The rare feat of hitting a quarterback 40 times in one season
In short: In the high-impact world of the NFL, defensive linemen are often judged by sacks. But Zach Allen reached a statistical elite tier that few can touch. By recording 40 or more quarterback hits in a single season, he joined a prestigious club of only four players in league history.
Zach Allen's ascent to the NFL elite is marked by a transition from a collegiate role player to a high-volume workhorse. During his time at Boston College, Allen was a versatile contributor, playing in all 12 games as a freshman in 2015. He eventually became a standout for the Eagles, notably winning the Bulger Love Award after a 2017 season where he was one of only two defensive linemen to record at least 100 tackles. His professional journey with the Arizona Cardinals was defined by resilience. After being drafted in the third round in 2019, Allen faced significant hurdles, including a neck injury in Week 4 of his rookie season that sidelined him for six games. However, his development accelerated under the mentorship of three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J.
Watt, by hitting 40 quarterback strikes. This period of growth culminated in a 2024 season where Allen demonstrated unprecedented durability and production, leading all defensive linemen in snaps played with 964—over 100 more than the next closest player. The pinnacle of Allen's statistical impact came in 2024, when he recorded 8.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss. He entered an elite circle of names like Nick Bosa, Aaron Donald, J.J. Watt, plus T.J. Watt. This feat highlights a shift in how defensive impact is measured: while sacks are the primary highlight, the sheer volume of physical contact Allen generates against the passer places him in a unique category of league productivity.
Following his success in Arizona, Allen signed a three-year, $45.75 million deal with the Denver Broncos in 2023. His tenure there has been equally prolific, highlighted by a 2025 season where he recorded a league-leading 47 quarterback hits, earning his first Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Zach Allen
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