NFL veteran, renowned as a Viking, to receive recognition in the Hall of Fame ceremony this weekend
Jared Allen Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame
Jared Allen, a formidable defensive end who spent the majority of his 12-season NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings, has been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The announcement was made earlier this year, with Allen joining the Class of 2025, which includes Eric Allen, Sterling Sharpe, and Antonio Gates.
Allen, who hails from Idaho State, was a fourth-round draft pick in 2004. He began his career with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he made an immediate impact with nine sacks as a rookie. In 2008, Allen was traded to the Vikings for a number of draft picks.
In Minnesota, Allen truly shone, totaling 85.5 sacks in six seasons. He averaged an impressive 14.25 sacks per season, a testament to his consistent dominance on the field. Allen's best season came in 2011, when he set a Vikings' single-season record with 22 sacks.
Allen's career statistics and achievements are impressive. He ranks 12th all-time since sacks became official in 1982, with a total of 136 sacks. He earned five Pro Bowl selections (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012) and four First-Team All-Pro honors (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011). He led the league in sacks in 2007 with 15.5 and recorded 19 fumble recoveries and 49.5 sacks on third downs.
Allen's induction marks a significant milestone for the Vikings, as he is the first Viking selected since Steve Hutchinson in 2020. Moreover, this is the smallest class to be inducted in 20 years, with only four players being inducted this year.
Allen's former teammate, Steve Hutchinson, delivered the news of his induction to him. In a heartwarming moment, Allen signed a one-day contract with Minnesota to retire as a Viking, a team he will enter the Hall of Fame as this Saturday.
It's worth noting that Allen is the only player from Idaho State to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He is also the first member of his 2004 draft class to be inducted, making him a trailblazer for his peers.
As Allen prepares to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, he stands 12th all-time in NFL history with 136 sacks, just 1.5 sacks behind former Viking John Randle with 137.5. Allen's legacy as one of the NFL's top pass rushers is undeniable, and his induction into the Hall of Fame is well-deserved recognition of his incredible career.
[1] ESPN: Jared Allen [2] Pro Football Hall of Fame: Jared Allen [3] Minnesota Vikings: Jared Allen [4] Kansas City Chiefs: Jared Allen [5] Carolina Panthers: Jared Allen
Football was a significant aspect of Jared Allen's professional career, with him excelling in the NFL, particularly in American-football. His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame has solidified his status as one of the greatest defensive ends to have ever played in sports, specifically in the NFL.
