While many NFL players travel to international beaches during their summer vacation to relax and unwind, Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen spent part of his break in Mexico helping build a house for a family in need.
Allen was connected through his agency to a group called 1MISSION, a charity that gives "people in poverty the opportunity to earn a house by serving their community."
"When my agency reached out to me about this opportunity," Allen said by phone this week, "I really liked the idea of the organization – of people contributing to their community and having some ownership throughout the process."
Last week, Allen traveled to Puerto Penasco and teamed up with Broncos cornerback Isaac Yiadom and Buccaneers running back Peyton Barber. They laid concrete, built walls and helped set the foundation for a new house in the community.
"I had never done construction before," Allen said. "It was a humbling experience. You definitely gain a greater appreciation for people that do this and how hard this work is. It was also really cool to work alongside the family that was going to live in the house. You get to really build a connection with them and feel like you're making a difference."
For Allen, the experience carried an extra meaning because it was just hours from his hometown of Scottsdale, Ariz.
"That area is a big resort area and I had traveled there with my family before," Allen said. "So to go down and really do and see something different was cool."
Signed as an undrafted free agent after the 2018 draft, Allen spent time on the Panthers' practice squad before starting the season finale at New Orleans. He threw for 228 yards and accounted for three touchdowns (two passing, one rushing) in a 33-14 win.
Allen has done a number of community service projects back home in Arizona and plans to become more involved in Charlotte this year as he returns for his second season.
"I've always been interested in giving back to the community wherever I am," Allen said. "We have a tremendous role model in Cam (Newton), and I look up to the things that he has done here in Charlotte. As professional athletes, I feel like we have a responsibility to give back to others."
