Rabbit Keen

{{Infobox NFL biography

| name = Rabbit Keen

| image = Allen "Rabbit" Keen-The Times-1936.png

| caption = Published in The Times, 1936

| number = 24

| position = Quarterback

| birth_date = {{Birth date|1914|12|10}}

| birth_place = Stilwell, Oklahoma, U.S.

| death_date = {{Death date and age|1984|6|4|1914|12|10}}

| death_place = Overland Park, Kansas, U.S.

| height_ft = 5

| height_in = 9

| weight_lb = 170

| high_school = Wilson Consolidated (OK)
Henryetta (OK)

| college = Connor Aggies
Arkansas

| undraftedyear = 1937

| pastteams =

Philadelphia Eagles ({{NFL Year|1937|1938}})
Richmond Arrows (1938)

| pastcoaching =

Heavener HS (OK) (1939–?)
Head coach

| statlabel1 = Passing attempts

| statvalue1 = 5

| statlabel2 = Passing completions

| statvalue2 = 1

| statlabel3 = TD–INT

| statvalue3 = 1–0

| statlabel4 = Passing yards

| statvalue4 = 86

| statlabel5 = Rushing yards

| statvalue5 = 164

| statlabel6 = Rushing average

| statvalue6 = 4.4

| pfr = KeenRa20

}}

Delbert Allen "Rabbit" Keen (December 10, 1914 – June 4, 1984) was an American football back who played two seasons of professional football. A native of Oklahoma, he played college football for two years at Connors Agricultural College—now known as Connors State College—before spending two years at Arkansas. He was not selected in the 1937 NFL draft, but made the roster of the Philadelphia Eagles and appeared in eight games that year, running for 154 yards and throwing the second-longest pass of the season, an 86-yard touchdown against the Green Bay Packers which was ultimately the only completed pass of his career. He split time between the Eagles and the Richmond Arrows of the Dixie League in 1938, and did not play afterwards.

Early life and education

Keen was born on December 10, 1914, in Stilwell, Oklahoma.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121574070/the-buffalo-news/|newspaper=The Buffalo News|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 14, 1938|page=16|title=Riffle of Eagles Best Pro Prospect|access-date=April 1, 2023|archive-date=August 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825024404/https://www.newspapers.com/article/121574070/the-buffalo-news/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KeenRa20.htm|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|title=Rabbit Keen Stats|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325001254/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KeenRa20.htm|url-status=live}} He attended grade school in Okmulgee and later attended Wilson Consolidated High School as well as Henryetta High School.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121578228/sunday-times-democrat/|newspaper=Sunday Times Democrat|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 19, 1937|page=8|title=Allan Keen Signs For Pro Football|access-date=April 1, 2023|archive-date=August 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825024427/https://www.newspapers.com/article/121578228/sunday-times-democrat/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} Following high school, Keen attended Connors Agricultural College in Warner, at which he was a star athlete in football, basketball and track and field, running the quarter mile, hurdles, and for the relay team. He was given an award for being the school's best athlete and was the track team captain, leading them to the state junior college championship in consecutive years.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/898522715/?match=1&clipping_id=130636105|newspaper=Muskogee Daily Phoenix and Times-Democrat|via=Newspapers.com|date=May 12, 1935|page=10|title=Connors Track Team to Lose Stars by Graduation After Winning Second Straight Junior College Title|access-date=April 1, 2023|archive-date=August 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825024500/https://www.newspapers.com/article/121578968/muskogee-daily-phoenix-and/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} In 1935, Keen transferred to the University of Arkansas, after two years at Connors.{{Cite web|url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/playerk/keen00200.html|website=Pro Football Archives|title=Allen Keen Stats|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325015115/https://www.profootballarchives.com/playerk/keen00200.html|url-status=live}} Keen was later named to the Connors All-Time football team in 1936.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121580650/muskogee-daily-phoenix-and/|newspaper=Muskogee Daily Phoenix and Times-Democrat|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 27, 1936|page=11|title=Connors Aggies' Grads Pick All-Time Eleven|access-date=April 1, 2023|archive-date=August 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825024415/https://www.newspapers.com/article/121580650/muskogee-daily-phoenix-and/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}

