Jonathan Allen can look back on one of the most highly decorated football careers in Alabama history, which served as a springboard for his status as an NFL first-round draft choice and a starting defensive lineman for the Washington Redskins.

But he also can remember when he was 7 years old and homeless.

That’s why Allen is supporting Sasha Bruce Youthwork during the NFL’s My Cause, My Cleats campaign. The organization deals daily with youth homelessness in the Washington area.

More than 900 NFL players are wearing specially designed cleats to promote charitable causes and organizations, with the Redskins playing in their My Cause cleats during Sunday’s home game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The My Cause My Cleats initiative aims to raise awareness and, through an online auction of the special footwear, funding for the organizations.

“I chose Sasha Bruce Youthwork because growing up I spent time in a homeless shelter,” Allen said, “and it was one of those things that was very personal to me. And I wanted to give back, not only to be an example for the kids showing that there is positivity that can come from it or you can make something of your life while you’re in it, but just to make their life a little bit easier, because I know they have so many struggles and inconsistencies, and I just want to be a good spark for them in their life.”

Earlier this year, Allen established the Jonathan and Hannah Allen Innovation Lounge at the only homeless shelter for minors in the nation's capital. The lounge has laptops, wireless access, study spaces and gaming systems for Sasha Bruce Youthwork residents.

The lounge also serves as the education site for the Lukey Kaempfer Transformation Project, which provides mentoring, career exploration, after-school tutoring and life-skills coaching for formerly homeless youth.

At Alabama, Allen was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year for the 2016 season. In his third all-conference campaign, Allen also earned the Bednarik Award, Nagurski Trophy and Lombardi Award and was a unanimous All-American selection. The Bednarik and Nagurski annually go to the nation's best defensive player, and the Lombardi was presented annually to the nation's top lineman or linebacker.

After his first NFL season lasted only five games because of a foot injury, Allen will start his 29th consecutive game for Washington on Sunday. In 12 games this season, Allen has five sacks and 49 tackles after recording eight sacks and 61 tackles in 2018.

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.

More NFL coverage:

· Darius Slayton making an impact from the fifth round for New York Giants

· Ha Ha Clinton-Dix returning to Green Bay as visiting player for the first time

· Detroit Lions could soon have Iron Bowl set of running backs

· Josh Jacobs wants to ‘finish off strong’ despite shoulder injury

· NFL’s all-time team adds 3 with Alabama football roots

· Cyrus Jones says ‘failure is not an option’ after heart surgery

· Giants cut Janoris Jenkins after CB insults fan

· Dont’a Hightower thankful for coaches Nick Saban and Bill Belichick

· Ravens wrap up AFC North title with Thursday night win over Jets

· Jonah Williams feeling like a football player again

· Da’Shawn Hand’s 2019 NFL season officially over

· Ben Jones, Cam Newton among NFL Man of the Year Award nominees

· Carlos Rogers among former NFL players charged in health-care fraud

· NFL Week 15: Texans aim to ‘build a wall’ against Derrick Henry

· Jeff Holland signs with fifth NFL team of 2019

· 49ers hope to get Dee Ford back on field for playoffs

· Kareem Jackson earns NFL weekly honor

· Running back Derrick Gore gets another NFL opportunity

· ‘Ain’t no quitting in’ Tennessee Titans’ Derrick Henry