There’s a magnetic pull to certain moments in sports that begs for them to happen; Jared Allen being enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame feels like one of them. A cornerstone of the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive legacy and a relentless pass rusher, Allen has been knocking on Canton’s door — falling just short after being named a finalist four times. Here’s hoping that this fifth attempt seals the deal for a player who ranks fourth on Minnesota’s all-time sack list.
Jared Allen’s journey to the Hall of Fame Class of 2025 is one step closer, as confirmed by the Minnesota Star Tribune on Saturday. This announcement places Allen among a vibrant lineup of gridiron greats eyeing a spot in this year’s class. The list includes:
- Eric Allen, Cornerback
- Jared Allen, Edge
- Willie Anderson, Tackle
- Jahri Evans, Guard
- Antonio Gates, Tight End
- Torry Holt, Wide Receiver
- Luke Kuechly, Linebacker
- Eli Manning, Quarterback
- Steve Smith Sr., Wide Receiver
- Terrell Suggs, Edge
- Fred Taylor, Running Back
- Adam Vinatieri, Kicker
- Reggie Wayne, Wide Receiver
- Darren Woodson, Safety
- Marshal Yanda, Offensive Line
Every name on this list has earned their place in the conversation, with five contenders in their first year of eligibility and nine repeating as finalists. The selection process is no less rigorous, cutting down from an original slate of 167 contenders, narrowing to 50, then 25, and now 15 finalists, with approval for enshrinement needing over 80 percent of the vote. Typically, four to eight players are welcomed into this prestigious club each year.
The case for Jared Allen in Canton is built on a solid and impactful NFL career. Drafted in the fourth round by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2004, Allen wasted no time making his presence felt, recording nine sacks in his rookie year and leading the league with 15.5 sacks during an All-Pro season in 2007. His hefty trade to the Vikings in 2008, which involved a first-round pick, two third-round picks, and a sixth-round pick swap, proved invaluable as Minnesota locked him down with a substantial six-year contract and unleashed him on the defensive front.
With the Vikings, Allen was nothing short of a force. He earned All-Pro First Team honors three more times and appeared in four Pro Bowls.
In 2011, he was on the edge of NFL history, nearly breaking the record for most sacks in a single season with an impressive 22. Jared Allen’s career also had stints with the Chicago Bears in 2014 and the Carolina Panthers in 2015 before he hung up his cleats.
His legacy, however, as one of the most dynamic and entertaining pass rushers, continues to echo throughout the league. Here’s hoping Hall of Fame voters recognize his spectacular on-field exploits and let him take his rightful place in Canton among the sport’s legends.
