There are some common phrases in sport that reflect the feeling of an underdog.

“Chip on your shoulder.”

“Something to prove.”

Nearly every athlete has experienced it at one point or another in their career.

For receiver Floyd Allen, those sentiments ring true.

Since college, the 26-year-old has bounced around. He started his collegiate career at Bethany (West Virginia) College and dressed for six games, making six catches for 125 yards, and rushing for 33 yards and one touchdown. Allen played his sophomore season at El Camino College in Torrance, Calif., and played on both sides of the ball. In two games, he had three catches for 40 yards as well as three tackles and a pass breakup. Then he played nine games over two seasons (2017-18) at Ole Miss, seeing action on special teams and as a backup receiver for the Rebels.

He signed with the National Football League’s Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent on May 20, 2019, and was waived Aug. 31, 2019. Allen was selected in the XFL supplemental draft by the Dallas Renegades on Nov. 22, 2019. In 2021, he played with the Generals in The Spring League.

He then found himself north of the border when he participated in Stamps rookie camp last year. He played one pre-season game on May 23, recording one catch for 10 yards and one missed-field goal return for 45 yards before getting cut by the team on June 1.

However, he’s been given another chance to make it at the pro level. He signed with Calgary for a second time in November.

Getting cut from the squad last year only adds extra motivation for the Houston native to secure a spot on the team this season.

“For sure it adds a little more hunger,” he affirmed. “I’ve always had a chip on my shoulder – all my life through football so with me being cut I understand the business of it but at the same time you know every day I’m like they didn’t keep my last year so now I have to give them a reason why to (keep me this year).”

With some experience under his belt and some familiarity with the organization, the 26-year-old receiver is feeling better prepared to compete for a job on the team this time around.

“The learning curve is the main difference,” explained Allen. “I think that the first time I came in I had to learn a new system, new plays, so that was tough the first time around but now I got the hang of it.

“This time I already know a little bit of it, so I’ve caught up really fast.”

Although he has history with the club, Allen doesn’t view his experience with the team as an advantage over any of the other receivers.

“It’s still a clean slate,” he said. “I don’t feel like what I did last camp really matters because that was last year. Every time I come in, I want to give coach a reason to put me on the squad every day. I think every day is a new opportunity to start your resume and keep yourself on the team.”

When competing against nine other rookies, the most difficult part of winning a job can be standing out amongst the group.

“Everybody has their own type of play as far as a receiver and everybody is dynamic,” said Allen. “I think that everybody can play really well. I said coach is going to have to make tough decisions heading into training camp, I know it’s going to be tough and everybody’s going to be making plays all around the field, so you know again, seeing those guys making plays on the field hypes me up and makes me want to add to the fun.”

When it comes to separating himself from the rest of the group, Allen is focusing on what he can control.

“Basically, just knowing my game,” he explained. “I can’t do what (receiver) Rysen (John) can do because Rysen is 6’7. I can’t do what (receiver) Tommylee Lewis can do because he’s a quick twitchy guy, but I know my game and I’m comfortable in my strengths that whatever I put out there the coach is going to love. Plus, special teams. Special teams, special teams, special teams. That’s one of the main things that I’ve been preached on all through football.

“So, coming in everyday and getting one percent better and putting good stuff on tape.”