Keen saw regular action in his first year at Arkansas and was one of their best receivers, halfbacks, and their "hardest tackler."{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121579164/the-times/|newspaper=The Times|via=Newspapers.com|date=October 18, 1936|page=19|title=Stars That May Twinkle on Grid at State Fair|access-date=April 1, 2023|archive-date=August 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825024501/https://www.newspapers.com/article/121579164/the-times/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121579450/the-austin-american/|newspaper=The Austin American|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 21, 1935|page=11|title=Untitled}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121579520/corsicana-daily-sun/|newspaper=Corsicana Daily Sun|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 21, 1936|page=8|title=Jack Robbins Key Man Arkansas Razorback Grid Hopes This Year|agency=Associated Press|access-date=April 1, 2023|archive-date=August 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825024909/https://www.newspapers.com/article/121579520/corsicana-daily-sun/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} At 5 ft 9 in and 170 pounds, he was described as the "biggest little man" on the squad. He had been the leading scorer for the team, as well as one of the leaders in the conference, through November 21, with 30 points off five touchdowns, but was limited afterwards by a shoulder injury.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121579897/austin-american-statesman/|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 21, 1935|page=9|title=Owls And Frogs Fight Major Battle Sunday|agency=Associated Press|access-date=April 1, 2023|archive-date=August 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825025005/https://www.newspapers.com/article/121579897/austin-american-statesman/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} He started "practically every game" in 1935 and at the end of the year was awarded his first varsity letter.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121580042/okmulgee-daily-times/|newspaper=Okmulgee Daily Times|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 3, 1935|page=8|title=Van Sickle, Keen Get A. U. Letters|access-date=April 1, 2023|archive-date=August 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825024911/https://www.newspapers.com/article/121580042/okmulgee-daily-times/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} He also earned all-conference honors.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121581003/okmulgee-daily-times/|newspaper=Okmulgee Daily Times|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 9, 1937|page=8|title=Sizing Them Up|author=Inglish, Bill|access-date=April 1, 2023|archive-date=August 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825024912/https://www.newspapers.com/article/121581003/okmulgee-daily-times/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}

Keen continued as a top player for Arkansas as a senior in 1936, and at the end of the year, a newspaper reported that "from his halfback post [he] has won more games for the Razorbacks than he can recall."{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121581111/fort-worth-star-telegram/|newspaper=Fort Worth Star-Telegram|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 4, 1936|page=26|title=Seven Porker Gridders In Farewell|agency=Associated Press|access-date=April 1, 2023|archive-date=August 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825024912/https://www.newspapers.com/article/121581111/fort-worth-star-telegram/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} Against the Rice University Owls that year, he scored a game-winning 60-yard punt return touchdown. He also was a member of the track and field team, captaining it in his last year, and posted a 100-yard dash time of 9.8 seconds as well as a quarter mile in 49 seconds.

Professional career

Keen had initially accepted a position as a coach at an Arkansas school in 1937, but eventually changed his mind and signed with the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL) as an undrafted free agent. He impressed in training camp for his speed (Keen was considered the fastest member of the team, and one report described him as the fastest runner for the Eagles in their history up to that point),{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121599322/the-morning-post/|newspaper=The Morning Post|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 25, 1937|page=22|title=Chicago Cards Play Eagles Tomorrow: Phila. Gridmen Hope to Snap Losing Streak With Aid of Allen Keen}} {{Open access}} running ability, and blocking despite his size, leading his teammates to nickname him "Rabbit."{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121581865/courier-post/|newspaper=Courier-Post|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 7, 1937|page=14|title=Eagles Have Find In Mite Halfback|access-date=April 1, 2023|archive-date=August 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825025427/https://www.newspapers.com/article/121581865/courier-post/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} He was the smallest in the Eagles' backfield, but was still considered one of their best blockers, with Bert Bell saying "He hits harder for his size than any man I've ever seen." Keen made the final roster, but an injury suffered in preseason resulted in him missing the first several games.

After recovering, Keen made his NFL debut in the Eagles' loss to the Cleveland Rams. In the game, he posted 12 rush attempts for 43 yards, as well as one pass attempt that fell incomplete.{{Cite web|url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/gamelogsk/keen00200.html|website=Pro Football Archives|title=Allen Keen NFL Game Logs|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325150121/https://www.profootballarchives.com/gamelogsk/keen00200.html|url-status=live}} Through their second-to-last game, against the Brooklyn Dodgers, he had run 29 times for 122 yards, in addition to five receptions for 45 yards, and three incomplete pass attempts. In the season finale, a loss to the Green Bay Packers, Keen ran five times for 32 yards, and threw two passes, one of which was completed in the only completion of his career. The completion occurred in the fourth quarter at Wisconsin State Fair Park, and was an 86-yard touchdown pass to end Joe Carter.{{Cite news|date=December 6, 2020|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/eagles/10-eagles-packers-oddities-88-year-rivalry|publisher=NBC Sports|title=10 Eagles-Packers oddities from an 88-year rivalry|author=Frank, Reuben|newspaper=NBC Sports Philadelphia|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325150131/https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/eagles/10-eagles-packers-oddities-88-year-rivalry|url-status=live}} Through 2020, it was the 14th-longest pass ever thrown by an Eagle and the 11th-longest ever thrown against the Packers, as well as the second-longest in the NFL that season; Keen also holds the record for "longest completion in NFL history by a player who only completed one pass," according to NBC Sports.

