Forgotten Jets running back claims he's in the best shape of his career

It's easy to forget that the New York Jets boast a fairly impressive stable of running backs, headlined, of course, by the newly extended Breece Hall.

But the Jets also have two other youngsters, both selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, who are set to be key contributors as change-of-pace backs in Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis.

Aaron Glenn himself referred to the trio as a "three-headed monster," and Allen may just be one of the more intriguing heads of that monster.

After missing nearly three quarters of the 2025 season, Allen is back practicing, healthy, and ready to contribute to a Jets team that could use as much offensive firepower as they can get.

Braelon Allen may be in the best shape his young Jets career

Allen met with reporters after practice on Wednesday and spoke candidly about the kind of shape he's in via ESPN's Rich Cimini.

"Braelon Allen says he’s 100%, adding that he’s bigger, stronger and faster than ever. He’s 250 pounds, up from 238-240 last year, but adds that his body fat percentage is at an all-time low. Underwent knee surgery last season."

Rich Cimini

Allen seemed like he was going to be a key piece of the Jets offense in 2025 before a brutal knee injury suffered against the Miami Dolphins in Week 4 cut his season short. Before the injury, the former fourth-round pick had carried the ball 18 times for 76 yards and a rushing touchdown.

The former Wisconsin product tantalized with his potential in his rookie season. Despite finishing the season with head scratchingly-low usage, Allen made history as the youngest player in NFL history to score two touchdowns in a game.

In Week 2 of the 2024 season against the Tennessee Titans, the (at the time) 20-year-old carried the ball seven times for 33 yards and one touchdown, while also hauling in two receptions for 23 yards and a receiving touchdown.

For some reason, the Jets went away from Allen down the stretch of that season. Not that Hall isn't a good leadback, but Allen was never given the chance again to show what he had in the tank.

After a lost season in 2025, Allen seems ready to show off his skills entering 2026 and in the best shape of his young career.

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