Keenan Allen has dealt with a variety of injuries throughout his career, but two of them in particular have left lasting marks on the star wide receiver.
Allen has massive lumps on both of his shoulders that are the result of AC joint injuries. He sprained his right AC joint when he was with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2013, and he never had it surgically repaired. The result was a lump on his right shoulder that appears to be the size of a golf ball.
Then in 2023, Allen sprained the AC joint in his left shoulder. The six-time Pro Bowl wideout was left with what many have referred to as “alien shoulders.”
A video from when Allen was with the Chargers is circulating on social media again because of the way his shoulders look. Be aware that it contains some inappropriate language:
What are "Allen's aliens"?🤯
— David J. Chao – ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc) September 17, 2025
Bone spurs at AC joint common in weight lifters🏋️♂️
Separated shoulders common for wide receivers🏈#KeenanAllen has both bigtime combined🌋
Clearly completely functional and chronic 🎯
But makes extra work for equipment guys🤣 https://t.co/KjxZQWCHx2
As former NFL team doctor David Chao said, bone spurs in the shoulders can also be caused by weightlifting. It seems like Allen has had every factor working against him, which is why his shoulders are so jacked up.
Allen is back with the Chargers now after spending 2024 with the Chicago Bears. He has made an impact early on with 12 catches for 129 yards and a pair touchdowns through two games. Allen may be 33 and have a built-in set of shoulder pads, but he is still capable of making plays.
