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Illinois Football: Former Illini Geronimo Allison opting out of NFL season

By Rees Woodcock

CHAPEL HILL, NC - SEPTEMBER 19: Geronimo Allison #8 of the Illinois Fighting Illini makes as leaping catch as M.J. Stewart #6 of the North Carolina Tar Heels defends during their game at Kenan Stadium on September 19, 2015 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - SEPTEMBER 19: Geronimo Allison #8 of the Illinois Fighting Illini makes as leaping catch as M.J. Stewart #6 of the North Carolina Tar Heels defends during their game at Kenan Stadium on September 19, 2015 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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COVID-19 has ripped through the sports landscape, and some professional athletes are making some tough decisions with their careers.

On Sunday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that Lions and former Illinois football wide receiver Geronimo Allison has decided to opt-out of the upcoming NFL season. This decision is coming just days before the August 6, 4:00 PM EST, deadline to make a decision.

The world we live in right now due to the COVID-19 situation is one of uncertainty. Allison and professional athletes aren’t immune to the circumstances. The talented wide receiver had a chance to explain his decision to Erik Schlitt of LionsWire.

"“One of the greatest joys of my life has been playing professional football. I wasn’t sure anything could ever top that until my wife and I welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world, just a few months ago. I reported to training camp as a new dad, hopeful to play this season.“However, with still so much uncertainty around this very scary virus and the intense desire to protect the health and well-being of my family, I have decided to opt-out of this season. I want to thank the Detroit Lions organization, the Ford Family, and the National Football League for allowing me to play the game I love and supporting me through this unbelievably difficult decision. I am looking forward to next season.”"

This is a tough decision for any player, but it is especially tough for someone who had to grind every step of the way to make it to where he is today.

Coming out of Spoto High School in Tampa, Florida, Allison didn’t have much recruiting attention. He had the physical gifts, but there weren’t programs vying for this kid. So, he went the junior college route and landed with Iowa Western Community College.

In the final season with the Reivers, Allison put up some massive numbers. In 11 games, he had 872 yards and 8 touchdowns. He also had five games over 100 yards that season. This great play got the attention of bigger college programs, one being Illinois.

Allison picked Illinois to finish his final two years of college. He had 41 catches, 598 yards and 5 touchdowns as a junior and 65 catches, 882 yards and 3 touchdowns as a senior.

The 2016 NFL Draft would come and go, and Allison didn’t get selected. This was disappointing, but the Green Bay Packers were able to pick him up off free agency. After landing with the Packers, Allison turned into a solid target for Aaron Rodgers. He totaled 89 catches for 1,045 yards and 6 touchdowns in the four seasons with Green Bay.

Next. Illini lineup with Ayo and Kofi returning. dark

This offseason, Allison moved to the Detroit Lions where he was supposed to start fresh. But, with everything going on with COVID-19, those plans seem to be on hold for this season. I am sure Allison will come back next season and show Detroit his talent on the football field. But, for now, I wish him a safe and healthy rest of 2020.

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