Allen Rossum is a former American football player who made a name for himself as one of the most successful return specialists in the history of the sport. Over the course of his career, Rossum played for six different teams in the National Football League (NFL) and was widely regarded as one of the most dynamic and electrifying players of his era.
Early Life and Education
Allen Bonshaca Rossum was born on October 22, 1975, in Dallas, Texas. He grew up in a family that was heavily involved in sports, with both his father and older brother playing football. Rossum attended Skyline High School in Dallas, where he played multiple sports, including football, track and field, and basketball. He excelled as a track and field athlete and was the Texas Class 5A state champion in the 110-meter hurdles.
After graduating from high school, Rossum attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, where he played football and continued to compete in track and field. He was a standout cornerback and return specialist for the Purdue Boilermakers and earned All-American honors in both football and track and field.
NFL Career
Rossum was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He spent his first four seasons in Philadelphia, where he primarily served as a return specialist. In 2002, he signed with the Green Bay Packers, where he played for two seasons before being traded to the Atlanta Falcons in 2004.
During his time in Atlanta, Rossum established himself as one of the premier return specialists in the league. In 2006, he led the NFL in kickoff return yardage and was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career. He also set a Falcons franchise record with four kickoff returns for touchdowns during his time with the team.
After his stint in Atlanta, Rossum played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, and Dallas Cowboys before retiring in 2010. Over the course of his 12-year career, he amassed over 15,000 all-purpose yards and scored 10 touchdowns as a return specialist.
Post NFL Career
After retiring from the NFL in 2009, Allen Rossum embarked on a successful entrepreneurship career. He founded his own company, Rossum Solutions Group, a full-service IT consulting firm that provides software development, project management, and cybersecurity services to clients in various industries.
Rossum’s company has been recognized for its excellence and has won multiple awards, including the Small Business Administration’s Minority-Owned Business of the Year Award in 2017.
Aside from his IT business, Rossum has also been involved in several other entrepreneurial ventures, including a sports training facility and a real estate investment company.
Through his entrepreneurship career, Rossum has demonstrated his ability to succeed in various industries and has established himself as a successful businessman outside of football.
Allen Rossum’s Net Worth
Allen Rossum has a reported net worth of $5 million. He has earned these impressive numbers mostly through his footballing career and various endorsements that came along the way
Legacy
Rossum’s impact on the NFL is most evident in his record-breaking career as a return specialist. He ranks fourth all-time in career kickoff return yardage and seventh all-time in career punt return yardage. His 14 combined return touchdowns (10 kickoff, 4 punt) are tied for the second-most in NFL history, behind only Devin Hester.
In addition to his individual accolades, Rossum was also a member of two Super Bowl-winning teams, winning championships with the Steelers in 2005 and the 49ers in 2010. He was also named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 2000s as a return specialist.
Off the field, Rossum has been heavily involved in various philanthropic efforts, including the Allen Rossum Healthy Kids Foundation, which aims to promote healthy lifestyles and fitness among children.
Conclusion
Allen Rossum is widely regarded as one of the greatest return specialists in NFL history, with a career that spanned over a decade and included stints with six different teams. His impact on the sport is evident in his record-breaking career as a return specialist, as well as his numerous individual accolades and team accomplishments. Beyond his on-field success, Rossum has also been an active participant in philanthropic efforts, using his platform to promote healthy lifestyles and fitness among children.
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