Jared Allen has retired from the NFL. The veteran announced via twitter that after an “amazing 12 year career”, this is the part where he rides off into the sunset.
Riding off into the sunset pic.twitter.com/wZXovseGKS
— Jared Allen (@JaredAllen69) February 18, 2016
This end to Allen’s illustrious career epitomises the character he has been on and off the field, individual, but hugely liked and well-respected. After leading the NFL in sacks twice, and five Pro Bowl appearances, the only regret that Allen may have is that he wasn’t able to win the big time in Santa Clara, CA. Despite never winning a Superbowl, Allen will go down as one of the great defensive linemen of his generation, a career total of 136 sacks and two All-Pro selections should inevitably see him immortalised in Canton.
Allen will undoubtedly be remembered as a disruptive player on the field ever since his fourth-round selection in the 2004 draft, however he has always been much more than just a star on the field. Renowned for his work with ‘Homes for Wounded Warriors’, Allen has made every organisation, team, and community better wherever he has played. Tied for ninth on the all-time sack leaderboard, Allen is in and amongst some very illustrious company, such as Lawrence Taylor, Michael Strahan and Richard Dent. All of which have since gone into football’s Hall of Fame.
In a statement released by Allen’s agent, he said he would like to thank ‘family, friends, fans and teammates who have given their continued support’, as well as the ‘Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City chiefs organisations’ for providing the opportunity to live out a life long dream.
The only retirement which has the media talking is the ambiguous future of Peyton Manning, the Sheriff has controlled the press with the will he – won’t he stories of late; however the NFL’s ‘cowboy’ deserves all the recognition that he gets, as he has certainly raised the standard that can be expected of elite defensive ends.
31 teams missed on Allen in 2004, there is no question that everyone associated with football will miss Allen’s mullet, presence and performance going into the 2016 NFL season.
CHARLOTTE, NC – OCTOBER 25: Jared Allen #69 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates a 4th quarter sack against the Philadelphia Eagles during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 25, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
