Allen, 34, spoke with the local media Thursday for the first time following his arrest, and although he acknowledged that he's had conversations with Indianapolis decision-makers and the rest of his team, the veteran wide receiver declined to offer much insight on the incident, citing the case's status as an ongoing legal matter.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Allen faces an upcoming court date on Sept. 16, three days after the team's season opener, on preliminary misdemeanor charges of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OVWI) -- with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher -- and OVWI endangering a person.
"Because it's an ongoing legal matter, we're not going to discuss it," Allen said. "I'm just focused on football and being a good teammate."
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen speaks with media Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, ahead of the Colts’ joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen speaks with media Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, ahead of the Colts’ joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen speaks with media Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, ahead of the Colts’ joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen watches Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, during a joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
WR Keenan Allen: Signed by Indianapolis Colts (previous team: Los Angeles Chargers)
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen speaks with media Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, ahead of the Colts’ joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen speaks with media Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, ahead of the Colts’ joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen speaks with media Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, ahead of the Colts’ joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen speaks with media Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, ahead of the Colts’ joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen talks Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, with new Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen during a joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen talks Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, with new Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen during a joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen talks Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, with new Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen during a joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
Aug 7, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) during training camp at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 7, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) during training camp at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) talks with new Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, during a joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
Dec 8, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) celebrates after defeating the Philadelphia Eagles at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) celebrates after a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 2, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) warms up prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) enters the field before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 15, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) warms up before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie -Imagn Images
(Stephen R. Sylvanie, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 9, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) reacts after the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at SoFi Stadium. Allen set a franchise record for reception in the fourth quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 20, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) looks on before the game against the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) celebrates after a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
American Football - NFL - Los Angeles Chargers v Kansas City Chiefs - Corinthians Arena, Sao Paulo, Brazil - September 5, 2025 Los Angeles Chargers' Keenan Allen celebrates scoring a touchdown REUTERS/Jean Carniel
(JEAN CARNIEL, REUTERS)
1/24
See Keenan Allen, the newest Colts receiver
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen speaks with media Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, ahead of the Colts’ joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
1/24
See Keenan Allen, the newest Colts receiver
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen speaks with media Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, ahead of the Colts’ joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
2/24
See Keenan Allen, the newest Colts receiver
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen speaks with media Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, ahead of the Colts’ joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
3/24
See Keenan Allen, the newest Colts receiver
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen speaks with media Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, ahead of the Colts’ joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
4/24
See Keenan Allen, the newest Colts receiver
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen watches Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, during a joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
5/24
See Keenan Allen, the newest Colts receiver
WR Keenan Allen: Signed by Indianapolis Colts (previous team: Los Angeles Chargers)
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6/24
See Keenan Allen, the newest Colts receiver
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen speaks with media Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, ahead of the Colts’ joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
7/24
See Keenan Allen, the newest Colts receiver
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen speaks with media Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, ahead of the Colts’ joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
8/24
See Keenan Allen, the newest Colts receiver
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen speaks with media Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, ahead of the Colts’ joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
9/24
See Keenan Allen, the newest Colts receiver
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen speaks with media Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, ahead of the Colts’ joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
10/24
See Keenan Allen, the newest Colts receiver
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen talks Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, with new Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen during a joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
11/24
See Keenan Allen, the newest Colts receiver
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen talks Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, with new Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen during a joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
12/24
See Keenan Allen, the newest Colts receiver
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen talks Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, with new Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen during a joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
13/24
See Keenan Allen, the newest Colts receiver
Aug 7, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) during training camp at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14/24
See Keenan Allen, the newest Colts receiver
Aug 7, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) during training camp at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
15/24
See Keenan Allen, the newest Colts receiver
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) talks with new Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, during a joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
16/24
See Keenan Allen, the newest Colts receiver
Dec 8, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) celebrates after defeating the Philadelphia Eagles at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
17/24
See Keenan Allen, the newest Colts receiver
Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) celebrates after a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
18/24
See Keenan Allen, the newest Colts receiver
Nov 2, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) warms up prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
19/24
See Keenan Allen, the newest Colts receiver
Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) enters the field before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
20/24
See Keenan Allen, the newest Colts receiver
Sep 15, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) warms up before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie -Imagn Images
(Stephen R. Sylvanie, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
21/24
See Keenan Allen, the newest Colts receiver
Nov 9, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) reacts after the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at SoFi Stadium. Allen set a franchise record for reception in the fourth quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
22/24
See Keenan Allen, the newest Colts receiver
Aug 20, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) looks on before the game against the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) celebrates after a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
American Football - NFL - Los Angeles Chargers v Kansas City Chiefs - Corinthians Arena, Sao Paulo, Brazil - September 5, 2025 Los Angeles Chargers' Keenan Allen celebrates scoring a touchdown REUTERS/Jean Carniel
(JEAN CARNIEL, REUTERS)
Allen has a close, long-standing relationship with Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen that dates back to their time together with the Chargers, and Steichen is one of the big reasons Allen chose to sign with theColtsin training camp.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
"I've got a lot of respect for Keenan, and I had a private conversation with him," Steichen said. "I'll keep that in-house and keep it private."
Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard have already said that Allen will play in the team's Sept. 13 season opener against the Ravens. Under the NFL's collectively bargained policy on substance abuse, the punishment for a first-time offense involving alcohol is three games, but the league typically does not impose that suspension until the legal process has concluded, and the legal process can take months.
Allen may not face a suspension during the 2026 season.
Ballard said Tuesday that the Colts did impose internal discipline on the veteran wide receiver, and Allen acknowledged that he has spoken to his teammates.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
"I'm going to keep those discussions in-house, just focus on being a good football player and getting ready for the season," Allen said.
While Allen and Steichen were reluctant to say much on the matter, Ballard strongly defended Allen's character in Tuesday's press conference.
"I'm not going to comment on what happened, but what I'm going to tell you is good people make mistakes," Colts general manager Chris Ballard said. "He's a tremendous human being. Give him some grace, and he'll work through the process of the legal system."
Allen has only been a Colt for the past two weeks.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
But the team has based its evaluation of the veteran wide receiver's character on his relationship with Steichen, along with his relationship with other people the franchise holds in high regard.
"Fourteen years in the league with no issues," Ballard said. "Decorated career, decorated teammate. As you know, our relationship with Philip Rivers, Philip holds him in extremely high regard, and Shane (Steichen) was with him, and after you meet his mom and dad, amazing people. ... Unequivocally feel good about who Keenan Allen is."
Ballard predicted that Allen would prove himself to the city of Indianapolis.
Offered a chance to talk to Colts fans directly, Allen focused his message on what he can bring to the Colts offense.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
"I take my job serious, I'm a good football player and I try to be a good teammate. That's what I'm focused on," Allen said. "Appreciate the support. I'm ready for the football season, ready to make plays and get this thing going."
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
