Can Devon Allen Go Pro In Track and Field and Remain At Oregon For Football?

Devon Allen was clear on one thing, that he was headed to the Olympics to compete for a medal and upon his return would get back to football, but is there a better option?

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Allen has said all along his plan was to come back and get ten practices in before rejoining the Oregon Football Team as a Wide Receiver for the upcoming season. On Monday, the Oregon Compliance Department went over another option for Allen. One scenerio, that he specifically had them look into according to Jodi Sykes Chief Compliance Officer was one where he could have his cake and eat it too with both Track and Field at the Professional Level, as well as returning to Football and it can be done, but there are some specifics that need to take place.

Devon Allen can sign with a Track Specific Agent and earn prize money for competing. What he cannot do is sign an endorsement deal or accept money for appearances. He can however make appearances without any monetary exchange and yes, this is something he can do. Of course, he would give up his College Track and Field remaining eligibiity as well.

It does beg one question from me. He tore up his knee on the football field and has made comments that in Track, the area of the leg used to jump is different. Why would you risk a career in Track and Field and return to Football? The other question that comes in to play is that ‘endorsement money’. If NIKE came to you and said they would pay you $40 Million would you say No? Would you try to chase the NFL Dream?

If Allen medals, will he actually return to Oregon to play College Football? I heard Head Coach Mark Helfrich on Monday again tell the story of meeting Devon in his living room and he had two clear goals, both of which are now in reach.

Fall Camp has begun in anticipation of the first game of the season on Saturday, September 3rd against UC Davis. Allen begins his Olympics Quest on Monday, August 15th with the final the following day.