It’s Official: Jared Allen Retires as a Viking

The team announced Thursday that the former Vikings defensive end will sign a one-day contract allowing him to retire a Minnesota Viking and officially ride off into the sunset once and for all.

“And just like that, I’m back,” Allen said in a video for the Vikings’ website. “For a day.”

In six glorious seasons wearing purple, Allen started 96 games and recorded a league high 85.5 sacks. In all, he finished his career with 136 sacks that ranks him 9th all-time in NFL history. He also made 4 All-Pro teams while in Minnesota.

Allen was a fourth-round pick (126th overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2004, playing out his rookie contract before he was traded to Minnesota.

From 2008-2013, #69 was truly a fan favorite in every sense of the word. His trademark mullet and calf-roping celebrations after each sack were mainstays in the Metrodome on Sundays, and fans loved every second of it.

General manager Rick Spielman recently called Allen “one of the best players” to wear a Vikings uniform.

I tend to agree. Thanks for the ride, Jared! SKOL!

Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

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