Allen attended Richmond High School and went on to play college football for the Indiana State Sycamores.
[1] In the middle of the 1978 season, running back Jimmy Edwards of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats suffered a foot injury that forced him to miss multiple games.
[2][3] Allen played three regular season games with the Tiger-Cats, rushing for 145 yards on 34 carries, including for one touchdown.
He proved productive as a receiver in the preseason, including five catches for 48 yards against the Montreal Alouettes, and he was reported to make a "favorable impression" on the coaching staff.
In late July 1979, cornerback Mike Nelms of the Rough Riders sprained his ankle, and Allen was re-signed to the roster to return punts.