Redskins 38-9. In the victorious game, Allen ran for 191 yards, caught 2 passes for 18 yards, and scored 2 touchdowns and took home the title of Super Bowl XVIII MVP. Two years later, in 1985, he won both the NFL Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year titles.

Allen's career suffered set back during 1986 to 1988 and he was even forced to miss much of the 1989 season due to knee injury. In 1992, following a two-year tenure as part-time player, he decided to quit the Raiders and continued his professional career with the Kansas City Chiefs. With his new team, Allen quickly proved he was back on the saddle again when he and teammate Joe Montana led the Chiefs to the AFC Championship Game in 1993. He led the AFC in touchdowns with 15 and was selected the 1993 NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

After that impressive year, Allen stayed with the Chiefs for four more seasons, during which time he led the team in rushing from 1994 to 1996. He retired from football after 1997 season. Known for his leadership power, Allen successfully brought more wins to the Chiefs during his stint with the team.

Post his football career, Allen emerged as a broadcaster with CBS television. He left CBS in 2005 and currently works for the NFL Network. He also contributes to the football section on an Internet site.

Awards:

• NFL Comeback Player of the Year: 1993

• NFL Most Valuable Player: 1985

• NFL Offensive Player of the Year: 1985

• Super Bowl XVIII MVP: 1983

• NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year: 1982

• Heisman Trophy: 1981