Ask Me Anything: Colts’ Dwayne Allen

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Three years after signing with the Colts, Allen finished his bachelor’s degree from Clemson and earned uncle-of-the-year honors by setting a good example for his 15 nieces and nephews. Now the tight end is ready for a (fingers crossed) healthy season after months of training, watching movies, gawking at aircraft carriers—and chewing on his secret addiction.

What’s your degree in?
Health sciences. My injury history of late is well-documented; I’ve spent a lot of time with physical therapists. This year, I’d like to spend a little less time with them.

What do your trainers think about your alleged gummy-bear habit?
Oh, my goodness. I just love gummy bears. I used to get a couple pounds from a candy store in Carmel. It started with gummy worms when I was a kid, and I’ve evolved to bears. I’ve had my share of cavities. I’m trying to focus on the physique this season—but they’ll be on the diet somewhere.

How many cavities?
Too personal.

In March, you visited troops stationed abroad as part of a USO tour with Andrew Luck and Coach Pagano. What was that like?
Man! We saw seven countries in seven days. We were bringing a little bit of home to them, and the guys were so appreciative. Some of them were in tears. A humbling experience. We visited the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Carl Vinson. That was amazing. Seeing the F-16s take off and land … It was a full-body experience straight out of Top Gun.

Top Gun is a classic movie for a 25-year-old.
I love movies. All kinds, but I’m a drama kind of guy. A Beautiful Mind. Slumdog Millionaire. The Shawshank Redemption. The Butler. Dude, I’m a crier.

 

This story appeared in the August 2015 issue.