Josh Allen Jersey Retirement Ceremony at Wyoming Football

Sports PhotographyEvent Photography
Written By Matthew Idler

A Day for the Ages: Witnessing Josh Allen's Historic No. 17 Retirement in Laramie

What a weekend in Laramie! This past Saturday, November 22, 2025, felt less like a regular home finale and more like a pilgrimage. The energy at War Memorial Stadium was electric, and I was thrilled to be on hand to capture one of the most significant moments in University of Wyoming Athletics history: the jersey and number retirement ceremony for Wyoming Athletics Hall of Famer, Josh Allen.

Josh Allen speaks during his number retirement ceremony in Laramie, Wyoming.

Josh Allen speaks during his number retirement ceremony in Laramie, Wyoming.

 

The Atmosphere at War Memorial Stadium

While the Cowboys fought hard in a tough 13-7 Senior Day heartbreaker against the Nevada Wolf Pack, the real story for the sold-out crowd was the return of the prodigal son.

From the moment Josh Allen stepped onto the sidelines—wearing a classic brown leather letterman's jacket and flashing his trademark grin—you could feel the excitement building. Fans were holding up signs, and the brown and gold faithful were out in full force to honor the player who took the program to new heights and now stars in the NFL.

Josh Allen during halftime before his number retirement ceremony in Laramie, Wyoming.

Josh Allen during halftime before his number retirement ceremony in Laramie, Wyoming.

 


The Historic Halftime Ceremony

The ceremony took place at halftime, and it was a moment none of us will ever forget. Josh, joined on the field by his parents, Joel and LaVonne, and his former head coach, Craig Bohl, was visibly moved by the outpouring of love.

As the first University of Wyoming football player to ever have his number retired, the significance was monumental. Standing at midfield, Allen addressed the crowd, giving heartfelt thanks to his former teammates, coaches, and the entire state.

"I'm so honored and blessed to represent this university and this beautiful state. I love you guys. Thank you, God bless, go Pokes!"

--- Josh Allen, on the field at War Memorial Stadium

The loudest cheers, however, were reserved for his final, classic line, which brought the crowd to a fever pitch!

Then came the unveiling. A black curtain slowly lifted on the façade of the west stands, revealing "JOSH ALLEN" in bold, gold letters and the iconic No. 17 now permanently etched into the stadium's history. His number will never be worn by another Cowboy football player.

Josh Allen during halftime before his number retirement ceremony in Laramie, Wyoming.

Josh Allen signs autographs before his number retirement ceremony in Laramie, Wyoming.

 


Beyond the Field

It was a beautiful, full-circle moment for the three-time Pro Bowl selection and 2024 NFL MVP. Josh Allen's journey from junior college walk-on to NFL superstar is a testament to the grit and spirit of Wyoming. This day was a celebration not just of his statistics (5,066 passing yards and 44 touchdowns as a Cowboy), but of the heart he plays with every single Sunday.

For any photographer, days like this are special. You’re not just taking pictures; you’re documenting history, capturing pure emotion, and seeing a community celebrate a hero. I'm so glad I had the chance to capture these memories of the Buffalo Bill, the Wyoming legend, and the Hall of Famer, Josh Allen.

Matthew Idler

Matt Idler is a professional photographer with 26 years of experience in photography. He first picked up a camera in his sophomore year of high school, creating photos for the high school newspaper and yearbook. The summer after graduating high school, he created rodeo photos and photos for local newspapers, including the Cheyenne Tribune Eagle. He then attended Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming, and received his Associate in Applied Science in Photographic Communications. Matt started his photography business in June of 1999, creating sports, rodeo, and portrait photography. Within a few years, he shifted his business to creating advertising and marketing photography for businesses, but still created sports photography, senior portraits, and family portraits.

In high school, Matt also team roping at many rodeos. He wanted to become a rodeo photographer, team roped at rodeos, and create photos of contestants competing. He did accomplish that, but also turned that goal into a business, creating photography for families, businesses, and many news outlets. Matt also grew up on a family ranch, showing livestock, team roping, helping out with haying, working cattle, and building fence. When possible, he is out creating cowboy and western life photography and has a large library of stock images. In his free time, you can catch him riding horses or at a rodeo with his daughter, or horseback team roping at a local jackpot.

A few clients include 21st Century Equipment, American Cowboy Magazine, Anshutz Corporation, Bank of the West, Black Hills Corporation, Charles Schwab, Cheyenne Frontier Days, Devon Energy, Halladay Motors, High West Energy, Las Vegas Events, Magpul, Montana Silversmith, National Indoor RV Centers, Pace-O-Matic, Wyoming Tourism, Visit Cheyenne, and the Univeristy of Wyoming. See Matt’s full Client List.

Next

Capturing the Miss Frontier Bronze Reveal at the Old West Museum