For Devon Allen, the first stage of a crazy summer is approaching: this weekend, he wants to become world champion in the 110 metre hurdles. And after that, make the Philadelphia Eagles squad.

Munich – Papa Allen would burst with pride.

For his son Devon is entering arguably the most exciting phase of his career. Cautiously. Step by step, but driven by a lot of motivation and enriched with big goals. And his father always by his side, even if he is unfortunately no longer alive.

There he is anyway – somehow, if Allen wants to win gold in the 110-metre hurdles at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene this weekend. The world record would be nice too. And then a few days later, he’s preparing to make the Philadelphia Eagles’ roster for 2022.

Seriously?

Two ACL tears slow him down

Yes, because Allen’s path is as unusual as his goal: He hasn’t played football since 2016 – two cruciate ligament tears had initially prevented a promising football career as a wide receiver in college after only one season, instead he focused on his athletics career.

With success, he has already competed twice at the Olympics. In Eugene, he is now one of the favourites.

Three weeks ago, he qualified for the World Championships in third place. Before that, he had run the third-fastest time in history in New York in June in 12.84 seconds – 0.04 seconds short of the world record.

Allen is ready to go for gold.

“I’m trying not to think too far ahead,” Allen told The Oregonian ahead of Saturday night’s heats and Monday night’s CEST final. “I think my goal is to do well this weekend, win the gold medal, break the world record – great.”

There would then be no time to celebrate. In his subsequent week off, he has to learn the Eagles playbook because the NFL team’s camp starts on July 26. “I’ve done a little bit with football now, but then I’ll get back into cleats and start running routes and getting comfortable,” he said.

He had won over the Eagles in early April when he attended the University of Oregon’s pro day – the Ducks are his ex-college team. He signed a three-year rookie contract that will ideally pay him $2.5 million. Guaranteed is a full $40,000. A bit of “pain money” if he doesn’t make it.

Humility and realism

His approach to the camp is a mixture of humility and realism after his long break from football. “I will give full commitment and try to get a chance. I’m not going to stress too much because I know if I don’t play in the NFL, it’s not going to be because I’m not trying hard,” he said. “It’s going to be because I’m not good enough. If I’m not good enough, I shouldn’t be playing.” In the lead-up to the game, he has had exchanges with Seahawks receiver Marquise Goodwin and with former 49ers receiver Renaldo Nehemiah; they, too, had juggled both careers.

After next Sunday, he plans to focus on football for the next few years.

“I’m going to see if I can do it,” Allen said. “I believe in my athletic ability with all my heart. Then if everything works out, it’s going to be a great career. Hopefully I’ll have a good five to six year NFL career and the rest of my track and field career.” Track and field remains an option, albeit one that’s on pause for now.

Memorial service for father

Between the World Cup and the NFL, however, he still has arguably the most important personal appointment: The memorial service for Louis Allen – his father passed away unexpectedly in June, the day before the World Cup qualifying final. For weeks he had already been feeling unwell, but avoided telling his son anything so as not to disturb him during his preparations.

So the crazy summer is also for his father.

“My dad put me in the position I’m in now, and he made me the person I am, and he would have wanted me to be who I am and do exactly what I want to do,” Allen said. “I know if he was still here, he would want me to focus on training and enjoy what I’m doing and put in the effort.”

And no question: he would be bursting with pride, too.