Paul Allen Confirms Upcoming NFL Films Documentary on His Life Behind the Mic

By Eric Strack |

Updated: Jun 13, 2023

The Minnesota Vikings have one of the best local play-by-play radio voices in broadcast history with their vox of 20+ years, Paul Allen. Vikings fans have seen PA’s emotional calls hit the national spotlight via team highlight clips throughout the years, even when legacy media outlets were the best way to go viral.

But over the last handful of Vikings seasons, Allen has seen his star reach new heights, thanks to the emergence and influence of social media, combined with recent legendary calls of historic moments like the Minneapolis Miracle in 2017 and Bills comeback in 2022 (see below).

Confirmed: NFL Films documentary featuring Paul Allen

Now, he has the attention of NFL Films, who has sent their top filming crew to shoot and produce a documentary on his life. The special was first reported by the Canterbury Park Twitter account, who posted a picture of Allen being filmed during a night of calling horse races.

Super pumped to have @NFLFilms here at THE PARK. They are doing a story on our very own @PAOnTheMic . pic.twitter.com/27REvU5mso
— Canterbury Park (@CanterburyPark) June 7, 2023

For his comeback calls in Buffalo alone, PA received endless praise from ESPN, Barstool Sports, Sports Illustrated and Action Network, not to mention the biggest superstar in both the mainstream media and podcast world — the guy who Disney just paid $10 million per year for — Pat McAfee.

I didn’t know this incredible human existed until now… I feel as if I’ve missed out on so much electricity.

The talent… the passion… the story telling

Paul Allen, Minnesota Viking PxP, is FANTASTIC. pic.twitter.com/hKmOqCn0tX
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 16, 2022

Tuesday morning, PA confirmed the filming of his documentary via Twitter, along with more details on the project, which is expected to include intimate details on his life as an NFL broadcaster, race announcer and local radio host. The feature could also include stories about Vikings brass being upset over a call he made, along with an in-depth look at his call of the Minneapolis Miracle.

Connor, very kind. Indeed, @NFLFilms recognizes crescendo-building aspect of a football play/horse race call. Good call there.
A lot more if they use it: Vikes bosses ever mad due to a call, how not attending college actually benefitted my career, NFCN race call, etc. #Honored https://t.co/RrO0LfBxGx
— Paul Allen (@PAOnTheMic) June 13, 2023

I’ve written recently about my complaints regarding the effort that Paul Allen is currently putting into his weekday radio show at KFAN, but there are no doubts about how great of a play-by-play voice he is or what he has accomplished during his 25 years in Minnesota.

NFL Films documentaries are some of the best in the sports genre so this is an exciting development and something I cannot wait to watch.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan