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40 Facts About Jared Allen

Aila Trujillo

Written by Aila Trujillo

Published: 09 Oct 2024

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Source: Espn.com

Who is Jared Allen? Jared Allen is a name that resonates with NFL fans and sports enthusiasts alike. Born on April 3, 1982, in Dallas, Texas, Allen's journey from a high school athlete to an NFL legend is nothing short of inspiring. Known for his fierce defensive skills and larger-than-life personality, Allen played 12 seasons in the NFL, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. With 136 career sacks, five Pro Bowl selections, and numerous accolades, he is considered one of the most dominant defensive ends in NFL history. Beyond football, Allen's charitable efforts and post-retirement ventures, like curling, showcase his multifaceted life.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jared Allen overcame challenges in high school and college to become an NFL star, earning accolades and setting records along the way.
  • Beyond football, Jared Allen's charity work and personal life showcase his impact and influence, leaving a lasting legacy in the NFL.
Table of Contents
01Early Life and High School
02College Career at Idaho State
03NFL Draft and Kansas City Chiefs
04Minnesota Vikings Era
05Pro Bowl and All-Pro Selections
06Career Statistics and Records
07Charity Work and Personal Life
08Hall of Fame and Legacy
09Records and Achievements
10Impact and Influence
11Final Seasons and Retirement
12Jared Allen: A Legacy of Grit and Greatness

Early Life and High School

Jared Allen's journey to NFL stardom began in Texas and California. His early years were filled with challenges and triumphs that shaped his future.

  1. Born in Dallas, Texas: Jared Scot Allen entered the world on April 3, 1982, in Dallas, Texas.
  2. Raised on a Horse Ranch: He grew up on a horse ranch in Morgan Hill, California, where he developed a strong work ethic.
  3. High School Transfer: Allen attended Live Oak High School but transferred to Los Gatos High School for his senior year after being expelled for selling stolen yearbooks.
  4. Lost Scholarships: His transfer caused him to lose many athletic scholarship offers, including one from the University of Washington.
  5. High School Achievements: Despite setbacks, Allen was named First-team All-League and Defensive Player of the Year at Los Gatos High School.

College Career at Idaho State

Jared Allen's college years at Idaho State University were marked by impressive performances and accolades.

  1. Idaho State University: Allen attended Idaho State University, where he started 33 of 41 games for the Bengals football team.
  2. All-Big Sky Conference: He was a three-time All-Big Sky Conference selection.
  3. Impressive Statistics: Allen finished his college career with 250 tackles, 38.5 sacks, and 73 stops for losses.
  4. Buck Buchanan Award: In 2003, he won the Buck Buchanan Award as the top defensive player in the Big Sky Conference.

NFL Draft and Kansas City Chiefs

Jared Allen's NFL journey began with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he quickly made a name for himself.

  1. 2004 NFL Draft: The Kansas City Chiefs selected Allen in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL draft.
  2. Rookie Season: In his rookie year, Allen started ten games and recorded nine sacks.
  3. Impact in Kansas City: By 2005, he became a full-time starter, recording 11 sacks and six forced fumbles.

Minnesota Vikings Era

Allen's trade to the Minnesota Vikings marked a significant chapter in his career, filled with remarkable achievements.

  1. Trade to Minnesota: In April 2008, the Vikings traded multiple draft picks to acquire Allen from the Chiefs.
  2. Vikings Career Highlights: With the Vikings, Allen led the league in sacks twice and made five Pro Bowl appearances.
  3. 22 Sacks in 2011: In 2011, he recorded 22 sacks, just half a sack shy of Michael Strahan's single-season record.

Pro Bowl and All-Pro Selections

Jared Allen's consistent performance earned him numerous accolades throughout his career.

  1. Pro Bowl Selections: Allen was selected to the Pro Bowl five times: in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011.
  2. All-Pro Selections: He was named First-team All-Pro four times: in 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2011.

Career Statistics and Records

Allen's career statistics and records highlight his dominance on the field.

  1. Career Sacks: He finished his NFL career with 136 sacks, ranking 12th all-time.
  2. Total Tackles: Over his 12-year career, Allen accumulated 559 total tackles.
  3. Forced Fumbles: He recorded 29 forced fumbles and 50 pass deflections.

Charity Work and Personal Life

Beyond football, Jared Allen has made significant contributions to charity and has a vibrant personal life.

  1. Homes for Wounded Warriors: In 2009, Allen founded Jared Allen's Homes for Wounded Warriors to build handicapped-accessible homes for severely wounded military personnel.
  2. USO Tour: In 2010, he participated in an NFL-USO tour visiting U.S. military troops overseas.
  3. Animal Shelter Donation: Allen donated $3,000 to an animal shelter's reward fund in 2010.
  4. Curling Career: After retiring from football, Allen took up curling and formed a team with other former NFL players.
  5. Family Life: He is married to Amy, and they have two children.

