The Saxon Scope caught up with Mr. Bruce Allen, former Saxon (Class of ‘74) and current President of the National Football League’s Washington Redskins. Allen graduated from Langley High School 41 years ago.
Allen has always been close to the DC-VA area as he grew up in McLean and played college football at the University of Richmond in central Virginia. His ties to this area helped him get the position as General Manager of the Washington Redskins, and was recently promoted to team President.
Allen’s father, George, was a legendary NFL coach who was inducted into the 2002 Pro Football Hall of Fame. He coached the Los Angeles Rams, Chicago Bears, and Washington Redskins during his career and is known for having the third best winning percentage in NFL history.
“We were very fortunate to have two GREAT parents who taught us the importance of family, integrity, dedication and passion for your job. Although my brothers and sister chose different fields of work, the lessons learned from our parents and my father’s players and coaches has always guided all of us in careers,” Mr. Bruce Allen said. “Like many kids who end up in the ‘family business’ – it feels very comfortable and natural.”
Allen has truly come full circle in life from being a ball boy for the Washington Redskins to becoming part of the Redskins organization like his father and having his own children participate in the organization. “I believe everyone in business must rely on all of their experiences both bad and good when making decision about the future. I’ve been fortunate to have had worked in almost every aspect of a football organization with some of the Legends that have made the NFL the best sports league in the world,” Allen said.
Allen spent much of his childhood moving before coming to Virginia, and he credits Langley High School for helping him make new friends and adapt to a brand new culture. “I can’t remember ‘stressing’ at all in High School,” Allen said. “I enjoyed the friendships and experiences that came from my classmates, Coaches and Teachers. I enjoyed playing Football & Baseball at Langley and knew that I wanted to stay involved in sports.”
When asked about his favorite memory of Langley High School, Allen replied, “Anytime we beat McLean HS in sports.” Just like the Redskins-Cowboys rivalry, the Saxons-Highlanders rivalry was becoming more and more heated.
Allen and his family have remained involved with the Langley community since he attended in the ‘70s. In 2011, he shared his insight and knowledge with Langley High’s graduating class when he delivered the keynote address at the commencement ceremonies. In addition, Allen was in attendance at the Saxons-Warhawks ‘Think Pink’ night in support of breast cancer. He was an honorary captain for the Saxons and showed his support for Langley High School through many pictures with the team.
Allen has two children, George (Class of ‘15) and Mikayla (Class of ‘16) who both attend Langley High School and are actively involved in the Redskins organization.“Both George and Maka have worked at various jobs for the Redskins and The Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation and they have been able to witness first-hand the importance of our team to the Nation’s Capital region,” said Allen.
“ ….. I’m still struggling with the fact —— I’m older than Langley High School,” Allen added.