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

Keenan Allen reveals who was responsible for his record-setting catch during Chargers’ win over Steelers

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated Nov 10, 2025 8:13 PM ET

The Los Angeles Chargers have a new receptions king. Keenan Allen sits atop that mountain, but it may not have happened in Week 10 against the Pittsburgh Steelers if it wasn't for an idea that Allen thought of himself. His interaction with Jim Harbaugh right before the play was surely priceless as well.

Keenan Allen called his own shot in order to break franchise record

With a catch late in the fourth quarter against the Steelers, Allen broke Antonio Gates' record for receptions in Chargers franchise history. The experienced wide receiver later revealed that it was his idea to run the shovel pass in order to eclipse the record, and Jim Harbaugh called him a genius for thinking of it. The long-time head coach somehow hadn't considered it, and Allen comically called him out for that.

Keenan Allen said he asked Jim Harbaugh for the shovel pass late in the game to break the receptions record.

Said Harbaugh called him a genius for thinking of the idea.

“You mean to tell me you didn’t think of it?” - Allen pic.twitter.com/3T3Ewng2Nl
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) November 10, 2025

Accordingly, Jim Harbaugh wasn't even thinking of the record for Allen during this game, but the receiver helped him out. That's probably a story they'll tell people for years to come.

Allen has totaled 956 receptions, 11,069 yards, and 63 touchdowns in his career with the Bolts. He and his teammates were clearly, and understandably, emotional after the play where he rewrote the history books for the team.

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"We were able to do it. Hats off to Antonio, Philip, and Herbo...Gates was here." -- Allen on record-breaking catch vs. Pittsburgh

Chargers fans have grown to love Allen over the course of his playing career, and this truly set him apart as the top wideout to ever dawn the powder blue for the franchise. Allen quickly became a fan favorite for his impressive production on third down, regardless of his quarterback, and has been one of the most consistent wideouts in the entire NFL throughout his playing career.

It was a phenomenal moment for a player that the Chargers may regret ever allowing to wear another uniform during his playing days. Now, Allen can turn his undivided attention towards helping Los Angeles find some postseason success.

This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Nov 10, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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