Former Jaguars linebacker Russell Allen suffered stroke during game, will retire

The Jacksonville Jaguars released Russell Allen earlier this month in a somewhat surprising move. The veteran outside linebacker started 13 games for the Jaguars in 2013, posting solid numbers.

In an article by The MMQB's Robert Klemko, Allen explains that the Jaguars had no choice in the matter. Allen's football-playing days are over after doctors discovered he suffered a stroke on the field in Week 15 last season.

It went dark on Dec. 15, 2013. Just after halftime in a Week 15 game against the Bills, Allen strafed across the hash marks in pursuit of a ballcarrier before running into center Evan Wood several yards downfield. The two collided face-to-face, dead center from Allen’s perspective, and Allen walked away buzzed as he casually shrugged his shoulders.

It wasn't immediately apparent to Allen or the Jaguars' doctors that his injury was so severe. Allen continued playing in the game, making a tackle only two plays later. 

Later in the game, Allen started seeing double. But he remained on the field and finished the game.

Days later, after undergoing an MRI, doctors told Allen he had suffered a stroke. It was eventually determined that the artery wall that supplies bloodflow to his brain became torn - an injury that's seen in some car crashes.

According to Klemko, Allen has visited several doctors since the season ended and none can find any precedent of a football player suffering a similar injury. (New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi suffered a stroke, but it was caused by a blood clot in his heart.)

Uncertainty about what could happen to Allen if he suffers another blow to his head necessitated his retirement, but he says he has found closure in the support of his former coaches and teammates.

Coach Gus Bradley would call Allen to tell him how sorry he was—and that he would always be a Jaguar. General manager David Caldwell also would reach out to express his condolences. As the news sunk in, Allen’s wife, Ali, whispered instructions to their 2-year-old son. Parker did as he was told, running over to his father and telling him he did “a good job playing football.” Allen, 27, burst into tears.