The Buckhorn Bar hosted an NFL Draft event on April 26, UW Football fans attended to find out the fate of former UW quarterback, Josh Allen, a fan favorite and potential early draft pick.
Walking into the event before the announcement, music was playing as drinks were being served. Many members of the crowd could be seen laughing and enjoying the various attractions provided. These included t-shirt sales in commemoration of Josh Allen’s time at UW, a mechanical bull and the Double Dubs food truck.
One of the attendee’s and a fan of UW Football, Robert Cooley, said about the departure of Josh Allen, “I’m really sad to see him go, mainly because I love going to football games and he was great entertainment.”
Allen was said by many sports broadcasters to be one of the top picks for the 2018 NFL Draft. Following the announcement of the first pick, Baker Mayfield for the Cleveland Browns, the crowd voiced their disappointment at Allen not being chosen, including UW student Matt Loundhein.
“I was thinking Josh was going to go number one over Baker Mayfield,” Loundhein said. “Josh Allen has a great arm, could work on his accuracy, but he’s still a good quarterback.”
While more players were picked, the crowd grew more restless and quiet. All around the venue flags and jerseys from various NFL teams could be seen as attendees showed off their team spirit and likely their hopes of Allen being drafted to their team.
Finally coming to the seventh pick, Allen was selected by the Buffalo Bills. The Bills gave up the number 12 pick and two second round picks for a chance at him.
As soon as his name was called over the various televisions scattered about the venue, the crowd went wild and started shouting and throwing various items including drinks, hats and other articles of clothing. The music was immediately turned up following the announcement and many smiles and dance moves were put on display, including some Bills fans that were especially loud.
One such Bills fan, Brandon Altman, said, “I’m super excited with Buffalo. I’d rather [Allen] be there than anywhere else. We were all rooting for him to go to Buffalo.”
Despite Allen leaving UW, he will now be able to be watched in the NFL and as was evident at the event, many people are excited to see how he does in this new chapter of his football career.
