Josh Allen's jersey retired by Wyoming

With his NFL team, the Buffalo Bills, off this weekend, quarterback Josh Allen had his No. 17 Wyoming jersey retired Saturday at halftime of the Cowboys' game against Nevada in Laramie, Wyo.

Allen played for Wyoming from 2015-17, throwing for 5,066 yards and 44 touchdowns in 27 games. His best season was 2016, when he passed for 3,203 yards and 28 TDs. He also compiled 767 rushing yards and 12 scores on the ground.

Allen was taken by the Bills with the seventh overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. With Buffalo, Allen -- who still wears a No. 17 jersey -- is a three-time Pro Bowl selection and 2024 NFL MVP who has thrown for 29,143 yards and 213 touchdowns in his eight seasons in the league.

On Saturday, at the jersey ceremony at sold-out War Memorial Stadium, Allen, 29, was joined on the field by his parents and former Wyoming coach Craig Bohl. Allen returned to Laramie for the first time since his Pro Day in 2018.

"First off, I just want to say thank you for everybody coming out tonight. This is such an amazing honor, a huge blessing," said Allen, the first former Wyoming football player to have his number retired. "There's so many people that I can thank for this achievement. A lot of teammates here. Love you guys. ... The fans, and the support here in Wyoming. I'm so honored and blessed to represent this university and this beautiful state. I love you guys. Thank you."

The Bills (7-4) are off this weekend after losing to the Houston Texans 23-19 on Thursday night. Allen's alma mater, Wyoming (4-7), fell to Nevada 13-7 on Saturday.