Josh Hines-Allen of the Jaguars discusses his expectations and the name change in the new defensive system after a standout year.

When the NFL preseason began last month, one of the Jacksonville Jaguars' star players' jersey had a slight difference.

In 2024, the exhibition games allowed fans to familiarize themselves with the new jersey name of the pass rusher who was previously known as Josh Allen.

The defensive end is now known as Josh Hines-Allen. The Jaguars stated that the name change was made in honor of Joshua's maternal family and other relatives who have worn "Hines" and "Hines-Allen" on their jerseys.

Hines-Allen, the Bills quarterback, clarified that he has no plans to change his name, stating that he made the decision because it was the right time.

"Hines-Allen stated that the best time for his career was when he had more resources to help him get started. Although he was unsure about how to proceed, his wife encouraged him to change his approach. With a great team supporting him, Hines-Allen was able to easily execute his plan."

In a social media video, Hines-Allen discussed his "legacy" while announcing his name change.

"I carry on the legacy of my family, proudly wearing the Hines-Allen last name on my jersey, and I will continue to play with pride and joy, even with a changed last name."

Myisha Hines-Allen, the sister of the Jaguars edge rusher, has been using the Hines-Allen surname for years. Her sisters, Kyra and LaTorri, also used the Hines-Allen last name while playing college basketball.

Gregory Hines helped raise the NFL star. He was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 1983 after a standout career at Hampton University. Keith Hines, another uncle of the NFL star, played basketball at Montclair State.

Despite Hines-Allen's impressive fumble recovery and return for a touchdown in a Week 18 win over the Tennessee Titans, which helped secure the AFC South title for the Jaguars, his stat line fell short of the double-digit mark. Hines went from 7 sacks in 2022 to a career-best 17.5 last season, which also marked the most sacks in franchise history. The Jaguars will deploy a different defensive scheme this year under new coordinator Ryan Nielsen.

The Atlanta Falcons replaced Mike Caldwell with Nielsen in the 2023 season, and Hines-Allen discussed how the new scheme aligns with his playing style.

"This is a new scheme for me," he told Planet Chronicle Digital. "For me, just let us be us. I believe we have a great coaching staff that will allow us to play at our best and teach us their way, but go out there and play ball. I've been playing ball my whole life, and they're just going to let me go out there and play freely, making as many plays as I can for this team."

When asked about his feelings on the new defense, Hines-Allen replied, "I love it."

In June, Trevor Lawrence, the 24-year-old quarterback of the Jaguars, agreed to a historic five-year contract extension with the franchise. Lawrence, who was the top pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has already made his mark on the Jaguars' history books. He is currently fourth on the franchise's all-time passing yards list and has the fourth-most career touchdown passes in franchise history.

In April, Hines-Allen secured a lucrative contract extension, signing a five-year deal that made him one of the highest-paid players at his option.

""Keeping core guys is crucial for building a strong foundation in any sport, as seen in the NFL and other top teams. This is something we are now starting to do, by paying our guys who have worked hard and deserve it. As long as we continue to build around our staff and culture, we will reach our desired destination," Hines-Allen said."

Nick Bosa and other defensive ends often line up for a play without touching the grass, but Hines-Allen prefers to place his hand in the dirt, which he says suits his style.

Hines-Allen stated, "I believe I am more directional, so there is no false step. It is challenging to false step in a three-point stance, which enables me to get a good push off the ball and know where I am heading. I also enjoy rushing out of a two-point stance, but the three-point stance allows me to dig deep and know where I am going. If I remain on track, I will likely put myself in a good position."

In the 2019 NFL Draft, he was the seventh overall pick. The Jaguars gave him a five-year contract extension in April.

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