The celebration of Allen continued into the locker room as the team was fired up to witness franchise history.
His impact on the franchise makes the moment that much sweeter.
“Just very fortunate to have him,” Herbert said. “He’s a true pro and he’s taught me so much about the game. To have a guy like that teaching the receivers, hanging out with quarterbacks, talking routes, I think his understanding of the game is second to none. Nobody deserves it more than him.”
Harbaugh added: “You think about all of the Chargers [pass catchers] with Antonio Gates and everybody … just blessed and it feels great to be a part of it.”
And to those who have seen him as the years have passed, there was extra emotion him reach the top of the leaderboard.
“It means a lot. I remember a young Keenan Allen and he’s still doing the same thing now,” said Denzel Perryman, Allen’s teammate of sevens seasons. “Just to see him stay consistent over the years, him and I are now older and getting up there in age. But he hasn’t slowed down and it’s honestly amazing.”
Derwin James, Jr., another teammate of seven seasons, added: “To now see it come full [circle … he’s the No. 1 player in Chargers history [in receptions]. Until somebody else comes break it, they won’t be able to come take it from him. A lot of respect, that’s my brother.”
In 149 games in the powder blue, Allen has set a new mark in Chargers franchise history.
It’s a testament to the longevity it’s taken to get there, as it is far from a coincidence he now stands alone at the top.
“It’s just hats off to the work, you know? I’m always putting in the work in the offseason,” Allen said. “You know, we’re not too loud with it.
“We don’t post everything, but the work is definitely put in so when we are in those situations, nothing’s new, everything is normal, everything is kind of slowed down in a sense,” Allen continued.
Allen later added: “I think that was the best part. Through it all, being with the guys, seeing their emotions, making it a special moment.”