Former Minnesota Vikings DE Jared Allen has been selected as a Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 inductee. Allen, whose selection was announced as part of NFL Honors Thursday Night, will become the 16th Viking (14 players, one head coach, one contributor) enshrined in Canton and the second acquired under the Wilfs’ ownership (Steve Hutchinson, Class of 2020).
“Jared’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and passion for the game,” said Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf. “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.”
“It is tremendous to see Jared take his rightful place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” said Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf. “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.”
Drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth round (126th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft, Allen played 12 NFL seasons with the Chiefs (2004-07), Minnesota Vikings (2008-13), Chicago Bears (2014-15) and Carolina Panthers (2015). In 187 career games played, he recorded 648 tackles (503 solo), including 171 for loss, 136 sacks, six interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 58 passes defensed, 32 forced fumbles, 19 fumble recoveries (one returned for a touchdown) and an NFL record-tying four safeties. Allen earned four Associated Press First-Team All-Pro honors (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011) and was named to five Pro Bowls (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012).
Allen’s 136 career sacks rank 12th in NFL history (since 1982) and 10th among defensive linemen. His eight seasons with at least 11 sacks are tied for third most in NFL history, behind only Hall of Famers Reggie White (12) and Bruce Smith (nine). He led the league in sacks twice, with 15.5 sacks in 2007 and 22 in 2011.
In six seasons with the Vikings, Allen ranked in the NFL’s top 10 in sacks each season. His 22 sacks in 2011 hold the Vikings record and are tied for third most in a single season in NFL history. Allen averaged 0.89 sacks per game played (85.5 sacks/96 games), the highest average in team history. He was a cornerstone for three consecutive Minnesota defensive units that ranked in the NFL’s top 10 from 2008-10.
Allen joins an exclusive list of Vikings Hall of Famers, including Fran Tarkenton, Alan Page, Bud Grant, Jim Finks, Paul Krause, Ron Yary, Carl Eller, Gary Zimmerman, Randall McDaniel, John Randle, Chris Doleman, Cris Carter, Mick Tingelhoff, Randy Moss and Steve Hutchinson.
(info courtesy of Vikings)
