Josh Allen Returns to Laramie as University of Wyoming Retires His Jersey
Laramie, WY — In a historic ceremony set for November 22, 2025, University of Wyoming legend and reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen will return to Laramie as the first-ever football player in the school’s history to have his jersey officially retired. The halftime ceremony will take place during Wyoming's final home game of the season, as the Cowboys face off against the University of Nevada Wolf Pack.
A Pioneering Honor
Allen’s jersey retirement marks a milestone for Wyoming football—the first formal jersey retirement by the program. While numbers had been taken out of circulation before—such as #10 for Ed Synakowski and #56 for Dave Schutt following their tragic deaths—Allen will be the only player to receive this formal, ceremonial honor.
Legendary Legacy
A standout quarterback for the Cowboys from 2015–2017, Allen compiled an extraordinary collegiate résumé:
Total Offense: 5,833 yards (5,066 passing, 767 rushing) and 57 touchdowns (44 passing, 12 rushing, 1 receiving) University of Wyoming AthleticsCowboy State DailyESPN.com.
Guided Wyoming to back-to-back eight-win seasons, an appearance in the Mountain West Championship (2016), and two bowl games.
A two-time team captain, he also earned All-Mountain West honors and MVP of the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in 2017, later projected as a high NFL draft prospect.
From Laramie to the National Spotlight
Allen’s impact on the university transcends statistics:
In 2018, he became Wyoming’s highest-ever NFL draft pick, going 7th overall to the Buffalo Bills.
His NFL success—including being named 2024–25 NFL MVP—continues to reflect positively on Wyoming.
Wyoming’s Athletic Director, Tom Burman, reflected on Allen’s significance, calling this an extraordinary moment in Wyoming football history and praising Allen as “the most high‑profile ambassador the University of Wyoming has ever had”.
Homecoming and Celebration
Announcing the return, Allen himself shared video remarks:
“I’m excited to announce that I will be returning to University of Wyoming Nov. 22 against University of Nevada. Excited to be back in Laramie. Go Pokes.” ESPN.comSI
This will mark his first trip back to Laramie since his pro day in 2018 Cowboy State Daily. The timing is ideal—Wyoming fans are expected to fill War Memorial Stadium for what will be a memorable and emotional halftime ceremony Cowboy State Daily.
A Resonant Moment for Wyoming Football
A Symbol of Excellence: Allen embodied grit, leadership, and dynamism—most famously remembered for a goal-line tackle during a Mountain West Championship game that became part of Wyoming lore Cowboy State Daily.
Inspiration for Future Cowboys: His rise from a junior college program to MVP status is a narrative of perseverance that resonates deeply.
Fan Loyalty Shift: Broadcaster Kevin McKinney noted how Allen shifted many fans from being Broncos supporters to rooting passionately for the Bills—a testament to his wide-reaching impact Cowboy State Daily.
Conclusion
The jersey retirement of Josh Allen on November 22, 2025 will stand as a defining moment in University of Wyoming football history. It commemorates a player whose legacy—on and off the field—elevated both the program and the state’s profile in collegiate athletics. As #17 returns to the plains, it's more than a ceremony; it’s a homecoming that celebrates a legend, an icon, and an enduring bond between player and alma mater.