Jared Allen spent the best years of what is now officially a Hall of Fame career with the Minnesota Vikings, tallying 85.5 of his 136 career sacks over his six seasons (2008-2013) with the franchise.
Following his recent Pro Football Hall of Fame selection, Allen made things even better when he confirmed his bronze bust in Canton is going to sport a "full mullet" in honor of his memorable hairstyle during an appearance on "Up & Adams" with Kay Adams.
On Tuesday, the Vikings welcomed Allen into the team's facilities for a press conference. He talked about being elected to the Hall of Fame, his Minnesota career, and plenty of other topics over the course of nearly 37 minutes.
Donning a cowboy hat as he took questions from reporters, Allen was the loquacious personality Vikings fans remember fondly.
Former Minnesota Vikings DE Jared Allen delivers a stray shot at the New York Jets, who just can't get it right
Allen talked generally about the Vikings being "close" for a long time and needing to find a way to get to (or win) the Super Bowl. He referred to the team as "we", in acknowledgement of how the organization has welcomed his presence.
"I'd rather be close than, fricking, who sucks? The Jets? Oh gosh, being the Jets would be miserable right now. I can't believe anybody took that job. Oh, rough one."
The New York Jets are hoping the new leadership of head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey will turn around their fortunes in the post-Aaron Rodgers era. But with the longest playoff drought in American pro sports, they are an easy punching bag.
The fact that they came to Allen's mind first when he thought about "who sucks", and who Minnesota should be glad not to be in the NFL right now, says it all.
Allen then acknowledged the freedom to say "whatever you want" about all other organizations when you're retired since they don't "pay paychecks."
"You get to say this stuff when you retire. You can say whatever you want. It’s awesome.”