The fifth time’s a charm for former Vikings defensive end Jared Allen.
After narrowly missing out on the gold jacket in each of his previous years of eligibility, Allen’s wait finally ended on Thursday night when he was officially elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Though he admitted the process to get to this point was frustrating at times, Allen added an important caveat, saying, “It was worth the wait.” He will become the 16th person in franchise history enshrined in Canton, Ohio, and the first since his former teammate Steve Hutchinson in 2020.
Aside from Allen, the Class of 2025 also includes Packers receiver Sterling Sharpe, Eagles cornerback Eric Allen, and Chargers tight end Antonio Gates. They were recognized as a group at “NFL Honors” in New Orleans.
“It is tremendous to see Jared take his rightful place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” Vikings co-owner Mark Wilf said in a statement. “He was not only one of the most dominant pass rushers of his era but also an outstanding teammate who embodied what it means to be a Minnesota Viking. His impact on the field was undeniable, and his personality off the field was infectious. We congratulate Jared and his family on this prestigious honor.”
The fifth time’s a charm for former Vikings defensive end Jared Allen.
Mikey Gow 3
After narrowly missing out on the gold jacket in each of his previous years of eligibility, Allen’s wait finally ended on Thursday night when he was officially elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
ESPN personality Randy Moss, a former Vikings wide receiver, was inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor Monday, Sept. 11, at U.S. Bank Stadium. Brace Hemmelgarn / USA TODAY Sports
Though he admitted the process to get to this point was frustrating at times, Allen added an important caveat, saying, “It was worth the wait.” He will become the 16th person in franchise history enshrined in Canton, Ohio, and the first since his former teammate Steve Hutchinson in 2020.
Aside from Allen, the Class of 2025 also includes Packers receiver Sterling Sharpe, Eagles cornerback Eric Allen, and Chargers tight end Antonio Gates. They were recognized as a group at “NFL Honors” in New Orleans.
“It is tremendous to see Jared take his rightful place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” Vikings co-owner Mark Wilf said in a statement. “He was not only one of the most dominant pass rushers of his era but also an outstanding teammate who embodied what it means to be a Minnesota Viking. His impact on the field was undeniable, and his personality off the field was infectious. We congratulate Jared and his family on this prestigious honor.”
The numbers speak for themselves when tracking Allen’s dominance.
He finished his career with 136 sacks — which ranks No. 12 in NFL history — and added 32 forced fumbles and 19 fumble recoveries. Some other impressive stats include his 648 tackles, 228 quarterback hits and 58 pass deflections.
Originally selected by the Chiefs in the 2004 NFL Draft, Allen was traded to the Vikings in April 2008. That move helped Allen take his game to the next level. He played 96 games with the Vikings in total, serving as the lifeblood of the defense while racking up 85½ sacks.
“Jared’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and passion for the game,” Vikings co-owner Zygi Wilf said in a statement. “He was a game-changer on the field and a leader in the locker room, leaving a lasting impact on the Minnesota Vikings organization and the entire NFL. We are proud to have had Jared wear the Vikings uniform and celebrate this well-earned recognition of his legendary career.”
