Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsWednesday, June 24, 2026

Tony Allen played high school football under a fake name until he got too good

Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

In a column posted on ESPN, Michael Wallace went deep inside the mind of Tony Allen, the Memphis Grizzlies' defensive superstar. Arguably the most interesting part of the story came courtesy of a quote from Will Bynum:

I moved in with him to make sure he was going to class. So during the offseason, to keep him out of trouble, they had him playing football. The thing is, he got real good in football and started scoring touchdowns. But he was ineligible. So they put his name down as Antonio Brown, so he could play. He had, like, six touchdowns in a game and was in the newspaper. And all these college coaches would come to our school, like, ‘Who is this 6-4 tight end?’ At some point, he had to stop playing because he was scoring too much and getting too much attention.

I wish I was good enough at anything that I had to stop playing.

(h/t @ChrisVernonShow)

See More:

More in Lookit

Lookit
The 2023 cheese rolling champion face-planted, got a concussion, and regrets nothingThe 2023 cheese rolling champion face-planted, got a concussion, and regrets nothing
Lookit

Cheese rolling remains the stupidest, most dangerous sport in the world.

By James Dator
Lookit
There’s a ‘Mighty Ducks’ reboot TV show, and Emilio Estevez is backThere’s a ‘Mighty Ducks’ reboot TV show, and Emilio Estevez is back
Lookit
19 of the most absurd sports photos of the decade19 of the most absurd sports photos of the decade
Lookit

So many memes and funny sports moments to choose from!

By SB Nation Staff
Lookit
The history of the Turkey Leg Award, Thanksgiving’s best traditionThe history of the Turkey Leg Award, Thanksgiving’s best tradition
Lookit

Praise John Madden.

By Jessica Smetana
Lookit
17 sports Halloween costumes ideas for 201917 sports Halloween costumes ideas for 2019
Lookit

Your friends will be saying: “I wish I’d thought of that!”

By SB Nation Staff
Lookit
The ‘Bottle Cap Challenge’ is the newest sport for celebrities, and I’m here for itThe ‘Bottle Cap Challenge’ is the newest sport for celebrities, and I’m here for it
Lookit

Who knew John Mayer had kicking skills?

By James Dator