Former All-Pro defensive end Jared Allen announces retirement
Former All-Pro pass rusher Jared Allen is retiring from the NFL after 12 seasons, he announced Thursday.
Allen, who turns 34 in April, was drafted in the fourth round by the Chiefs in 2004. He spent the first four years of his professional career in Kansas City, leading the NFL with 15.5 sacks in his final year with the team.
The Chiefs traded Allen to the Vikings in 2008 for a first-round draft pick and two third-round picks. He then signed a six-year, $74 million contract with Minnesota, making him the highest-paid defensive player in the league.
Allen made the announcement while riding a horse.
Allen was selected to four Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams in his six seasons with the Vikings. He recorded 22 sacks in 2011, a half sack shy of Michael Strahan’s single-season record.
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Allen signed with the Bears in 2014 and was traded by Chicago to the Panthers in September. He fractured his foot in Carolina’s playoff win over the Seahawks. After missing the NFC Championship Game due to the injury, Allen returned to play in the Super Bowl.
- Dan Gartland
