I'm telling you; give me 16 (games) and I'll be the best in the league.
Keenan Allen spoke those words back in August, ready for a comeback after missing roughly a season and a half of football. Coming off a knee injury, no one really knew what to expect from Allen, although the wideout's confidence in himself said it all.
On Friday, Allen was named the Pro Football Writers of America's Comeback Player of the Year due to his stellar performance in 2017. Allen is the second member of the Chargers to receive Comeback Player of the Year honors, joining quarterback Philip Rivers (2013).
"The way he worked in the offseason was really impressive," said General Manager Tom Telesco. "He was on a mission to get back. Once he got back, he was just determined to show what he can do. There are obviously other receivers in the league that are great route runners (but) I don't know if anybody's better than Keenan…. He just has a natural feel for the game, that I think he's just born with."
During the 2017 season, Allen played in all 16 games and recorded 102 receptions (franchise record), 1,393 yards (second-most in team history, third in NFL in 2017) and six scores. He also led the league in third down catches (36). Additionally, he became the first player in NFL history to record at least 10 receptions, 100 receiving yards and one touchdown in three straight games.
"He's got a great rapport with our quarterback, too," added Telesco. "He was a tough cover for a lot of people this year. A lot of people knew we were going to him on third down, and he still produced for us."
Relive the top moments of Keenan Allen's record-setting season.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Monday, Sept. 11, 2017. The Broncos won 24-21.
Miami Dolphins vs. the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017. The Dolphins won 19-17.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017. The Chargers won 28-6.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017. The Chiefs won 24-10.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Eagles won 26-24.
Chargers travel to Dallas to face the Cowboys for Week 12.
The Philadelphia Eagles vs. the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Eagles won 26-24.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017. The Chargers won 28-6.
The Philadelphia Eagles vs. the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Eagles won 26-24.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Monday, Sept. 11, 2017. The Broncos won 24-21.
Cleveland Browns vs. the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017. The Chargers won 19-10.
Washington Redskins vs. the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. The Chargers won 30-13.
The Philadelphia Eagles vs. the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Eagles won 26-24.
Denver Broncos vs. the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017. The Chargers won 21-0.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017. The Patriots won 21-13.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017. The Jaguars won 20-17.
Buffalo Bills vs. the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017. The Chargers won 54-24.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Eagles won 26-24.
Chargers practice in preparation for Week 14 against the Washington Redskins.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017. The Chargers won 28-6.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. The Eagles won 26-24.
Cleveland Browns vs. the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017. The Chargers won 19-10.
Cleveland Browns vs. the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017. The Chargers won 19-10.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017. The Chargers won 14-7.
