Josh Allen's father to miss AFC Championship Game amid COVID-19 recovery

Josh Allen hasn't had a rough year on the football field, but the Buffalo Bills quarterback has endured many family struggles behind the scenes, making his run to the AFC Championship Game even more impressive.

According to Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times, Allen's father, Joel, was hospitalized this month and is recovering from COVID-19 and pneumonia. Joel tries to attend all of Allen's games when he can, but he won't be able to watch his son take on the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday from Arrowhead Stadium because of his ongoing health issues. 

Allen also lost his grandmother in 2020, which resulted in fans donating more than $1 million to the Oishei Children's Hospital in her memory.

The young quarterback's focus and dedication to football are impressive. Many players would struggle to cope with their family issues, but Allen has the Bills just one win away from the Super Bowl. 

The 24-year-old set several Bills franchise records this season, including passing touchdowns in a season (37), total touchdowns (45), completion percentage (69.2) and quarterback rating (107.2). He also led Buffalo to its first AFC East title since 1995. 

While Allen's father won't be in attendance, Allen's mother, LaVonne, his uncle, Todd, and plenty of his family and friends will be at Arrowhead Stadium cheering him on Sunday.