NFL star Jonathan Allen apologises after saying he wanted to have dinner with ‘military genius’ Adolf Hitler

NFL star Jonathan Allen has apologised after claiming he'd like to have dinner with Adolf Hitler.

Allen, 27, hailed the fascist dictator as a 'military genius' and revealed that he'd like to 'pick his brains'.

The Washington Commanders ace invited his followers to ask him anything in a social media Q&A.

One fan asked him a seemingly innocuous question about who he'd like to have round for dinner.

Allen caused outrage by replying: "My grandad, Hitler, and micheal [sic] Jackson."

Asked to explain his Hitler pick, he added: "He’s a military genius and I love military tactics but honestly I would want to pick his brain as to why he did what he did."

He then dug a deeper hole, continuing: "I’m also assuming that the people I’ve chosen have to answer my questions honestly."

After receiving a huge blacklash, he wrote: "Early I tweeted something that probably hurt people and I apologize about what I said.

"I didn’t express properly what I was trying to say and I realize it was dumb!

"I'm sorry I offended you, that definitely was not my [intention], I was just answering a question."

When accused of giving respect to Hitler, he responded: "Not props.

"I probably should have used a different term but I was asked and I was giving my reason as to why I think it would be interesting to have a [conversation] with him.

"He’s easily one [of], if not the most evil, [sic] person to have ever lived but this was a hypothetical question."

US sports host Courtney Fallon was among the many people online to be disgusted by Allen's tweets.

She wrote: "Murdering six million Jews in concentration camps and gas chambers displays ZERO 'military genius.' I am deeply disturbed by this, sir.

"There is a great Holocaust Museum in Washington DC, please let me know if you’d like to join me on a four-hour tour. Tickets on me."