NFL: Is Jared Allen’s Next Stop Canton, Ohio?
In a league that cherishes its quarterbacks, you could be sure that Jared Allen was always willing to give opposing passers a serious hug or two.
They say all good things may come to an end.
It’s too bad great things have to conclude as well.
Related Story: 2016 NFL Mock Draft: Dallas Cowboys take Myles Jack
There’s simply no other way to describe the passion and the play of veteran defender Jared Allen, who not only recently announced his retirement after 12 NFL seasons but did it in style via Twitter.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Yes, while Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning mentioned to New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick following the 2015 AFC Championship Game that it might be his last rodeo, Allen (via his Twitter account) may have done Manning one better.
Allen’s agent Ken Harris took a more conventional approach (as relayed by Conor Orr of NFL.com) and released this statement for his client.
“I want to take this time to thank my family, friends, fans, and teammates who have given their continued support throughout my 12 year career.
“It’s been a great ride for me, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the memories. It is with a great deal of thought and consideration that I have decided that I will not return to football next year. I want to thank the Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings and the Kansas City Chiefs organizations, who provided me with an opportunity to live out my dream and to be a part of their wonderful communities.
“Thanks for the life long memories.”
Originally a fourth-round pick (126th overall) in 2004 from Idaho State by the Kansas City Chiefs, Allen was a disruptive force from the get-go. But after four seasons and 43 sacks with the Chiefs, Allen was dealt to the Minnesota Vikings where he really elevated his game.
In six seasons with the Purple Gang from 2008-13, he started all 96 games and recorded an amazing 85.5 sacks – a minimum of 11 sacks in each of those years and an astounding 22 sacks in 2011. There would also be stints with the Bears and Panthers the last two seasons as a defensive end, defensive tackle and outside linebacker.
Using the numbers from NFL.com, Allen’s career totals read 136 sacks, 31 forced fumbles, 57 passes defensed and six interceptions in 187 regular-season games.
But perhaps the most interesting statistics of all come in his clashes with Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who became the team’s starting quarterback the same season Allen arrived in the Twin Cities.
In 12 head-to-head meetings (including a playoff encounter in 2012), Rodgers put up great numbers and forged an 8-4 win-loss record against the Vikings. But in those dozen contests, Allen sacked Rodgers a combined 16.5 times, including twice for safeties.
Call it the more modern version of Packers quarterback Brett Favre and Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Warren Sapp. A duel of greats, to say the least.
As we know, Allen’s final game was the Panthers’ Super Bowl 50 loss to the Denver Broncos. In that game, he totaled one tackle but was indeed limited by a foot injury. In any case, he’s off into the sunset and it will be interesting to see what’s next in life for the intense performer.
More nfl spin zone: Carolina Panthers: What's Next Following Super Bowl Loss?
We have already seen defensive back Charles Woodson and running back Marshawn Lynch announce their retirements this offseason and we’re still waiting to see what quarterback Peyton Manning will do. Now Allen has hung it up after 12 seasons and there’s little doubt that he has what it takes to earn a bust in Canton, Ohio.