Joseph Carl Allen (December 21, 1955 – March 31, 2021) was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 11th round of the 1977 NFL draft but played his entire career with the St. Louis Cardinals. He played college football at Southern Miss.

NFL career

After being selected by the Bengals, Allen was traded to the Cardinals for a future draft pick on August 30, 1977. He had his only career touchdown on a 70-yard interception return in a September 28, 1980, game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Allen was placed on injured reserve on November 18, 1981, due to a knee injury against the Buffalo Bills.

Retirement

Allen retired in St. Louis where he taught and coached in the Jennings School District. He served as quarterback and defensive back coach and was part of five district championships and the first non-conference championship in 2006. He retired from coaching in 2012 and retired from teaching in 2020. Carl Allen died March 31, 2021, at the age of 65.