Eden Prairie, MN (April 14, 2016) – All-Pro defensive endJared Allen*, who spent six seasons in Minnesota and was named one of the *50 Greatest Vikings, has signed a one-day contract with the team. The 12-year veteran will officially enter retirement as a member of the franchise tomorrow.
"We are incredibly proud to have Jared retire as a member of the Vikings franchise," said Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf. "Jared was not only a phenomenal player on the field, but he was also a favorite among the fans and within the organization. He will always be a member of the Minnesota Vikings family."
Allen ranks 3rd on the franchise's all-time sack list with 83.5 sacks in his time as a Viking. The Idaho State University product aided the Vikings in posting three seasons with at least 10 wins, highlighted by a 12-4 season in 2009 in which the Vikings advanced to the NFC Championship Game. With Allen on the roster, Minnesota captured back-to-back NFC North titles in 2008 and 2009.
View photos of Vikings Legend Jared Allen during his career with the team. He will be inducted into the 2022 Vikings Ring of Honor Class during halftime of the Week 8 Vikings-Cardinals game.
The Los Gatos, Calif., native did not miss a single contest for the Vikings, starting 96 regular season and four playoff games during his tenure in Minnesota. Additionally, Allen notched 25 passes defensed, 16 forced fumbles, nine fumble recoveries and four interceptions. Allen's 2011 campaign ranks as one of the best seasons by a defensive lineman in NFL history as he recorded a franchise-record and league-best 22 sacks, finishing only a half sack away from tying Michael Strahan's single-season record (22.5). His four career safeties is tied for the most in NFL history.
Allen's presence was also felt off of the field with his creation of the Jared Allen's Homes for Wounded Warriors. Since the foundation's inception in 2009, Jared has helped provide seven homes for U.S. Military Veterans.
"Jared's impact was evident throughout the Minneapolis-St. Paul community from the moment he came to Minnesota," said Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman. "While I am very proud of his accomplishments as a football player, I am just as impressed with Jared's leadership and personal growth during his six seasons here. I look forward to seeing what he accomplishes now that he is retired from football."
Allen was originally drafted in the 4th Round (#126 overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. In his 12 NFL seasons, Allen started 181-of-187 games played and corralled 136 sacks, ranking ninth all-time in NFL history. The defensive end also hauled in two touchdown receptions as a member of the Chiefs and returned one interception 36 yards for a touchdown as a Viking.
Riding off into the sunset pic.twitter.com/wZXovseGKS
— Jared Allen (@JaredAllen69) February 18, 2016