Hall of Fame and Legacy

Jared Allen's legacy in the NFL and his potential Hall of Fame induction are testaments to his impact on the sport.

  1. Hall of Fame Nomination: In December 2023, Allen was named one of the 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
  2. Career Timeline: His career timeline includes being drafted by the Chiefs in 2004, traded to the Vikings in 2008, signing with the Bears in 2014, and retiring in 2016.
  3. Notable Games: One of his most notable games was against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2009, where he set a career-high with 4.5 sacks.
  4. Franchise Tag: In February 2008, the Chiefs placed the franchise tag on Allen, giving him a one-year contract worth $8.8 million.
  5. Pro Bowl Performances: Allen was selected as a starting defensive end for the AFC team in the 2007 Pro Bowl and for the NFC team in the 2009 Pro Bowl.

Records and Achievements

Jared Allen's records and achievements further solidify his place among the NFL's greats.

  1. Safety Records: He holds the record for most safeties in a single season (2 in 2008) and his career (4, tied with Doug English and Justin Houston).
  2. College Measurements: At the 2004 NFL Combine, Allen measured 6-foot-6 and 265 pounds.
  3. College Achievements: He was a first-team all-conference player three times and won the Buck Buchanan Award as a senior in 2003.

Impact and Influence

Allen's influence extends beyond his on-field performance, impacting teams and players alike.

  1. Charity Involvement: Beyond JAH4WW, Allen has been involved with other charities, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
  2. Impact on Teams: During his time with the Vikings, Allen contributed significantly to the team's success, helping them win back-to-back division titles in 2008 and 2009.
  3. Quarterbacks Faced: Throughout his career, Allen faced numerous quarterbacks, including Trent Green, Brett Favre, and Cam Newton.
  4. Approximate Value: According to Pro-Football-Reference, Allen ranks third among non-champion Hall of Famers in Approximate Value (AV).

Final Seasons and Retirement

Jared Allen's final seasons in the NFL and his transition to retirement marked the end of an era.

  1. Trade to Chicago: After six years with the Vikings, Allen signed with the Chicago Bears as a free agent in 2014.
  2. Super Bowl Appearance: In 2015, Allen played for the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50, his first and only Super Bowl appearance.
  3. Final Season: Allen officially retired from football on April 14, 2016, after signing a one-day contract with the Vikings.

Jared Allen: A Legacy of Grit and Greatness

Jared Allen's journey from a high school athlete to an NFL legend is nothing short of inspiring. His dedication and hard work on the field made him one of the most feared defensive ends in the league. With 136 career sacks, five Pro Bowl appearances, and multiple All-Pro selections, Allen's stats speak volumes about his impact. Beyond football, his charitable efforts, like founding Jared Allen's Homes for Wounded Warriors, show his commitment to giving back. Even after retiring, Allen's competitive spirit led him to pursue curling. His unique personality and contributions to the sport make him a strong candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Jared Allen's legacy is a testament to his grit, versatility, and heart both on and off the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Jared Allen?
Jared Allen, once a formidable force on the football field, played as a defensive end in the NFL. Known for his impressive ability to sack quarterbacks, Allen spent most of his career with the Minnesota Vikings and the Kansas City Chiefs, leaving a mark with his high-energy play and distinctive personality.
What made Jared Allen famous?
Allen's fame came from his exceptional skills in bringing down quarterbacks, earning him a spot among the top pass rushers in NFL history. His unique celebration move, pretending to "rope a calf," after sacks, along with his mullet hairstyle, made him a fan favorite and a memorable character in the sport.
How many Pro Bowls did Jared Allen participate in?
Throughout his career, Allen was selected to participate in five Pro Bowls. These selections were a testament to his impact on the field and recognition among peers and fans alike for his contributions to the game.
Did Jared Allen ever win a Super Bowl?
Despite his successful career and numerous personal achievements, a Super Bowl victory eluded Jared Allen. He came close in the 2015 season with the Carolina Panthers, but they were defeated in Super Bowl 50 by the Denver Broncos.
What records does Jared Allen hold?
Allen holds several records, including being tied for the most safeties in a career and recording the second most single-season sacks in NFL history. His relentless pursuit of quarterbacks and ability to change the course of games cemented his place in the record books.
What did Jared Allen do after retiring from the NFL?
After hanging up his cleats, Allen didn't just sit back and relax. He took on a new challenge by forming a curling team with other former NFL players. Their goal? To compete in the Olympics. Allen's competitive spirit and willingness to try new things have kept him in the spotlight even after retirement.
How can I learn more about Jared Allen's career and personal life?
For those looking to dive deeper into Allen's life and career, numerous resources are available. From NFL archives and sports documentaries to interviews and social media, Allen's journey from a young athlete to an NFL star and beyond is well-documented for fans and sports enthusiasts to explore.

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