Keenan Allen accomplished many firsts during the 2017 season.
First time playing all 16 games.
First player in Chargers history with 102 receptions.
First Pro Bowl honor.
Allen joined his Chargers teammates in Orlando this week ahead of Sunday's All-Star showcase. But Wednesday was number 13's first time on the field with the AFC squad.
"It was great," Allen said. "It's special out here with all the great guys. I'm trying to learn new things and taking it day by day."
With almost a month having passed since the last time he took to a field, it was clear Allen was excited to get back between the white lines.
"I feel like I'm out here getting better. I'm out here with great guys; great competitors. It feels good to be back on the field."
The crazy thing about the Pro Bowl is how a number of opponents the Chargers face all season long end up becoming their teammates for the week. Allen said that the practices are almost like getting a leg up on competition he may face in 2018.
"It's almost cheating! You go in the huddle and you see some of the guys around the NFL and it's like, 'We're on the same team?!' It should be fun."
Along with those 102 receptions, KA13 finished the 2017 season with 1,393 yards and six scores. He became the first player in NFL history to record at least 10 receptions, 100 receiving yards and one touchdown in three-straight games. His dominant presence helped get the Bolts offense in a groove, and may have contributed to Allen getting chosen to participate in the Pro Bowl Skills Showdown airing on ESPN on Thursday, Jan. 25 at 6:00 p.m. PT.
What can fans expect from the wideout in the Best Hands competition?
"Skills! Major skills and more skills to show what I have."
Tune in to find out.
