I talked to Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen at NFL UK’s “Summer Bowl” event in London.

SB: 8-8 record last year. On what areas of the field will the team need to improve to see better fortunes this year?

DA: Every area! The number one priority is keeping Andrew healthy, and upright. I believe that we’ve made the necessary changes on the offensive line but only time will tell. The tight end position needs to get better. I don’t think the tight end position had enough production. Out of all positions, the tight end position is the position that needs the most improvement. And luckily I have some control over that. It’s a new year, it’s a new team, I’m excited to get to training camp and really see how we develop and come together.

SB: With your tight end partner Coby Fleener heading out the door this offseason, are you looking ahead to increased targets and increased numbers?

DA: I’m looking ahead to being healthy, being on the field, and providing whatever assistance my team needs. If it calls for me to see more targets and see more catches I will, of course, welcome that, but if I need to block more and stay in more, whatever it takes for us to win, that’s what I’m willing to do.

SB: The tight end position seems to be going through some sort of renaissance right now. As the position involves to incorporate these receiving tight ends like Rob Gronkowski and Jordan Reed, do you pride yourself on being one of the last few ‘true’, balanced tight ends?

DA: Very much so. Growing up, I played the tight end position since picking up the sport of football. I was taught that the tight end position is the most dynamic position on the football field, you can put him on the end of the line, you can split him out, and you can put him in the backfield. I’ve been doing those things, and blocking, receiving, running the ball since I was in high school, and I’ll continue to do it until my body won’t let me.

SB: Finally, how significant is an event like Summer Bowl for these kids here today, and the growth of football here in Britain?

DA: It’s so important. Just seeing all the athletes out here playing the sport of football. If they can pick it up early, have fun with it and develop, that’s great. The most important thing about the game of football, and what makes it the greatest sport in the world, is that we have athletes of all different shapes and sizes. You don’t have to look like David Beckham in order to play football. You can look like myself, or Peko, a 350lbs guy. You can be all shapes and sizes and enjoy this sport, and play it at an elite level.