Keen finished the season having appeared in eight of the Eagles' 11 games (in which they went 2–8–1), and posted 34 rush attempts for 154 yards, five receptions for 45 yards, and one completion on five passes for 86 yards and a touchdown.{{Cite web|url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/1937nflphi.html|website=Pro Football Archives|title=1937 Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325150121/https://www.profootballarchives.com/1937nflphi.html|url-status=live}} He returned to the Eagles in 1938, and initially made the team. According to one report, he was said to be the fastest player in the entire league.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121600561/the-buffalo-news/|newspaper=The Buffalo News|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 14, 1938|page=32|title=Pirates-Eagles Pro Football Game Postponed; Teams to Play Friday|access-date=April 1, 2023|archive-date=August 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825025505/https://www.newspapers.com/article/121600561/the-buffalo-news/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} Soon after, he was sent to the minor league Richmond Arrows of the Dixie League.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121600957/the-portsmouth-star/|newspaper=The Portsmouth Star|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 8, 1938|page=13|title=Great Allen Keen With Powerful Arrow Club|access-date=April 1, 2023|archive-date=August 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825025441/https://www.newspapers.com/article/121600957/the-portsmouth-star/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} A triple-threat man, Keen appeared in five games for the Arrows, missing several due to injury, and scored two touchdowns,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121601186/the-richmond-news-leader/|newspaper=The Richmond News Leader|via=Newspapers.com|date=January 3, 1939|page=15|title=Pepper Signs Pro Grid Star|access-date=April 1, 2023|archive-date=August 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825025417/https://www.newspapers.com/article/121601186/the-richmond-news-leader/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} while passing for three more.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121601260/richmond-times-dispatch/|newspaper=Richmond Times-Dispatch|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 5, 1938|page=14|title=Giants Rout Redskins, 36-0; Shamrocks Defeat Arrows, 7-0|author=Williamson, Dick|access-date=April 1, 2023|archive-date=August 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825025514/https://www.newspapers.com/article/121601260/richmond-times-dispatch/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121601369/richmond-times-dispatch/|newspaper=Richmond Times-Dispatch|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 18, 1938|page=20|title=Allen Keen Ready for Duty Against Redskins Here Sunday|access-date=April 1, 2023|archive-date=August 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825025519/https://www.newspapers.com/article/121601369/richmond-times-dispatch/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} He helped the team compile a 4–3 record, placing second in the league, and at the end of the year was voted the most valuable player in the backfield.{{Cite web|url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/1938dflric.html|website=Pro Football Archives|title=1938 Richmond Arrows (DFL)|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325150120/https://www.profootballarchives.com/1938dflric.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121601669/richmond-times-dispatch/|newspaper=Richmond Times-Dispatch|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 5, 1938|page=14|title=Keen, Sichol Most Valuable Arrow Players|access-date=April 1, 2023|archive-date=August 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825031445/https://www.newspapers.com/article/121601669/richmond-times-dispatch/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} He was also a fan favorite with the Arrows, being voted the most popular back on the team. Following the season, he signed a basketball contract with Dr. Pepper's team in the Capital City League of the Richmond Basketball Commission, playing guard. Keen did not play professional football afterwards, and finished his NFL career with 9–10 games played, 37 rushes for 164 yards, and five receptions for 45 yards, for a total of 209 all-purpose yards, in addition to 86 yards passing.

Later life and death

Keen later served as head football coach and track coach{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121602100/heavener-ledger/|newspaper=Heavener Ledger|via=Newspapers.com|date=March 21, 1940|page=1|title=Dual Track Meet Here Saturday|access-date=April 1, 2023|archive-date=August 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825031445/https://www.newspapers.com/article/121602100/heavener-ledger/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} at Heavener High School.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121576726/heavener-ledger/|newspaper=Heavener Ledger|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 31, 1939|page=2|title=Untitled|access-date=April 1, 2023|archive-date=August 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825031451/https://www.newspapers.com/article/121576726/heavener-ledger/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121576878/heavener-ledger/|newspaper=Heavener Ledger|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 24, 1939|page=1|title=Football Coach To Arrive This Week|access-date=April 1, 2023|archive-date=August 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825031444/https://www.newspapers.com/article/121576878/heavener-ledger/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} He married Jean Thurkill in 1940.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121601988/okmulgee-daily-times/|newspaper=Okmulgee Daily Times|via=Newspapers.com|date=July 17, 1940|page=5|title=Allen Keen Marries Heavener Girl|access-date=April 1, 2023|archive-date=August 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825031516/https://www.newspapers.com/article/121601988/okmulgee-daily-times/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} He died on June 4, 1984, in Overland Park, Kansas, at the age of 69.