DENVER — Zach Allen saw a pathway to success for himself even from 2,500 miles away.

In early October 2021, Allen was in the midst of his third season with the Arizona Cardinals. He had two career sacks to his name after injuries plagued each of his first two seasons. And only recently had he come under the tutelage of future Hall of Famer J.J. Watt in the desert.

He had confidence, to be sure, but not so much to reinforce it.

“I was really inconsistent, but I was like, ‘OK, I think I can do this,’” Allen told The Denver Post recently.

Across the country, New York Jets defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers was a year older and a year more established. When he inked an in-season, four-year extension worth $55 million that came with $30 million guaranteed, Allen took notice.

“I remember watching his tape and thinking that I liked the way this guy plays,” Allen said. “Then you see him get paid. So I just shot him a DM on Instagram and said, ‘Hey congratulations on everything.’ That gave me a lot of hope, like, OK, a guy that plays a similar style is getting recognized and respected in this league. That gave me a lot of confidence.”

The two struck up a friendship and consistent dialogue.

“Basically, like, game recognize game,” Allen said.

Not only did they play similar styles, they came to realize, but they shared a similar pass-rushing ethos.

They thought, as many players do, it would be cool if someday they got the chance to play together.

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