JACKSONVILLE – The Jaguars' best defensive player has changed his name.
The Jaguars' Pro Bowl edge defender now is named Josh Hines-Allen and will wear Hines-Allen on the back of his No. 41 jersey beginning with the 2024 NFL season. Hines-Allen announced the change Tuesday morning.
Allen made the change as a "tribute to Joshua's maternal side of the family and the other relatives who have worn 'Hines' and 'Hines-Allen' on their jerseys."
“Legacy is forever, and I'm proud to carry that tradition on the back of my jersey, following in the footsteps of my family, who have donned the Hines-Allen last name with so much pride and joy,” Hines-Allen said. “My last name has been changed, but I’m still that person. And I will continue to play like it, play even better.”
Joshua's sister, Myisha Hines-Allen, plays for the WNBA's Washington Mystics. Sister Kyra Hines-Allen played basketball at Cheyney University, while sister LaTorri Hines-Allen played basketball at Virginia Tech and Towson. Uncle Gregory Hines is in the Hampton University Athletics Hall of Fame and was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in the fifth round of the 1983 NBA draft. Uncle Keith Hines played basketball at Montclair State.
Hines-Allen will host a jersey exchange in Jacksonville in September for fans who own his "Allen 41" jersey. More details of the free, family-friendly event will be available soon.
