There isn't a bigger individual honor in the NFL than being enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Several Minnesota Vikings legends have been enshrined in Canton's halls, but there is always hope that more purple and gold will line the building.
For some players, the road to being enshrined in the Hall of Fame is tough. Some Vikings players who are enshrined faced multiple hardships on their way to cementing their legacies by earning a gold jacket.
At the NFL Honors event on Thursday, Feb. 6, the players who will make up the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2025 were announced. As a pleasant surprise, another player who spent time with the Minnesota Vikings was included.
Former Minnesota Vikings DE Jared Allen to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Jared Allen was selected by the Chiefs in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played in Kansas City for four years before being traded to the Minnesota Vikings for a first-round pick, two third-round picks, and a sixth-round pick swap.
Allen's signature mullet became iconic as he continued to find ways to bring down opposing quarterbacks. In six seasons with the Vikings, the Idaho State product had 85.5 sacks, three All-Pro First team honors, and four Pro Bowl nods.
Heading to the Hall of Fame!
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) February 7, 2025
Congratulations, Jared Allen! pic.twitter.com/83rcVqT9K1
Jared Allen ranks No. 12 all-time in sacks at 136. He is seventh in Minnesota Vikings franchise history at 85.5. His combination of pass-rush talent and entertainment made him a fan favorite while he racked up amazing numbers on the field.
2011 was an impressive year for Allen. In 16 games, he registered 22 sacks, leading the league during that season. Although he didn't win the AP Defensive Player of the Year award that year, he came in second in voting.
It would be hard to tell the story of the NFL without talking about Jared Allen's impact on the game. Minnesota Vikings fans got to see firsthand how much of an impact the superstar pass rusher could have on the outcome of a game.
Enshrinement for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2025 is scheduled for Aug. 2 in Canton, Ohio. Former Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen will join defensive back Eric Allen, tight end Antionio Gates, and wide receiver Sterling Sharpe in receiving gold jackets for their contributions to the game of football.