Out of Illinois, Nick Allegretti is heading for the Super Bowl
Former Illini Nick Allegretti is making the headlines these days. On Sunday, Jan 24th, he was part of the Chiefs’ victory against the Buffalo Bills 38-24 in the AFC Championship, earning them a chance of a second-straight win at the Super Bowl. Before signing with the Chiefs in the 2019 NFL Draft, Allegretti played as an offensive lineman for the Illinois Fighting Illini for the entirety of his collegiate career, 2014-2018. Fans could, and still can, wager on Allegretti following his exploits on
Illinois sports betting and wishing him luck for his second Super Bowl in a row.
Embed from Getty ImagesSeveral years have gone by since a team won two consecutive Super Bowls. The feat was last accomplished by the New England Patriots in 2004 and 2005, under the leadership of Tom Brady, who is now at the head of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Chiefs’ opponent in Super Bowl 55. Perhaps the Bills feel Tom Brady’s absence now since they lost twice to the Chiefs in a few months. Both times, Nick Allegretti drew attention and praise from top commentators.
On Oct 19th, when the Chiefs won over the Bills 26-17, Fox Sports analyst Troy Aikman was very impressed by the former Illini. “I tell you, the guy I’m really impressed with is Nick Allegretti, the second-year player out of Illinois, a seventh-round pick,” was the opinion broadcasted by Aikman, a three-time Super Bowl champion and Hall of Fame quarterback. “He is just destroying people upfront. He’s just moving people out. This guy’s something. He got his chance … because Remmers had to move out to right tackle with the injury to Schwartz. So he gets a chance to come in for the bench. He’s making the most of his opportunity as well.”
During the AFC Championship Game on Jan 24th, Allegretti was praised by CBS analyst Tony Romo “Allegretti’s having a game right now… 73, the left guard. …Watch 73 right here, Allegretti, he takes two guys.” Former Pro Bowl center Olin Kreutz, a Chicago Bears great in his time, joined the choir of praise. Kreutz had mentored Allegretti through the draft process. Commenting on the AFC game, he tweeted: “Allegretti downfield often picking up the backs cleaning the pile.”
The offensive lineman spent his first season in Illinois in 2014, redshirting. After that, he played in 48 consecutive games, including as a starter in the last 36 games of his collegiate career. He was a two-time All-Big Ten Second Team selection at Illinois. The Chiefs kept him as a reserve offensive lineman during the last season. Then, during the Week 6 game against the Bills this season, the Chiefs’ right tackle, Mitchell Schwartz, suffered a back injury. Chiefs guard Mike Remmers took his place, and Allegretti replaced Rummers at guard. From this position, Allegretti helped the Chiefs defeat the Bills, rushing for 245 yards in a 26-17 win for the Chiefs. Since then, he has started all 10 games he has played at left guard, including both playoff games.
Now his greatest challenge is coming up — the Super Bowl 55 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
