5 former Vikings greats who ended their careers with another team

Jared Allen (Carolina Panthers)

The final recent Viking great that we’ll look at who finished his career with another team is Jared Allen. Jared Allen wasn’t birthed into the NFL covered in purple as he started his career with the Kansas City Chiefs. In 2008, the Vikings swung a deal to acquire Allen just days before the NFL Draft. They gave the Chiefs a first-round pick and two third-round choices and landed themselves one of the premier pass rushers in the league. He didn’t disappoint.

Allen was everything the Vikings hoped he would be. In six seasons with the Vikings, Allen had 74 sacks including setting the team single-season record with 22 in 2011. Not only was he productive on the field, but he was also a huge character off of it and became one of the most beloved players on the team. Fans loved the energy and enthusiasm Allen brought to the Vikings defense. He always left it all on the field and his roping calf sack dance will forever be etched in Minnesota Vikings’ lore.

After the 2013 season, it became clear the Vikings weren’t going to bring Allen back. Unfortunately, he signed with the Bears and the Vikings had to face one of their former greats twice a season. That lasted for just two years, as the Bears tried to move Allen to a 3-4 outside linebacker and that wasn’t a great fit.

He finished his career in Carolina where he was able to play his regular defensive end position. He went out with 27 tackles and 2 sacks. Jared Allen wasn’t originally a Viking but captured the hearts of the Purple faithful through his excellent effort on the field and his larger than life personality.