Jared Allen was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. His speech had a delightful mix of emotion, humor, and charisma, proving why Minnesota Vikings fans embraced the team's former edge rusher so dearly.
Allen spent six seasons with the Vikings, where he racked up 85.5 of his 136 career sacks. During that time, he played with some great teammates who helped him to be the game-breaking defender he was on Sundays.
Jared Allen made it clear that he believes another former Minnesota Vikings player deserves a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The speech Jared Allen gave at his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction included numerous thanks. The former Minnesota Vikings defensive end mentioned several of the players who made a big impact on him by name.
"This jacket is a byproduct of not trying to be one of the best in the league, I was just trying to be one of the best D-linemen in our room. And, of course, had guys like John Browning and the Williams Wall (Pat and Kevin)."
Browning was there for Allen in Kansas City, but the Williams Wall was an amazing part of Vikings history. The duo of defensive linemen was a great combination of stopping the run and disrupting the pass, and that didn't go unnoticed by Allen.
"Man, you guys pushed me to new levels. And Kevin, I cannot wait to be sitting in the stands or on this stage when we celebrate you one day. You are a true, amazing player, my friend."
Kevin Williams has a case for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but he might have a tough time getting a gold jacket. A six-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro, Williams played 11 of his 13 seasons in Minnesota, where he racked up 465 combined tackles and 63 sacks to go with 13 fumble recoveries and 10 forced fumbles.
Despite those accolades and accomplishments, it might be a while before his name is mentioned as a potential inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. There are many great players who made huge impacts on their teams and the league, but still have not been inducted.
Let's hope that Jared Allen's speech draws some attention to former Minnesota Vikings players who deserve consideration for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Guys like Kevin Williams and Jim Marshall will always be embraced by fans, even if they don't have a place in Canton.