Jared Allen Retires As Viking After Signing One-Day Contract

On February 18, Jared Allen posted a video of himself ‘riding off into the sunset’ as he announced his retirement from the NFL.  On Wednesday, April 14, Allen officially retired after signing a one-day contract with the Minnesota Vikings.

The Vikings uploaded a video saying “Welcome Back Jared!” and showed Allen signing the contract, after which he said, “And just like that, I’m back… for a day.”

Allen said, “It feels good to put the purple back on. It’s a place my heart never left. Love everybody.”

Allen played six seasons in Minnesota spanning from 2008-2013. During his time as a Viking he had 328 total tackles, 85.5 sacks (Sixth in franchise history), and 16 forced fumbles. In 2011, his 22 sacks rank second in NFL history behind Michael Strahan’s record of 22.5, set in 2001.

Allen’s career started in Kansas City after the Chiefs selected him in the Fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft (126 overall). Kansas City traded Allen to the Vikings in 2008, where he played until 2013. In March of 2014, he signed with the Chicago Bears, who traded him to the Carolina Panthers on September 28, 2015.

Allen retires with 136 sacks, 57 pass deflections, 31 forced fumbles, six interceptions, and one touchdown.