Will Vikings Fans Boo Jared Allen?
By Adam Carlson
Nov 25, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) throws a pass while being pursued by Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen (69) during the second half at Soldier Field. The Bears won 28-10. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Jared Allen went on Pro Football Talk recently and had some interesting things to say about his relationship with Vikings fans now that he’s a member of the Chicago Bears. Here’s the most interesting quote from the conversation:
"Dec 29, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz (l) talks with Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen (69) after the game at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings won 14-13. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports“Minnesota has great fans, so they’re going to boo me.,” Allen said. “Absolutely. I’m sure I’ll get some cheers later but absolutely they’re going to boo. And why shouldn’t they? I now play for a division rival, but I love the fans in Minnesota. I had six phenomenal years there. That organization, that state will always be a part of my life and again there is nothing but respect and joy and everything. So it’ll be a fun time to play back against them…but yeah, I expect some boos.”"
Will Vikings fans boo Jared Allen? Are we that narrow minded of fans that once he puts on a different team’s jersey he’s considered the enemy and all the things he’s done for Minnesota over his time here are forgotten? I hope not. And I hope when Jared Allen’s name is announced that Vikings fans will still cheer him and respect him. Then again, it can definitely understand how is difficult to cheer for any member of a division opponent’s team.
Fans, let’s try to be classy and not boo a man who played his heart out and almost broke the single season sack record with the Vikings. It just makes us look like jerks if we do.