40 Facts About Jared Allen

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. 01Born in Dallas, Texas: Jared Scot Allen entered the world on April 3, 1982, in Dallas, Texas.
2. 02Raised on a Horse Ranch: He grew up on a horse ranch in Morgan Hill, California, where he developed a strong work ethic.
3. 03High 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. 04Lost Scholarships: His transfer caused him to lose many athletic scholarship offers, including one from the University of Washington.
5. 05High 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.

6. 06Idaho State University: Allen attended Idaho State University, where he started 33 of 41 games for the Bengals football team.
7. 07All-Big Sky Conference: He was a three-time All-Big Sky Conference selection.
8. 08Impressive Statistics: Allen finished his college career with 250 tackles, 38.5 sacks, and 73 stops for losses.
9. 09Buck 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.

10. 102004 NFL Draft: The Kansas City Chiefs selected Allen in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL draft.
11. 11Rookie Season: In his rookie year, Allen started ten games and recorded nine sacks.
12. 12Impact 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.

13. 13Trade to Minnesota: In April 2008, the Vikings traded multiple draft picks to acquire Allen from the Chiefs.
14. 14Vikings Career Highlights: With the Vikings, Allen led the league in sacks twice and made five Pro Bowl appearances.
15. 1522 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.

16. 16Pro Bowl Selections: Allen was selected to the Pro Bowl five times: in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011.
17. 17All-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.

18. 18Career Sacks: He finished his NFL career with 136 sacks, ranking 12th all-time.
19. 19Total Tackles: Over his 12-year career, Allen accumulated 559 total tackles.
20. 20Forced 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.

21. 21Homes for Wounded Warriors: In 2009, Allen founded Jared Allen's Homes for Wounded Warriors to build handicapped-accessible homes for severely wounded military personnel.
22. 22USO Tour: In 2010, he participated in an NFL-USO tour visiting U.S. military troops overseas.
23. 23Animal Shelter Donation: Allen donated $3,000 to an animal shelter's reward fund in 2010.
24. 24Curling Career: After retiring from football, Allen took up curling and formed a team with other former NFL players.
25. 25Family 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.

26. 26Hall of Fame Nomination: In December 2023, Allen was named one of the 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
27. 27Career 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.
28. 28Notable 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.
29. 29Franchise Tag: In February 2008, the Chiefs placed the franchise tag on Allen, giving him a one-year contract worth $8.8 million.
30. 30Pro 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.

31. 31Safety 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).
32. 32College Measurements: At the 2004 NFL Combine, Allen measured 6-foot-6 and 265 pounds.
33. 33College 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.

34. 34Charity Involvement: Beyond JAH4WW, Allen has been involved with other charities, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
35. 35Impact 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.
36. 36Quarterbacks Faced: Throughout his career, Allen faced numerous quarterbacks, including Trent Green, Brett Favre, and Cam Newton.
37. 37Approximate 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.

38. 38Trade to Chicago: After six years with the Vikings, Allen signed with the Chicago Bears as a free agent in 2014.
39. 39Super Bowl Appearance: In 2015, Allen played for the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50, his first and only Super Bowl appearance.
40. 40Final 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.