Throughout his NFL career, star wide receiver Keenan Allen of the Los Angeles Chargers remains rooted in his familial foundation. Drafted in the third round of the 2013 NFL draft after playing college football at the University of California, Allen has shown phenomenal upward mobility. Not only his coaches but also his parents, Dorie Maynard-Lang and Keith Allen, are to be credited for shaping his athletic career into what it is today.

Interestingly, Allen takes immense pride in his Lumbee ancestry. His parents, Dorie and Keith, lived in Greensboro, North Carolina, when Keenan was born in 1992. Dorie is the sister of Carmen Maynard, making Keenan Allen and his half-brother Zach Maynard, along with their cousin Maurice Harris, closely connected.

Dorie had Keenan with Keith Allen before their relationship ended. She later married Scott Lang, who stepped in as a father figure to both Keenan and Zach after Keith’s sudden death. Heartbreakingly, Keith passed away at the age of 42 while he was sleeping, leaving the family in turmoil. The reason for his death is not known. During this difficult time, Keenan found comfort and support from his mother, half-brother, and cousins.

Scott Lang played an essential role in helping Keenan establish his career, providing him with fatherly support. He provided crucial advice when Keenan faced challenges in his early football days. Lang even overlooked age restrictions, allowing Allen to play with older kids and doing all the paperwork necessary for Allen to have that opportunity.

Despite their trepidation, Lang and Dorie watched the entire game, not letting Keenan quit even when he was just six years old. When Allen thought about quitting after being knocked down, Lang told him, “Grown men play this game, not little boys. It doesn’t matter what the age is; you’ve got to be a gladiator to step inside this box. If your mindset isn’t that, you’re not going to be successful.” These words have continued to resonate with Keenan, helping him persevere to date.

Zach Maynard and Keenan consider themselves full brothers, having grown up together and being raised by Lang. Maynard remarks, “We grew up together our whole lives. We were never known as half-brothers. I don’t like it. It doesn’t feel right to me.”

Keenan’s strong attachment to his family, nurtured in a close-knit environment, is frequently expressed in his words and actions. Time and again, he gives a glimpse of his special bond with his mother and family members.

Family is everything for Keenan Allen

In January 2020, Keenan Allen took to his official IG handle to share glimpses of special moments with his family. He made a memorable visit to Walt Disney World Resort, a theme park in Florida with his sweet family. Happy at the moment, he gave an impressive caption to his post. “Disney vibes with the fam!“ as he posed beside his mother Dorie and his loving family.

In May 2023, Keenan Allen once again took to his IG handle to wish his beloved mom on the occasion of Mother’s Day. He posted the picture of his mom, Dorie Maynard-Lang, and his life partner, Ciandra Monique, as he seemed grateful to have both the ladies in his life. NFL WR gave the lovely caption to his post, mentioning, “Happy Mother’s Day ladies!”, using heart-eye emojis. It demonstrated his love for his family.

And, with the close family environment, where he has the needed backup and support, Keenan has indeed achieved great heights in his NFL journey.