Keenan Allen reveals big reason he signed with Indianapolis Colts

Shane Steichen was a big reason that the free agent wide receiver Keenan Allen signed with the Indianapolis Colts.

“Obviously, Shane’s my guy,” Allen said on Wednesday, via The Athletic’s James Boyd. “We go way back. Having that connection, the familiarity. Knowing Shane and being able to come in and plug and play.”

Allen entered the NFL with the Chargers in 2013, and Steichen held various roles with that team from 2014 through 2020, which included being the offensive coordinator during that final year.

That familiarity can help Allen hit the ground running in Indianapolis.

“I’ve been with Shane since my rookie year. Our relationship goes back. Learning the game with Shane through the coaches that we had and just being able to have similar minds.”

Keenan Allen says #Colts HC Shane Steichen, who was his OC years ago with the #Chargers, was a big factor in him coming to Indy:

“It’s been a little bit of back and forth, just me and him personally, without the agent.”

Says other teams had interest but Indy was his choice. pic.twitter.com/V5Ztut3rPg

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) August 19, 2026

Allen said that he and Steichen had been communicating recently throughout this process, which isn’t that unusual for the two, who have remained in touch over the years.

Allen said there were a few teams that had shown interest in him, but he wanted to reunite with Steichen.

“Just the way he runs things,” Allen said of Steichen. “He’s a genius in itself. He knows the game, the ins and outs, and the way that he knows the game, I know the game as well.”

Allen added that Steichen sees the game through the quarterback’s perspective.

With the Colts, Allen can fill a similar role to what Michael Pittman did as a potential high-volume target on short to intermediate throws, as well as in the red zone.

However, whatever the team needs from Allen, he will help any way possible.

“Doing what I do. Making plays,” said Allen. “Moving the chains. Being there for the quarterback. Being a veteran.”

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Keenan Allen reveals big reason he signed with Indianapolis Colts