Former All-Pro and Pro Bowl Vikings defensive end Jared Allen recently tried his hand as a tour guide inside U.S. Bank Stadium to help Courtyard by Marriott celebrate a "Hall of Fame Dad" in advance of Father's Day.
Prentice Kugler was joined by daughters Rafferty, 17, and Hattie, 15, for a tour that included stops in the Vikings locker room and on the field.
Prentice was told by his daughters that the family would be visiting U.S. Bank Stadium, but that was only the beginning.
"How you guys doing? I'm Jared," Allen said as he stepped through a portal to a section of stadium seats.
The Kuglers' jaws dropped, and the family was led through the **Vikings Voyage**, a 10,000-square-foot space that features interactive displays and celebrates the team's history.
Inside that space, Courtyard by Marriott built out a special "Hall of Fame Dad" exhibit that highlighted the relationship that Kugler has with his family.
Prentice became emotional when watching video interviews of his daughters talking about what he means to them. His father delivered a personalized Vikings jersey, and his wife revealed that Courtyard by Marriott is giving the family four tickets to Super Bowl LII, which will be held at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018.
"I don't even know if I could put it into words," Prentice said. "It was just one of those days that kept getting better and better."
Allen retired in February 2016 after 12 seasons in the NFL that ended with him playing in Super Bowl 50 as a member of the Carolina Panthers. He recorded 85.5 of his 136 sacks in six seasons in Minnesota and was named All-Pro three times while with the Vikings.
Allen, who was dramatically impacted by becoming a father, said he enjoyed celebrating a good father and family that appreciates that.
"This was pretty cool to come in and pretend to give a tour," Allen said. "I've always wanted to be a tour guide. It's one of my secret hobbies."