Josh Hines-Allen, defensive star for the Jacksonville Jaguars, has set his sights on breaking the NFL’s single-season sack record in 2025. Michael Strahan’s record of 22.5 sacks was set in 2001. T.J. Watt accomplished that same incredible feat late in 2021. Her determination is further evident after an all-world 2023 campaign. He finished with a career-high 17.5 sacks and carried that success into 2024 where he earned eight sacks.
Outside of his monster sack numbers, Hines-Allen had one of the most consistently dominant seasons of quarterback-hurry-up, of any defender in 2024. He finished with 67 QB pressures, with a pressure rate of 14.9% and recording 19 QB hits. Whether he’s sacking quarterbacks or removing their heads, his aptitude for derailing plays has made him one of the best pass rushers in the league.
Yet Hines-Allen’s lofty ambition is fueled not just by personal accomplishments but by an immense burden outside the lines. Given the fact that his seven-year-old son, Wesley, is being treated for Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia. Wesley is set to finish his curative treatment at Nemours Children’s Health in Jacksonville in late August. Despite the emotional toll of his son’s illness, Hines-Allen has expressed optimism as Wesley nears the conclusion of chemotherapy.
“I think every pass rusher should have that as a target,” said Hines-Allen, just as every NFL team targets a Super Bowl. He’s definitely got his eye on that record. Yet, through it all, he does not forget—as we’re reminded in touching moments throughout—his duty to be a family man and an athlete.
In a worst-case scenario, Hines-Allen thinks he can get at least 23 touchdowns in a season. Now that would be 5.5 sacks more than his current career high! He’s confident that if he stays healthy and just concentrates on his training, he can legitimately shoot for this big-time goal. “So, I think my goal is to break the record and not really focus on it,” he explained. “Just know that if I handle what I need to handle, stay healthy, know what I’m doing, communicate, anticipate what’s happening to me… then everything’s going to play off the way it’s supposed to.”
Hines-Allen’s determination has indeed caught the attention of his teammates and coaching staff. Emmanuel Ogbah praised his mindset and work ethic, stating, “You should want to be the best at your position every time you step on that field.” Ogbah further elaborated on Hines-Allen’s commitment: “I like his mindset. I like his work ethic. He works. He goes out there and grinds.”
Hines-Allen has continued to work on pitch even in the offseason conditioning program and OTAs. Despite this, he is still committed to advocating while balancing his son’s continued fight. His commitment to his family and his art is a perfect example of how to harmonize life at home with life focused on your goals.
Anthony Campanile, a member of the coaching staff, noted the commitment of players like Hines-Allen during this challenging period: “They ain’t skipping a rep, missing a drill, like they’re doing everything that we’re asking them to do, and they’re going full tilt.” In-Hines Allen’s case, this dedication shines through in his work ethic, attempts to improve his game amid life-changing adversities mentioned above.
Interestingly, as he gears up for the 2023 season, Hines-Allen is only two total sacks shy of eclipsing Tony Brackens’ franchise record of 55 total sacks. He’s about to make history! Having this milestone in his back pocket adds another layer of motivation as he balances the chase for pennants with soccer schedules and birthday parties.
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